Three Keys to Feeling Confident About Hiring an Editor

Good editing is essential for any book, but hiring an editor can seem overwhelming for newer indie authors. Here are three key elements of the process you need to know so you can find a freelance editor before self-publishing.

1. Understand the levels of editing

The first thing a Christian author needs to know before hiring an editor is what kind of editing the book needs. There are several levels of edits, and even more names for the various types, so it can be confusing. The Christian PEN offers more thorough editing definitions, but here’s a brief overview.

• Developmental/content/structural/substantive editing: This service goes by different names, but they all point to a big-picture view of your book. For fiction, this level provides feedback on things like plot, characters, pacing, and dialogue. In nonfiction, this edit covers sources, organization, logic, and clarity. Newer authors (or someone trying a new genre) are usually helped by this level of editing. More developed writers may skip this step or get a manuscript evaluation or critique instead.
• Line editing and copyediting: These types of edits can be done separately or together. The editor looks at manuscripts at the paragraph and sentence levels, but has a different focus each time. Line edits are more for flow, style, and tone. Copy edits are more for mechanics (grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage) as well as consistency. But a heavy copyedit can also include feedback on clarity, word choice, and tone. A separate line edit is more of an optional step, but everyone needs a copyedit.
• Proofreading: This is the final review of the manuscript. It is often done on the already formatted pages. In this stage, only clear errors in language or design are flagged. Even if you’ve had a thorough copyedit, having this final check after all other changes are made is helpful to catch lingering or added mistakes, so it’s best not to skip this step.

It’s also important to have these edits done in the order listed above. The bigger changes of a developmental edit should come before the more precise work of the copyedit or proofread.

2. Know where to find an editor

Once you know what kind of editing your manuscript needs, it’s time to find the right editor (or editors) for the tasks. After all, an excellent editor can help you avoid many of the most common self-publishing mistakes.

A great place for Christian authors to look for editors is through the Christian Editor Connection. This is a free service for independent authors (or publishers) to get matched up with editors who might be a good fit for their project. You fill out a form about your book, and then you’ll hear from vetted candidates. You decide who to hire and work with that person directly.

Other good ways to find editors include:

• Asking your Christian writer friends. If you know other Christian authors who have already self-published, ask them who did their editing.
• Going to conferences and events. Editors are often at the same writing conferences and events where authors are, so you can meet candidates there.
• Reading the front or back matter of books. Some authors mention their editors on their copyright page or in the acknowledgements. So if there are some indie books in your genre or field that you’ve thought were edited well, look to see if an editor is credited.
• Visiting freelancer platforms. There are many freelance editors on websites like Upwork, Reedsy, and Fiverr. You can look at their ratings and reviews before reaching out.
• Checking professional organizations: The Christian PEN and the Alliance for Independent Authors have directories listing freelance editors. There are many other editing groups and indie publishing organizations you could check with as well.

3. Be confident about choosing an editor

After you have a few editors in mind, you’ll need to narrow down your list. It’s a good idea to contact multiple editors for each stage of your project. Not every good editor will be a good fit for you.

You may have many criteria in mind for hiring an editor, but important things to consider are availability, cost, and skills.

Timing

It is important to begin the search for an editor well ahead of your planned launch date. In fact, you’ll have more options if you don’t have a specific release date selected until your book has already been through most (or all!) of the editing you plan to have done. Contacting editors within weeks of your already announced launch date often just isn’t workable.

Some editors’ schedules fill up months in advance, and the editing itself takes time to do well. Some excellent editors may be able to offer a quality edit on short notice or with a very quick turnaround, but it’s best not to expect that.

Budget

Independent authors often need to be careful about their book budgets, so it’s important to research costs before hiring an editor. Some editors have a specific rate or range listed on their websites, but some prefer to quote each project individually.

Christian writers can be surprised at the cost of editing, so it might help to first familiarize yourself with the average rates in the publishing industry. The EFA is a secular organization for freelance editors, and its rate chart is very thorough.

The Christian PEN also lists average rates for its members. The Christian range of rates tends to start lower than the general market chart shows. Perhaps some editors see their work as a ministry. But Jesus said that workers deserve their wages (Luke 10:17), so you need to factor an appropriate cost for your editors into your book’s budget.

Skills

Many editors specialize in one or two of the main levels of editing. Make sure you’re aware of what types of edits each candidate offers. It’s common for editors to have client testimonials or samples of their previous work that you can use to evaluate their skills.

You may also ask for a sample edit of your work. Some editors will offer these for free (up to a certain length), and some will charge a small fee. If you have multiple editors working on the same part of your book, you can easily compare their work.

Other areas to discuss before hiring an editor

• File types and compatibility: Word is the gold standard in the publishing industry. Using Track Changes and notes is a typical way to provide feedback.
• Payment methods: Using platforms like Venmo and PayPal are common, but some editors will accept checks or other options.
• Communication preferences: Whether you want to talk on the phone, text, video chat, or email, make sure your editor is on board.
• Specific areas of focus: Let your editor know what you want them to fix or give input on and anything you want them to leave alone. However, you should also trust that their suggestions are based on experience and knowledge.
• Process and deliverables: Be sure to ask what each editor’s process is and what you can expect them to send back to you. Some editors may include an editorial letter or style sheet along with the marked-up manuscript file.

Conclusion

Hiring an editor before self-publishing is an investment in your Christian book’s success. While your book marketing lets people know about your book, editing helps ensure readers enjoy it.

Understanding the levels of editing, knowing where to find an editor, and choosing who to work with are the keys to hiring an editor as an indie author. Once you have a grasp of these three areas, you’re ready to begin the outside editing process.

About the Author

Megan Ryan is a freelance editor who gives authors confidence about sharing their writing with the world. She has copyedited and proofread more than 180 books for indie authors and hybrid publishers. Megan also serves as assistant director of the Christian Editor Connection and volunteer coordinator for the Well Conference. You can contact her at mryanediting@gmail.com or find more information on her website.