Hire the Right Book Editor: 8 Probing Questions to Ask
Whether you are writing your first book or have been on this path before, you can agree that you only want the best version of your work to reach the audience. This version must be completely free of errors and regrettable mistakes.
To ensure the best version reaches your audience, one of the best things you can do is to hire and understand your genre, industry trends, and target audience.
While several professional editors claim to be providing the best services, hiring the best professional can be a bigger challenge than you may think. However, asking the right questions can help you get closer to the answer.
Here are some of the most important questions you must ask an editor before hiring them.
Ask About their Training
Just as you do not need to have studied English literature to become an author, editors do not have to follow any hard and fast rules to become a professional in their field. While such flexibility has opened several doors of opportunity for individuals, it has also made choosing the right professionals harder.
Nowadays, anyone who is fond of reading considers themselves to be a professional editor. You cannot be anyone without hands-on experience and reliable training to help you bring out the best in your work. Therefore, it is best to hire someone with proven training in the different types of editing.
Consider Their Experience
Experience is another important factor that matters a lot when finding the best editing service for your book. It is an important aspect that makes UK book editing services stand out as a top choice for authors seeking reliable editors.
Before you hire an editor, make sure that you inquire about their experience. Do not just ask them about their general editing experience. You must know more about their experience with your specific genre before making up your mind.
Determine Their Specialty
Every professional editor has their own specialty based on their interest and experience. You must consider this aspect before hiring an editor for your book.
For example, hiring an editor who specializes in editing biographies in hopes of improving your science fiction books will surely let your hopes down. It is always a better idea to hire an editor who specializes in your genre.
Do not just take their word for it. You can also ask them for relevant samples to help you make up your mind. While reviewing your samples, it is best to ensure that their editing style matches your preferences to ensure a smooth partnership.
Ask About their Strengths
The strengths of an editor are important details that can help you make up your mind regarding hiring an editor or seeking other options. As an author seeking ways to bring out the best in their manuscript, you want someone who can improve the weak points of a book.
Learning about the strengths of the editors you are considering to hire can make it very clear to you if they will be a good influence on your work. If their specialty fits with what you need, they are likely to be a good fit to bring out the best in your work.
Think About Their Editorial Style
Different editors have varying approaches to making changes to the manuscripts of their clients. Some may be conservative and make minimal alterations, while others might be more drastic and cut entire chapters. If you have a specific editing style in mind, you must discuss it with them before onboarding them.
Do you want gentle guidance and support, or will you be okay with direct and even blunt feedback? Knowing your preferences can help you make a decision. Take the time to consider the needs of your book and ensure the editor’s editing style resonates with your goals.
Request a Sample Edit
Whether you have a quick conversation with the editor or you are considering having an hour-long discussion, you can agree that making your decisions based on an interaction can feel like an unsatisfactory and unreliable approach.
If you also have the same concerns, you can ask your editor to provide you with a sample edit. A free sample is usually 1-3 pages. This can be enough for you to make a decision regarding hiring an editor or seeking further options.
Question about Turnaround
Just like every author, you must also be on a schedule. The smallest disturbance in your schedule can make a drastic change to your publishing process. Therefore, it is important to ensure that every professional you hire to improve your manuscript is respectful of your deadlines.
During your initial conversation with the editors aspiring to work with you, make sure you ask them about their turnaround time. Their answer to this question can help you determine whether you can wait for this editor’s availability or whether it would be better to work with an editor who is readily available to work.
In either case, make sure that you do not rush your editor to meet your deadline. Remember that editing is not the same as reading. Let your editor work at their own pace to ensure that they pay attention to every aspect of your manuscript and make it ready for publishing.
Query about their Fee
Lastly and most importantly, make sure that you inquire the editors about the charges for their services before hiring them. The charges for editing can differ on several bases, such as the type of editing, deadline, and length of your manuscript.
For example, proofreaders charge a lot less than developmental editors. Of course, this difference in costs is based on a developmental editor’s attention to detail, in-depth guidance, and several other important factors.
While many authors focus on not being overcharged for their service, make sure they also look out for any editors offering their services at surprising prices. Meager offers can be a sign of a scam, and staying aware of them can keep you protected.
