Finding an editor you can work with and have confidence can be as daunting as it can be exciting. Exciting? Absolutely! It means you're confident in your story, your betas have pointed out suggestions that you've considered, and you're ready to publish. Daunting because you've seen your fellow authors post that they're looking for an editor and you've seen how hundreds of us will reply with the equivalent of "Pick me!"
How do you wade through potentially hundreds of replies to choose just one? Trust your instincts ... and do your homework.
Read through their replies. What catches your eye? Is it their picture. Their list of accomplishments? Is it a recommendation from someone you recognize? Heck, is it just the tone of their reply that tugs at you? Make a list of these potential editors and start investigating.
"I'm not a detective" may be your reply to that, but in this, you really kind of are. Take the time to visit their websites. Look through their portfolios to see what they've done in the past. Peruse their recommendations and client comments. And, since we all know cost is an issue -- especially if you're self-publishing -- check out their rates if they're listed. As you do this, narrow down your list to those who are hitting the marks on your internal checklist.
When you have your list narrowed to the few you feel might be a good fit, reply to them and ask for a sample edit. I suggest that you send the same 5-10 pages of manuscript. As they come back, compare how the edits and comments work for you? Do you need someone who's abrupt and just sends the edits back to you? Or do you prefer someone who takes the time to, yes, correct, but also guide and explain why they made the edits they did? Did they send you a review letter with suggestions explained and detailed? Did they return not only the edited version, but also a clean copy with the edits accepted so that you can see how your work would look if you accepted the edits? Of those who sent samples, pick three. And then ...
Talk to them! Really talk, not just emails and IM's. Tell them what you're looking for and what your plans are for publishing. Talk about the edits, why they made them, talk about how the editor works, heck, even talk about the editor's cat. Anything that gives you a feel for the person, if they're someone you think will be supportive, if they're someone you can work with, and, yeah, even the dreaded money talk. And if none of your first three picks work? Try again with your next three! Your editor is out there and I know you‘ll find what works best for you.
Amy
There are so many variables that go into an editor's price quote (Finding Your Editor ... Part II). But for now, know that a good editor doesn't need to cost an arm and a leg. Yes, there are those who will charge thousands. Often, you'll find editors who will charge by the word, by the number of passes they take through the manuscript, or even those like me. What do I do?
ATEditing understands that self-publishing is hard and expensive enough. I offer flat rates depending on manuscript size with easy payment plans that will help you realize your dream of seeing your book on a distributor's book list!
If you have any questions, visit me at www.amythompsonediting.com or email me at amy@amythompsonediting.com. I'll be happy to help!
