21 Essential Questions To Ask an Editor Before Hiring Them To Work on Your Book
Investing in the right editor for your book is a crucial decision for self-published authors. Hiring the right editor can mean the difference between a book that resonates with readers and one that falls flat. Not only is it an investment in your writing, but it can also save you time and money in the long run. Working with an editor who isn't a good fit for you and your story can lead to frustration and missed opportunities. On the other hand, the right editor can become a trusted partner for all the books you publish from here on out.
But how do you know which editor to choose? There are four main things to consider when deciding on an editor: price, experience, timing, and personality. Some editors may prefer to communicate by email or have you complete an intake questionnaire to gather information about you and your book. If they don’t offer to schedule a discovery call or video meeting, feel free to request a meeting so you can speak face-to-face! I highly recommend having a video meeting with any potential editor so you can get to know one another.
Here is a list of twenty-one questions authors have asked me during discovery calls, and if they don’t ask, I usually answer these questions anyway!
1. What training and experience do you have?
Finding an editor with professional work experience and proper training to edit your book is essential. Many editors will have English, publishing, or creative writing degrees at the bachelor’s or master’s level, providing them with years of specialized training. Some editors have completed editing certificates or taken specialized editing courses as an alternative to “traditional” education.
However the editor received their training, it’s important to work with an editor who is actively participating in continued education, is affiliated with a professional editing or publishing association, or is, at a minimum, keeping up with writing and publishing trends. Ask them to share their work experience and training to get a better understanding of their skills and expertise.
2. How long have you been working as an editor?
In addition to training, hiring an experienced editor is key. An editor who has been in the business for a while will have a deeper understanding of the industry and more experience working with different types of books and authors. The editor's years of experience and professional training will play a big role in the quality of their service and, often, their pricing.
The first question you should ask a potential editor is about their experience. What types of books have they edited before? How long have they been working as an editor? A good editor should have a few years of experience and a portfolio of edited books that you can review. Be sure to ask for references, and if possible, check them out. You want to work with someone with a proven track record of producing high-quality work.
3. Do you specialize in a specific type of editing?
Editors can specialize in different types of editing, such as developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, or proofreading. In addition to these core editing services, many editors offer ad hoc or custom solutions like beta reading, manuscript evaluations and critiques, hybrid or full-spectrum editing packages, coaching, accountability mentorship, book layout, cover design, or project management.
Depending on your book and your needs, you may want to find an editor specializing in a particular editing type. Ideally, by the time you’re meeting with an editor to see if they’ll be a good fit, you’ve already taken a look at their services page to confirm they offer the type of editing and support you’re looking for.
4. What types of authors do you usually work with?
Some editors work with established authors, some with first-time authors, and others with freelance writers and content creators. Find an editor who has experience working with authors who are at a similar stage in their publishing journey as you are.
5. What types of books have you edited before, and do you have experience in my genre?
Be sure the editor you are considering has experience in your genre. If you're writing a memoir, for example, it's best to find an editor who has experience working with memoirs. They should have a good understanding of your genre's tone, structure, and style. If the editor has worked on similar books before, they will know what works and what doesn't and can provide valuable feedback. Ask potential editors about their experience in your genre to make sure they're a good fit for your book.
6. What is your editing process? Will you provide feedback on content, structure, grammar, or all of the above?
Different editors have different editing processes, so it's important to understand your potential editor's process. Some editors focus on grammar and punctuation, while others will provide feedback on content, structure, and tone.
Keep in mind that the type of editing and feedback you’ll receive is determined by the type of editing you’re hiring the editor to do. A developmental edit will be a holistic edit focused on your book's overall structure and plot. A line and copyedit is what most people are referring to when they talk about editing and is focused on sentence structure, flow, grammar, line-by-line feedback, and technical edits. Proofreading is your manuscript's final, high-level edit to resolve any lingering typos or formatting issues.
This is also a great time to ask the editor about their philosophy on giving feedback. Is it going to be high-level and brief or will you be receiving a full-fledged revision action plan? Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for the editing process and ensure that you get the results you're looking for.
7. How much will it cost? What is your fee structure, and what services are included in that fee?
Editing can be expensive, and price can vary from editor to editor, so it's important to understand the cost upfront. Some editors charge per word, while others charge a flat fee for the entire project. Some editors may include a set number of revisions in their fee, while others may charge extra for additional revisions. Ask potential editors about their fee structure and what services are included in that fee. You should also ask about any additional services, such as proofreading, formatting, or coaching, and the costs for those services. This can help you budget for the editing process and avoid any surprises down the road.
8. What is your turnaround time for editing a book of similar length to mine?
When you're planning to self-publish your book it's important to understand the editor's turnaround time. This is especially true if you’ve already started marketing your book’s publication date and creating buzz around your launch. Ask the editor how long it will take to edit a book of similar length to yours. A good editor should be able to provide an estimate of the turnaround time.
