Hiring a professional editor is one of the best investments you can make in your book. Even seasoned writers benefit from an editor’s sharp eye. They can identify plot holes, clarify ideas, correct inconsistencies, and elevate your manuscript to publishing quality.
This guide will show you how to choose the right editing help for your story, your budget, and your publishing goals.
Identify Your Editing Needs
Before you hire an editor, assess what kind of support your manuscript needs. This will help you avoid unnecessary costs, prevent confusion, and ensure the editor you choose aligns with your goals..
Start by evaluating your manuscript’s stage. Is it an early draft that needs major changes, a polished version that needs line edits, or a near-final piece that only needs a light proofread?
Then, think about your publishing path. If you plan to approach a traditional publisher, you will need heavy edits upfront to strengthen your chances. For self-publishing, you have full control and may want both in-depth edits and a final proofread before launch.
Finally, determine the depth of editing required. Some books require significant structural adjustments to tighten the plot or enhance pacing. Others benefit more from sentence-level polishing or a careful final proofread to catch stray mistakes.
Clarifying your editing needs now will make the next steps easier.
Types of Editing Services
Understanding each editing stage helps you choose the right service at the right time and avoid paying for work your manuscript doesn’t need.
Editorial Assessment
An editorial assessment is a broad critique of your entire manuscript. The editor reads your draft and writes a report outlining strengths and weaknesses without doing any edits.
What It Does
This service highlights issues like plot holes, slow pacing, or confusing scenes. For example, if you’ve written a thriller but the tension drops halfway through, an editorial assessment pinpoints where the plot loses momentum and suggests ways to fix it.
When To Use It
Use an editorial assessment early in the editing process. It doesn’t have to be the first draft. The sweet spot is once you feel it’s “a book-shaped draft,” but you know it still needs big-picture feedback. It helps you see your book from an editor’s point of view and decide what kind of editing you’ll choose next.
Developmental Editing
Next, let’s talk developmental editing. Developmental editing digs deep into your book’s big-picture structure and storytelling. It tackles plot flow, character arcs, pacing, and overall narrative logic.
What It Does
A developmental editor makes suggestions to rearrange scenes, strengthen character motivations, or expand weak subplots. For instance, if your romance novel introduces a key love interest too late in the story, a developmental editor may move that introduction earlier. Unlike in the editorial assessment, where the editor only provides feedback, here they edit the text themselves.
When To Use It
Choose developmental editing when you know your story needs major revisions or when beta readers point out plot confusion or flat characters. It’s most useful for early or mid-stage drafts before you refine the writing line by line.
Copy Editing
Copy editing focuses on the technical polish of your writing. It corrects grammar, punctuation, word usage, and style consistency while preserving your voice.
What It Does
A copy editor corrects mistakes and rewrites awkward sentences to ensure your ideas are conveyed clearly. For example, if you tend to switch verb tenses or overuse certain words, the copy editor smooths out these issues for a more polished read.
When To Use It
Hire a copy editor once your story’s structure feels solid and you’re happy with the content. This step fine-tunes your prose and gets your manuscript ready for the final proofread.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the last pass before publishing. It checks for leftover typos and minor layout or formatting errors.
What It Does
A proofreader spots spelling mistakes, missing words, double spaces, and other small errors that slip through earlier edits. Unlike earlier editing stages, proofreading doesn’t change your sentences or improve your style. The editor ensures that what you’ve already polished is clean, consistent, and error-free, so your book is ready for publishing.
When To Use It
Use proofreading after completing all other editing steps and after formatting your book. It ensures your manuscript looks clean and professional so readers focus on the story, not small mistakes.
How to Find Editors
After you get an understanding of what type of service you need, the next step is to find the right editor. There are several ways to find the right editor. Let's go into more detail.
Browse Trusted Directories
Start with reputable directories that vet their freelancers. For example, the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) lets you search for editors by specialty, experience level, and budget. Editors listed here are seasoned professionals who adhere to industry standards, and many have specialized training.
Since such editors can be pricey, alternatively, you can explore general freelance marketplaces. Freelance platforms like Upwork are great if you’re on a budget or you’re testing the waters with small editing tasks. Upwork lists editors with verified reviews and hourly rates. Always read reviews and request a small paid sample edit before committing to a big project.
Ask for Referrals
Reach out to fellow writers, critique partners, or members of writing groups for recommendations. Many writers build long-term relationships with editors they trust, so personal referrals often lead to the best matches. If you’re part of a local or online writing group, ask who they’ve worked with and what the experience was like.
Check Book Acknowledgments
Flip to the acknowledgments section of books in your genre. Many authors thank their editors by name, which can help you discover editors who specialize in your type of story. Once you have a few names, search online for their professional websites or LinkedIn profiles to explore their services, rates, and client feedback.
Attend Writing Conferences and Networking Events
Conferences and book fairs are excellent places to meet editors in person. Many offer pitch sessions, workshops, or consultations where you can ask editors about their process and rates.
Consider events like the Writer’s Digest Conference or the AWP Conference & Bookfair for opportunities to connect with professionals in the industry.
Post in Writing Forums and Groups
Online communities can also point you to experienced editors. The Absolute Write Water Cooler is one of the oldest and most active forums for writers, covering everything from editing advice to contract questions. Scribophile is another trusted platform where writers share feedback and often exchange editor recommendations.
On Facebook, groups like 10 Minute Novelists have active threads where members discuss editing, cover designers, and other self-publishing services. Always check each editor’s track record and ask for sample work before hiring.
Evaluating and Choosing an Editor
Once you have a shortlist of editors, take time to check their experience, work style, and how well they fit your project. Doing due diligence ensures a smoother, more productive collaboration.
