Knowing how to select an editor is one important aspect to consider before your manuscript is published. You have written most of your book on your own, but you will need help to complete it. You’ll need professional assistance to chisel your story, correct the syntax, and fix grammar mistakes. Your book is a reflection of your brand, so you must take care of it because it has the potential to reach countless people domestically and internationally. The best candidate to help you improve your writing is a book editor. But, how do you choose one? For today’s blog post, we’ll give you some information on how to select an editor for your manuscript.

Where Do You Find an Editor?

The world is changing, and so is the way to choose an editor. Years ago, writers used to go to publishing companies to see if there was an editor available to take on their project. These days, things have changed. Having access to the Internet allows you to find the kind of editor you’re looking for just by clicking on a profile. In another post, we talked about things to know before hiring a book editor, which will help you learn about the types of editors. 

Editors can be found on different freelancing websites. It’s normal to think about the rates each editor has while you’re scrolling through their information. While price is a big factor, you just want to find a manuscript editor who will make your story shine. Depending on the type of editing you’re looking for and the quality of your writing , the rate will increase or decrease. Also, the word count of your manuscript impacts how much you will pay for editing services. Book editors can charge per hour, per page, or per word.

Additionally, the genre of your manuscript counts. A fiction work won’t have the same changes as a memoir or thesis dissertation. Similarly, academic writing is not edited the same as a creative writing piece. In your editing contract, be sure that your editor clearly details the scope of work to be performed, as well as the deadline to complete the project and how communication will be handled.  

Here are some websites where you can find a book editor. As a word of caution, be sure to do your due diligence and request a sample edit before you hire a book editor. Most professional editors will offer a sample edit free of charge to ensure you both are a good match. 

Speak Write Play

At Speak Write Play, our editors know the value of each story and professionally deliver the results you seek. The process is easy: Go to our website, select “book consultation” on the home page, choose the day and time that best works for you, and schedule your free consultation. We offer developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading.

Ebook Launch

This platform provides editing and formatting, as well as book cover services. The company edits fiction and non-fiction works, and you can find their rates on the website. Simply fill out a form, get your estimate, accept it, and pay your invoice to get started.

Upwork

With more than a decade in the market, the way Upwork functions is quite simple. You post your job and receive proposals from different book editors. You can see their rates next to their pictures and check their profiles to see their project history. After you’ve chosen who you want to work with, begin communicating and choose the day to have your manuscript delivered. 

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is considered the largest professional network on the Internet. The first step to take is to create a profile. Once you have logged in, you can add people you already know to your network. In the search bar, type the editor’s name or the editing service you’re looking for.  

Tips for Choosing an Editor

You may think you’re breaking the bank when you receive several high quotes from editors for services. Truth be told, quality editing will cost because a good editor will go through your manuscript to ensure that your story is top notch. An editor must focus on providing excellent results on each page to remove unsightly grammar mistakes, awkward sentence structures, and inconsistencies. Your book’s success relies on the strength of the story being told, so you want it to be written well. Your readers have to feel comfortable when they go through a page, not have the flow of each sentence interrupted or hard to follow. 

Ask around. If you consider that the best advice comes from your friends or relatives, ask them about editors they know or have worked with. The benefit of being referred to an editor who has worked with an acquaintance is that you’ll likely know how the editor operates and the quality of work to expect. 

Every book needs to be edited. Stories are riddled with details that can be removed or improved. Writers often feel excited and anxious to show the world what they have produced, but it’s recommended to have an extra pair of eyes checking what you have written to help you succeed.   

Experience is priceless. There are seasoned editors who have been working in the field for years and know what it takes to produce a good story. Some editors include in their profile information details about the genres they have worked on, testimonials, authors who recommend them, and their degrees or certifications. Ask for a sample edit and decide if the editor can meet your expectations. 

Takeaway

Publishing a book for the first time can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know how to select an editor. When you pick an editor, you two need to build a rapport. Your manuscript has to be in good hands. We’ve reviewed some platforms where you can find freelance book editors and some recommendations to choose the person who’s going to make your story become a best-seller. The Internet offers a variety of skilled editors to work with, depending on your genre, flexibility, and budget. Getting your book edited is a crucial step before it’s placed on the shelves or promoted to your audience, so be sure your work is professionally edited to enhance the content and readability.