I see this question asked often across social media and forums. After all, editing is a large investment and the writing community is flooded with folks calling themselves an editor.

So, what should you consider?

Experience is a key aspect of finding the right person to work with, but it’s not the only thing to consider. I like to break down my list of things to ask/information to gather into two levels: the vibe check and the details.

The Vibe Check

The vibe check is basically a general sense of whether or not the editor is a good fit to provide feedback on the story you’ve written and if they can communicate that feedback in a way that works for you. This comes down to a few things:

1. Experience.

OK, it may not be the only thing to consider, but you still need to consider it! Experience can come in a variety of forms: in-house, education, etc. Editors will range in price and experience, usually with the more expensive ones having more years behind them. If your budget is small, you may find that you’re more open to a newer editor who is still finding their footing.

ASK: Where did the editor gain their skills? What work have they done? How long have they been editing? Are they a part of professional organizations? Do they have testimonials from past clients?

2. Level(s) of Editing.

Editors tend to specialize in a couple levels of editing. I prefer working with big picture items and voice, so I specialize in developmental and line editing, while some editors enjoy the technical aspects of copy editing and proofreading. (Ideally, you would have a different person at each level of editing—we each have a unique knowledge base, and multiple editors ups the chances of catching little errors hiding in your manuscript. This may not always be doable for indie authors, so some editors will combine services or offer packages. Be careful, though, about those who can “do it all.”)

ASK: What levels of editing does the editor specialize in? (If they tell you all of them, they could be telling the truth or that could be a flag. We tend to specialize.)

3. Genre Preferences.

This may be more or less important depending on the type of editing you need. For developmental and line editing, for example, you’ll definitely want someone who knows your genre (and it’s definitely a nice to have for copy editing).

Why? Because themes, tropes, voice, etc. within a Harlequin romance are going to be very different from those of a YA horror (or so we hope), and having someone who understands what readers expect from YOUR genre is important.

ASK: What genres does the editor enjoy reading? What genres do they have experience editing in? What do they know about your genre?

4. Communication Style.

People communicate and receive feedback differently. Some editors may be very direct, some teach or coach, some may be more parental/sugary in their delivery. Know YOUR style first and then understand the editor’s to assess if they will be able to deliver feedback in a way that you’ll be receptive to. (Sample edits can give you a good sense of their feedback style.)

ASK: How would you describe your communication style/tone of your feedback? How do you deliver feedback (marginal feedback, note, call)? How extensive is your feedback? Do you provide examples of fixes, or do you tell the writer what isn’t working and let them figure it out?

The Details

If you get a sense that the editor is a good fit for you (and your story), the next step is to figure out if they meet your timeline and budget, too.

Here are a few questions to ask if you haven’t found the information on the editor’s website:

What is your rate?

Honestly, knowing whether or not the editor is in your price range is one piece that you’ll probably want to find out even before you do your vibe check. Rates are sometimes available on an editor’s website, but not always. Ask for a base cost/estimate if you’re not sure. (A proper quote will come later.)

NOTE: The Editorial Freelancer’s Association has a list of median rates per genre/type of editing to help authors gauge an editor’s quote. Some may be higher or lower, but it will give you a general idea of what to expect.

What is your pay schedule?

While some established, big names may require the full payment before they start, most editors will break down their fees into a pay schedule. This may be a 50% retainer with balance paid upon completion, 33% to start, 33% when midway through, and balance upon completion, etc.

What is your availability?

Some editors book out MONTHS ahead. If you have a particular editor in mind, reach out sooner rather than later to get on their schedule.

Do you offer a rush option?

This is only important if you’re on a deadline. Some editors do offer a rush option, some don’t. If they do, expect to pay $$$ for the night and weekend hours they’ll have to spend away from their friends and family to get the job done. (Another reason to plan ahead!)

Do you provide a sample edit/quote?

Most editors will provide a sample edit, all will provide a quote. Sample edits may be complimentary, but it’s becoming more common to charge a small fee for the sample, the cost of which is then knocked off your total balance if you decide to book the editor.

How long will it take you to provide edits?

As stated before, editors sometimes book out months in advance. They should provide their available project start date and, depending on the length of your manuscript and the level of editing, will provide an estimated time to complete the work after that date.

Do you include a feedback call? Additional passes?

All editors work differently. Some build the cost of feedback calls and additional passes into their base rates, some offer these as add-ons. As with the sample edit, there’s no right or wrong way. Just know what you’re getting upfront.

What are the next steps?

Likely there will be a sample edit, quote, contract, retainer fee, and the scheduling of your start date. The editor will also tell you when you need to deliver your completed manuscript to them to start on time. Know what to expect to keep your own anxiety down.

When Do You Ask?

If you haven’t already gathered what you need from the editor’s website or previous communications, you may ask the editor via email. Some editors may also offer to jump on an intro call to answer your questions, as well as to learn more about you, your project, and assess if we’re a good fit. (Yes! We’re also gauging the relationship and fit through our own vibe and details checklists!)

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Are there other questions you would suggest authors ask an editor before working with them?

Share in the comments!