So, you’ve written a book. Your book probably leads readers on such a gripping mystery path that even you cannot anticipate all the twists. Your romance is stronger than every love story Nicholas Sparks has ever penned. The story could easily be a space-fantasy adventure that takes readers into distant galactic territories. Regardless of your creative masterpiece, you definitely need editorial support.
But not just any editor. No, no. You need the editor. The ideal editor supports your writing style while refining language and giving honest feedback when your metaphor about lost socks steals too much time from the main story.
Step 1: Know Thy Editing Needs (And Thyself)
Editing isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. To find the best editor for your manuscript, you need to determine what kind will suit your writing needs at each stage of development. Here’s a quick rundown:
Developmental Editing
Line Editing
The prose transformation happens at this stage. Through line editing your author achieves fluid prose delivery which enhances textual coherence and elevates your writing expression to its full potential. A professional editor serves as the personal stylist who resolves the midnight surfing mistakes you created with strange phrases.
Copy Editing
Proofreading
The final polish. An expert reviewer examines your work without any changes before publication to confirm its perfection.
Your first step should be identifying what your book needs right now before you begin searching for an editor. The identification of your needs will help you avoid wasting time and money.
Step 2: Stalk Your Potential Editors (But, Like, In a Cool Way)
Look for editor directories on Reedsy and the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) and LinkedIn for your search. Browse their profiles. Read their testimonials. Evaluate their editing style by reviewing their previous books along with their author testimonials.
A great editor will have:
- Experience in your genre
- A clear and professional portfolio
- Glowing testimonials (and maybe even a few happy author success stories)
Step 3: Communicate Like Your Book’s Life Depends On It (Because It Kind of Does)
Found a promising editor? Great. Now, let’s talk about expectations. Here’s what you should ask:
- How do you handle the editing process? Do they deliver real-time feedback throughout the process? Will they do multiple passes?)
- What’s your turnaround time? (Are they fast? Do they take their time? Are they similar to writers who abandon unfinished NaNoWriMo manuscripts?
- What’s your rate? (Are they charging per word? Per page? Per hour? Do they accept payment through coffee rather than cash?
- When receiving feedback what process does your editor follow? Emotional preparation becomes essential when you expect them to deliver tough feedback.
Step 4: Embrace the Brutal, Beautiful Editing Process
You must now surrender your manuscript for evaluation while preparing yourself to receive criticism. Good editors won’t sugarcoat things. Your editor will inform you about dragging scenes and soap-opera-like dialogue and let you know at which time you exceed the limit of sudden usage.
The sting from edits will pass with time as you accept the methodical editing approach. Your work will become stronger through this process, and you may develop an editor who will support your writing career beyond your current project.
Step 5: Final Checks Before You Say “I Do” to an Editor
Before signing any contracts, double-check:
- The scheduling convenience matches your planned schedule.
- The rates they offer work within your financial constraints.
- The editing style they use strengthens your original voice instead of taking it over
- An editor will support your vision through professional feedback, which enhances your manuscript.
- If you need someone who can edit your work closely then choose a person you like because working together will demand excellent rapport.
Finding the Right Editor: Worth the Effort? Absolutely.
Selecting a perfect editor involves more than typo correction since they transform your book into its optimal version. Your selected editor will employ their expertise to drive you toward developing a book that readers will enjoy wholeheartedly.
Spend time doing thorough research before making a selection, your future readers and your future self will thank you. At Ghost Writing Services (GWS), we are committed to helping authors refine their work and bring their stories to life. Contact us now at https://ghostwriting.services/contact to find the perfect editorial partner. Now, go forth and find your editorial soulmate. Happy editing!
