C.A. Jacobs

theliteraryarchitect:

While a great editor can bring your fiction to its highest level and
teach you priceless writing skills in the process, other editors can
leave you in worse shape than you started—frustrated, confused, and out a
few hundred to a few thousand dollars. I don’t want that to happen to you, writers! In this post, I’ll walk you through the 10 essential questions to ask an editor before you hire them, so you can make sure you end up with a winner.

Click here to get a free, printable checklist of these questions from my Free Resource Library!

Although we tend to use the catchall word “editing” to
describe all work done by an editor, not all editing services are the
same… and not all editors are created equal. Just like writers,
they’re individuals with strengths and weaknesses. Because each book or
story requires different abilities, it’s important to prepare yourself
before and during the process of hiring an editor to make sure you’re
getting what you need.

Here’s a list of 10 questions to ask a editor to find out if they’re right for you and your writing… before you hire them.

(Note: Some of this information might be included on the editor’s
website, so you may not need to ask. But if you have any uncertainties,
double-check with them! Remember, this is their job. If they’re not
willing to give you the information you need, consider it a red flag and
look for someone else.)

1. What editing services do you offer?

There are lots of different kinds of editing! Manuscript critiques,
developmental editing (also called content or structural editing), line
editing (also called stylistic editing), copyediting, and proofreading…
just to name a few. Each one has a specific purpose and skill set. Don’t assume that every editor offers every kind of editing.
For example, here at The Literary Architect, I offer manuscript
critiques and developmental editing, but not copyediting or
proofreading. Meanwhile I know other editors who provide only copyediting and nothing else.

2. Do you have a specialty?

Just as you can’t assume that every editor provides every kind of
editing, don’t assume that they are equally skilled in all genres and
forms. Hiring an editor can be a big investment. Try to find someone who
has experience with your kind of writing. You wouldn’t want a textbook
proofreader to critique your novel, or an editor who specializes in
mysteries to edit your memoir!

Even if the editor appears to offer all services for all kinds of writing, ask them anyway. Most editors are more experienced with one genre, editing type, or style than another, even if they don’t say that upfront.

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