Once you’ve determined which kind(s) of editing you need, the next step is to choose an editor. Out of the thousands of professional editors out there, how can you find someone who’s a good fit for you and your project? Here are several factors to consider:
Expertise—Look for an editor who specializes in the particular type of editing you need (substantive editing, copyediting, etc.). Each type of editing requires slightly different skills, and it’s unlikely that a single person can do all of them well.
Reputation—Do they have positive reviews from past clients? A strong portfolio of previously edited works?
Availability—Are they available within the time frame you need? Keep in mind that an editor’s calendar may fill up a couple of months (or more) in advance.
Responsiveness—When you contact an editor for information or a price quote, do they respond in a reasonable amount of time (say, within one business day or so)?
Budget—Can they work within your budget? As with many other things, working with an editor can be a “you get what you pay for” experience, so make sure your budget is realistic for the outcome you want. For reference, here’s one editorial organization’s guide to typical editing rates: EFA Rates.
Personality—Like any other relationship in life, some personalities will click better than others. In your initial interactions with the editor, do they seem like someone you could work well with? Getting a sample edit can be very helpful in that regard.
If you’d like to discover whether we might be a good editing fit, contact me at robin@robinlreed.com. I’d love to talk with you!