All authors need editors. Even the bestselling ones. No matter how many times you revise or how deeply you know your story, it’s almost impossible to see every flaw, gap, or awkward turn of phrase on your own. That’s where an editor comes in.
Hands down, a full edit from my agent made me a better writer! Much of it felt like secret little hacks that instantly made my story better, and that I internalized to use when writing my next stories.
Other edits had to do with correct punctuation, grammar, or typos. She pointed out inconsistencies in the story or areas that needed further fleshing out.
Editors help authors see what they can’t because they’re too deep in their manuscript, reading what they intended to say, not necessarily what’s actually on the page.
Whether you’re preparing to query an agent or self-publish, the right editor can elevate your work.
Understanding the Different Types of Editing
One of the biggest surprises for new authors is discovering that “editing” isn’t just one thing. It’s actually several stages, each with a unique purpose. Knowing which type of editing your manuscript needs will save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
Developmental Editing
This is the big-picture stage. A developmental editor looks at the structure and substance of your story, including plot, pacing, character arcs, worldbuilding, and emotional flow. They’ll help you strengthen your conflicts, tighten sagging middles, and make sure your hero and heroine’s journey hits all the right beats.
Line Editing
Once your story structure is solid, a line editor focuses on your writing itself, which includes the rhythm, tone, and clarity of your sentences. They find typos and spelling errors, run-on sentences, and punctuation errors. A line editor will also fact-check, point out problems (e.g. Why are George’s eyes brown in the beginning but green now?), suggest cutting or moving prose, point out redundancies or inconsistencies, and cut or replace filler words.
Copyediting
Is the least detailed of all the edits mentioned so far. A copyeditor zooms in on grammar, spelling, punctuation, consistency, and accuracy. They’ll fix typos, fill in missing words, check punctuation including overuse of exclamation points or em dashes, replace incorrect homophones (there, their, they’re, etc), fix misused word choice (effect vs affect, farther vs further), ensure correct writing style (e.g. Chicago Manual of Style), fix references to music, books, text, foreign words to correct formatting (italics, bold etc), and more.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final step before publication. It’s the safety net for catching any last-minute typos, formatting glitches, or punctuation slips. A proofread of one of my books discovered I’d changed the name of a character near the end of the book!
Basically, a proofread is the last set of eyes before your book goes out into the world.
Don’t skip straight to proofreading if your story hasn’t been through developmental or line editing. Sure, your grammar and punctuation might be right, but the story might be filled with holes and inconsistencies.
When to Hire an Editor
This is partly a personal decision, but it is possible to send a story to editing too early, in which case you end paying for feedback and problems you could have fixed yourself, or too long, in which case you risk growing to hate your story or miss a deadline.
A good rule of thumb is to hire an editor after you’ve taken the story as far as you can on your own. That usually means you’ve completed several rounds of self-editing and perhaps received feedback from critique partners or alpha readers (early readers while you’re editing). You should feel good about your story, but also know that your it could be stronger, you just can’t see how. That’s when you hire an editor.
Check out this article on doing your own edits/revisions prior to hiring an editor.
The kind of editing you need will also influence when to hire. Developmental or line editing typically happens once your draft is complete and you’ve made major revisions. Copyediting and proofreading come later, when you’re polishing for publication or submission.
If you’re self-publishing, it helps to plan for editing in your production schedule and budget from the beginning. Editors often book out weeks or months in advance, so reserving your spot early ensures you won’t have to rush through revisions.
And if you’re preparing to query agents or editors, professional editing can make your manuscript stand out in a crowded inbox. One consideration agents make is how much work a story would need to be ready for submission. You can boost your odds of acceptance by having a professionally edited submission.
Where to Find a Qualified Editor
I recommend starting with referrals. It’s always reassuring to hire someone you know from another author is good at their job and delivers on time.
You can also check professional associations. The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) and ACES: The Society for Editing both maintain searchable directories of editors who list their specialties, rates, and experience.
Reedsy is another reliable option, offering vetted editors with verified backgrounds and sample portfolios.
For self-published authors, the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) also keeps a list of recommended service providers.
When you’ve found a few possibilities, research them carefully. Review their websites, testimonials, and client lists. Look for someone who has experience in your specific genre and even subgenre.
Finally, don’t be afraid to request a sample edit. Most editors will provide a quick test on a few pages so you can see their style and determine whether it fits your voice. The best editor for you will not only be skilled but also feel like a creative partner who understands your story and respects your vision.
What to Ask Before Hiring
Once you’ve found an editor who seems like a good fit, take time to ask questions before committing.
- Start by confirming the type of editing they provide. Some editors specialize in developmental work, while others focus on line or copyediting. Make sure their services match the stage your manuscript is in.
