Everyone needs an editor. But do you have to hire one?
As an editor, of course I think you should hire me. š But an editor and a writer need to be a good fit. Things have worked out beautifully in the very vast majority of my working relationships with writers, but not every match is made in heaven.
Editors across the board should share some fundamental skills and knowledge:
Mastery of grammar and usage
Understanding of narrative structure
Appreciation for voice and how to help authors develop theirs
But they canāand shouldābe unique, as well. Not every writer is looking for or needs the same kind of editing or the same kind of editor.
Setting aside different types of editing (or see here for some discussion, or sign up for my free seminar on same), editors take different approaches with their clients. Do you want an editor who
Ā· Is available right away?
Ā· Is willing to work on multiple drafts?
Ā· Will āhold your feet to the fireā?
Ā· Will hold your hand through the dark and scary wilderness of writing?
Ā· Specializes in your genre?
Ā· Works with many genres?
Ā· Has expertise and connections in the industry (spoiler alert, this wonāt guarantee a book deal)?
Ā· Is a really great writer (writing and editing are related but not identical skills)?
Ā· Is a really understanding champion of your work?
Itās important to find the right editor for you, and you should feel free to interview several, ask (and pay) for editing samples to determine whether they get you, and build a way out into your agreement.
Donāt work with an editor who
is unresponsive
guarantees publication
wonāt do a (paid or free) sample edit
charges an amount you canāt feel good about
Iāll be discussing all this and more at my šfree šseminar on Saturday, November 18th at 10 a.m. EST.
You can sign up here!