Review Their Portfolio
Look through an editor’s past projects to see if they have experience with books similar to yours. Many editors showcase sample pages or highlighted titles they’ve edited. Seeing their work in your genre builds confidence that they understand your audience.
Ask for Sample Edits
Many editors provide a short sample edit for free or a small fee. Comparing sample edits helps you evaluate how each editor identifies issues and communicates improvements. Choose someone whose suggestions feel clear, helpful, and respectful of your voice.
Confirm Genre Experience
Genres come with unique expectations. Editing a romance novel is different from editing historical fiction or a business guide; that’s why it’s important to ask about the editor’s experience in your genre.
Check Credentials and Training
Look into the editor’s qualifications. Good editors often have formal training, specialized courses, or years of professional experience. Many belong to respected associations like the Editorial Freelancers Association. These memberships show a commitment to industry standards.
Ask About Their Process and Communication Style
A clear editing process makes collaboration smoother. Ask how they structure their edits, what software they use for comments and track changes, and how often they communicate progress. Some editors prefer regular check-ins, while others prefer submitting everything in a single delivery.
Clarify Timelines and Expectations
Before signing a contract, confirm deadlines, payment terms, and what the service includes. A clear agreement helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps everyone on the same page throughout the project.
Costs and Budgeting for Editing
Editing costs can vary, but planning helps you avoid surprises and makes it easier to invest in your book.
Typical Editing Rates
Rates depend on the type of editing, the editor’s experience, and your manuscript’s length and complexity. Developmental editing often costs the most because it involves big-picture work and extensive feedback. Copy editing usually sits in the middle range, while proofreading tends to be the most affordable. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on your project.
Here are median per-word rates from the Editorial Freelance Association for Fiction by both a more experienced and a less experienced editor:
Developmental editing
Less experienced: $0.028
More experienced: $0.033
Copy editing
Less experienced: $0.021
More experienced: $0.025
Proofreading
Less experienced: $0.014
More experienced: $0.016
What Affects the Price
Editors may adjust rates based on your book’s word count, genre, and the amount of work needed. Complex genres like historical fiction or technical nonfiction can cost more because they require extra research or fact-checking. Tight deadlines may also increase the price.
Budget Tips for Writers
If you’re working with a limited budget, consider spreading the cost over phases. Start with an editorial assessment, revise your manuscript, then book a copy editor or proofreader closer to publication. You can also negotiate for a sample edit first to confirm the editor’s style before committing to a whole project. Some writers save money by hiring newer editors or editing students for smaller jobs, but check their samples to be sure they have the right skills.
For example, a new author might spend $300 for an editorial assessment to get overall guidance. Next, they might spend another $700 on a copy edit after fixing big issues. Finally, they might pay $200 for a final proofread before publishing. Splitting costs this way keeps editing affordable and ensures each stage adds real value.
You can also negotiate for a short sample edit to confirm the editor’s style before committing to a bigger contract. If money is tight, consider working with newer editors or editing students for smaller jobs, but always review their samples to ensure they possess the necessary skills and a keen eye for detail.
Planning your editing budget means fewer surprises later and helps you focus on finding an editor whose work adds value to your book.
Working with an Editor
After you hire an editor, the next step is to build a productive, professional relationship. Clear expectations, respectful communication, and trust turn editing into a rewarding collaboration rather than a stressful task.
Share Your Manuscript
Send your manuscript through a secure, reliable platform such as Google Docs, Dropbox, or an encrypted email attachment. Check the file format in advance so your editor can add comments and track changes.
Provide Background and Goals
Give your editor context about your story, your target audience, and your goals for publication. Explain your preferences for feedback style: do you want blunt, direct comments or a softer approach? If possible, have a short call to see if you have a good rapport. Feeling comfortable with your editor makes it easier to share concerns and be open to critique.
Communicate Effectively Throughout
Editing is seldom one-and-done. Stay in touch during the project to monitor progress and address any questions that arise. Some writers prefer email summaries, while others like real-time chats. If unexpected challenges arise, address them to keep the project on track.
Be Open and Thoughtful About Feedback
Good editors want your book to succeed, so expect honest suggestions. It’s normal to feel protective of your work, but try to read each comment with an open mind. Step back if you feel defensive, then revisit the edits later. Decide which suggestions strengthen your story and which ones don’t fit your vision.
Handle Disagreements Professionally
If you disagree with a change, discuss it with your editor rather than ignoring it. Explain your reasoning and ask for theirs. Most conflicts are easy to resolve with clear, respectful communication. Good editors welcome questions and work with you to find solutions.
Build a Long-Term Partnership
Treat your editor as a valued partner, not just a contractor. Pay invoices on time, reply to messages, and respect their working hours. Investing in a long-term relationship with an editor who understands your voice and goals makes future projects smoother.
FAQs
Here are the most common questions and answers about finding an editor.
Can you publish a book without an editor?
Yes, but it’s risky. Even skilled writers miss errors in their work. A good editor enhances clarity, flow, and professionalism, which helps your book stand out in a crowded market.
Should I hire an editor for my book?
If you plan to share your book with readers through self-publishing or traditional routes, hiring an editor is one of the best investments you can make in your writing career.
How much should I pay my book editor?
Costs vary based on the editing type, your word count, and the editor’s experience. Expect to pay a few hundred dollars for basic proofreading and up to a few thousand for full developmental edits.
How do I pick an editor?
Check their portfolio, read client reviews, and request a sample edit. Ensure they understand your genre and communication style, so you feel comfortable working together.
Can I negotiate editing fees?
Some editors may offer flexible payment plans or phased edits to fit your budget. Be honest about what you can afford, but avoid choosing an editor based on price alone.