- Ask about their experience with your genre or subgenre. Editing romance requires a sensitivity to pacing, emotional arcs, and reader expectations. An editor familiar with romance will understand how tension builds between characters and when to deliver emotional payoffs.
- Discuss their process and timeline. How do they deliver edits, such as through track changes, margin comments, or a summary letter? What’s the typical turnaround time? Will they be available for follow-up questions once you’ve reviewed their notes?
- Talk openly about pricing. Editors charge by the word, page, or project, and rates vary widely depending on experience and scope. Some editors will as for a snippet of your writing to determine how much editing you need and will give you a quote based on that and word count. Whatever the method, have a clear agreement up front to avoid surprises later.
- Finally, ask for a sample edit or references. Reviewing a few edited pages will help you gauge how their feedback feels. The best editorial relationship is one that challenges you to grow while respecting your voice and goals.
How to Work Effectively with an Editor
Working with an editor can be one of the most rewarding and educational parts of the writing process, but it can also feel vulnerable. You’ve poured your heart into this story, and now someone is marking it up with changes and comments. Some editors come off harsh or judgemental. Let’s face it, it’s not easy to receive criticism.
- Start by reading all the feedback before reacting. It’s natural to feel defensive or overwhelmed at first, especially when you see a lot of red on the page. Give yourself time to absorb the comments, step away if needed, and return with fresh eyes.
- Ask questions if something isn’t clear. Editors expect dialogue, and most appreciate when authors engage with their suggestions thoughtfully. Clarifying the reasoning behind a change helps you understand how to strengthen your writing overall.
- Stay professional and open-minded. You don’t have to accept every edit, but it’s important to consider each one carefully. If multiple comments highlight the same issue, it’s likely something readers will notice too.
- Keep communication polite and constructive. Editors want your book to succeed as much as you do. When you treat the process as teamwork, you’ll not only end up with a stronger book but also build a lasting professional relationship that benefits your future projects.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Most editors are professionals who want to help authors succeed. Still, it’s wise to know what warning signs to look for. A little caution upfront can save you money and stress later.
- Be wary of anyone who refuses to provide a contract or sample edit. A contract protects both you and the editor by outlining the scope of work, deadlines, and payment terms. Without one, you have little recourse if expectations aren’t met.
- Watch out for prices that seem too good to be true. Quality editing takes time, and extremely low rates often mean inexperience or rushed work. Similarly, avoid editors who promise unrealistic results, such as guaranteeing bestseller status or acceptance by a specific publisher or agent.
- Another red flag is poor communication. If an editor is slow to respond, vague in their answers, or dismissive of your questions before you’ve even started, that may continue throughout the project. You want someone who is approachable, professional, and organized.
- Finally, make sure the editor has experience in your genre. Romance has its own rhythms and reader expectations, and an editor unfamiliar with those may suggest changes that weaken rather than enhance your story.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off or you’re not comfortable with how the editor interacts with you, it’s okay to move on. The right partnership should feel respectful, clear, and supportive from the beginning.
Consider checking out Writer Beware, as there are articles and discussion threads regarding editors to avoid.
Making the Most of the Process
Once you’ve found the right editor and begun working together, take full advantage of the opportunity to learn and grow as a writer. A good editor doesn’t just fix problems; they show you how to recognize and avoid them in future drafts.
Start by reviewing all comments carefully. Even if you don’t agree with every suggestion, note the patterns in their feedback. Do they often mention pacing, dialogue, or emotional depth? These observations highlight areas where you can strengthen your craft through future books.
Keep a record of common edits or reminders in a separate document or folder. Over time, you’ll develop your own checklist of habits to watch for before your next book goes to an editor. For example, I know I use “But,” “And,” or “So” too much at the beginning of sentences. I now check for them when I’m revising before I send the MS to editing. Keeping track and dealing with your writing tics before sending to an editor improves your writing and can also reduce future editing costs.
If your editor provides a summary letter or offers to discuss the feedback, take them up on it. Talking through major notes can help you understand the reasoning behind changes and give you clear direction for revision.
Finally, remember that appreciation goes a long way. Editors are part of your publishing team, and acknowledging their contribution fosters a positive working relationship. Many authors develop long-term partnerships with their editors, resulting in stronger, more consistent stories across multiple books.
Not ready for a full edit, but want feedback on your early chapters to see what you need address in your manuscript?
I’m offering a mini-developmental editing service in which I read and edit the first three chapters (up to 10,000 words) of your manuscript and provide in document edits and comments using track changes, and a one-page feedback summary of what I think works and needs addressing as you revise the rest of your story.
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, you can learn more about the Next Draft Review here.
