How Do I Choose a Book Editor?

First, congratulations on finishing your manuscript! However, the hard work is only beginning. Now you have to find an editor who'll help you polish the rough edges. (Trust me, ALL manuscripts have rough spots, even those written by seasoned authors.) But not every editor will suit every manuscript, and before you hand over your book, you want to ensure you’re entrusting it to a professional.

Consider the following before choosing a book editor.

Education

This is a contentious topic, but it’s one I feel strongly about. An editor can call themselves an “editor” even if they haven’t had training. Unfortunately, there is no skill standard they must meet, and there is no regulations in place.

So the responsibility of verifying whether the person you hire is a professional falls on you, the author. When vetting your editor, ask them what type of training they’ve had. There are university programs and certificate programs that focus entirely on editing. An English degree doesn’t teach the same concepts. It’s nice for an editor to have both, but editing-specific qualifications are more important.

If your editor doesn’t have any formal education, it doesn’t mean they’re a bad editor. It just means you might want to proceed with caution. Instead of training, they might have experience. But, depending on your budget and expectations, an editor without education may be better. They’re often cheaper, so they’re more accessible.

Similarly, some editors are part of editing associations. These come with perks for the editor, such as discounts on editing programs and other business-related necessities, but not being part of an association isn’t a red flag.

Testimonials

Do some digging. Do they have good reviews? Do they have repeat clients?

Many editors, myself included, have a portfolio section on their websites that show some of the books they've worked on. I’m proud to showcase the amazing authors I’ve collaborated with, and I hope featuring their accomplishments on my website helps them reach more readers.

And if you can, go a step further than just reading testimonials. Get in touch with their clients, and ask them how their experience was. This will give you the most unbiased opinion about the quality of the editor’s work.

Sample Edits

More important than education and testimonials are sample edits. How does your editor work? What kinds of comments will they leave? What errors will they pick up on?

If an editor doesn’t offer a sample edit for services involving stylistic or copy editing components, be wary. It could be a sign they’re not confident in the work they deliver.

Thankfully, most editors offer samples for free and if they do charge for them, it’s not expensive.

And if you’re debating between two editors, comparing sample edits can be a great way to decide whose editing style best fits your manuscript and your unique way of receiving feedback. Some editors have a softer touch and others are more straightforward. Gettting a taste of how someone words their critiques can help you decide which editing style suits your personality and will be most beneficial to you.

Here's Where I Contradict Myself

Despite the advice I offered about the importance of education, testimonials, and sample edits, following your gut is more important.

No matter how many boxes an editor checks off, if you're not vibing with them, it's best not to jump into a contract, even if they seem great on paper. Trust your judgment, and keep looking until you're certain.