9. Do you have a portfolio I can look at?
Looking at a potential editor's portfolio can give you a better sense of their editing style and the types of books they have worked on in the past. It's never a bad idea to ask for references from other authors they have edited for. You can also ask for references from other editors who can speak to their experience or their work history. Reaching out to these authors can help you understand what it's like to work with the editor and the quality of their work.
10. What is your policy on revisions and rewrites, and how many rounds of revisions are included in your fee?
It's essential to understand the editor's policy on revisions and rewrites before you sign a contract. Some editors may include a set number of revisions in their fee, while others may charge extra for additional revisions. Most editors offer at least one round of revisions included in their fee. Ask how many rounds are included, what the process is for revisions, and if there are additional fees for more rounds of revisions.
11. Will you provide a sample edit of a few pages from my book so I can see your editing style?
A sample edit is a key component of finding the right editor for you and your book. Most editors are willing to provide a sample edit of a few pages from your book so that you can see their editing style. Some will offer a sample edit for free, and some will charge a small fee for this service. The sample edit will give you a sense of how they approach editing and whether their style fits your book.
12. What type of editing do you think my book needs?
Based on your manuscript and goals, an editor can recommend the type of editing your book needs. This can help you understand what kind of work will be involved and what to expect from the editing process. Getting a recommendation from an editor can also be a good pulse check to determine if your manuscript is as complete as you think.
13. Will you be available for follow-up questions or consultations after the editing process is complete?
Sometimes, you may have questions or concerns after the editing process is complete. Ask the editor if they will be available for follow-up consultations and if there are additional fees for this service.
14. What format should my manuscript be in when I send it to you?
Ask the editor what document format they prefer to work with. Some editors prefer Microsoft Word documents, while others may prefer Google Docs or PDFs.
15. Are there any tools I will need to be able to work with you?
Make sure you understand what tools the editor uses and if there are any specific requirements for working together, such as online editing software or communication tools. Editors will use Microsoft Word’s track changes feature to make revisions to your manuscript so if you’ve never used that tool before, be sure to ask them if they’ll walk you through the process of accepting and rejecting your edits.
16. Can you refer me to another editor when we're done working together?
Editors may not be able to work on every project, but they often know other professionals who can help! In the same vein, your line and copyedior should be different from the person who proofreads your manuscript. Ask if the editor can provide referrals to other professionals in the industry who can complete your editorial team.
17. What style guide do you use?
A style guide ensures consistency in writing style and formatting. If you’re writing in American English, your editor will likely use The Chicago Manual of Style and the Merriam-Webster dictionary. If you’re writing in British English, your editor will likely use New Hart’s Rules and the Oxford English Dictionary. Ask what style guide the editor uses to ensure your book meets industry standards. And, if you have a specific preference or request, be sure to tell your editor!
18. What deliverables are included in your editing package? What can I expect to receive from you?
Make sure you understand what you'll receive from the editor after the editing process is complete. This may include a tracked changes document, a clean version of the manuscript, and a style sheet.
19. Why do you want to work on my book?
Hopefully by this point, you’ve shared a bit of information about your manuscript and maybe the editor has even completed a sample edit, so they should be familiar with the premise of your book. You want to work with an editor who’s just as excited about your book as you are and asking them why they want to work with you on your manuscript is a fair question.
20. Are we a personality match?
Not only do you want to make sure your editor is a right fit for your book, you also want to make sure they’re the right fit for you. Handing your book over to a stranger requires great vulnerability and the author-editor relationship is a partnership that will shape your story and your publishing experience. Be sure to spend some time chatting with the editor and getting to know them as a person. What are their likes and dislikes? What is their favorite book? Where are they located? How is their communication? It can be tough to engage in small talk, but getting a feel for your editor’s vibe is an important part of forging a long-term relationship.
21. Can you provide a contract outlining the details of our agreement, including deadlines, fees, and services provided?
A contract is crucial to ensure that both parties understand the terms of the agreement. Make sure the contract includes the scope of the project, deadlines, fees, and any other relevant details. When you ask a potential editor if they’ll provide a written contract to finalize and protect your working relationship, the only acceptable answer is yes.
Ask the right questions (before signing a contract)
Having your book professionally edited is a serious investment so finding and partnering with the right editor is crucial for the success of your book. By asking these twenty-one questions, you can ensure that you choose the right editor for your needs.
As a professional book editor, I would love to discuss your project with you and see if we're a good fit to work together. The first step in my client experience is a free discovery call where we can get to know each other and you can share more about your manuscript and your publication goals. I also offer a free 1,000-word sample edit as a complimentary service. Book a discovery call with me today to learn more!
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