Searching for the right book editor is like looking for a needle in a haystack. With thousands of options around us, it is a normal expression that we feel confused or unsure to categorize who is the best to polish our manuscript. After all, this person is the main character behind our success as they will turn our manuscripts into masterpieces.
But we know that your concern is valid. In this blog, we will explore some of the factors to consider and the signs of being the best editor. So let’s get started.
How to choose the right editor
An editor can break or make your manuscript. Therefore, hiring someone who is an expert in their job is essential as we have worked hard to get our book in the market.
Understand the type of editing
The first and foremost step before you choose an editor is to know the types of editing available and the one that meets your needs. There are four types of editing:
Developmental editing: Editors offering this editing help by rectifying problems in structure, pacing, character development, plot, and themes. This is the first step when editing a book.
Line editing: Line editors focus on paragraph and sentence-level corrections, improving clarity, flow, and writing style. They help by tightening up your prose, getting rid of any awkward phrasing, and making sure that your voice shines through.
Copy editing: These editors work on grammar, punctuation, spelling, and other consistent errors. They will ensure that you stick to the style guidelines set for your genre or the book publishing house services, such as the book publishing services in Malaysia or KL.
Proofreading: A final step where all the remaining errors in punctuation, and other grammar are addressed and corrected.
After you have completed your first draft. You are clear to hire which editor for your manuscript. Choose it accordingly.
2. Collect recommendations from personal and professional connections
Talk to fellow writers, authors, and writing community members for recommendations for editors. You can search for them online using different online platforms and channels.
Plus, become a member of online writing forums, book review clubs, and social media groups. You can find a vast amount of recommendations and suggestions related to all your editors’ concerns. One other tip to expand your connections is to attend writing conferences, workshops, and events. You can gather editor referrals there. Don’t forget the person who motivated you to take this step. Ask your mentor, teacher, or instructor to provide you with some editor recommendations.
3. Take into account the referrals from literary agents
If you have chosen traditional publishing, you should not hesitate to ask your literary agent for an editor’s recommendations. Agents work with editors and are pro-inspiteers when giving suggestions. They can easily find an editor who is a perfect fit for your book.
You must communicate with your agent throughout the journey. Don’t blindly trust them. But make sure that you are constantly keeping them updated with all the details of your editing journey. Once you have a proper editor for your book, you need to hire a printing service like book printing services in Malaysia or Singapore. After printing, you can get your hard copies on the market for the readers.
4. Choose either firms or freelancers
When it is choosing either firms or freelancers, it depends on your needs. You need to compare the type of editing it provides turnaround time, the software they use, pricing, communication style, and personal rapport.
Moreover, review the editor’s or firm’s contract terms, including confidentiality, intellectual property rights, and termination clauses. Check if they are providing any additional services or facilities like designing a cover, conversation of the book, marketing, or other facilities.
If you have chosen self-publishing, look if they are helping you by uploading your material on self-publishing platforms. Reviews will also help to choose the right book editing service. Conduct deep research from your end. Then, schedule a meeting with them physically or visually to make the final decision.
5. Investigate about their experience in your genre
Activate your hidden Sherlock Holmes inside. Use it to uncover all the details of your editor’s professional history. Check their work experience journey and see if they have worked on books of the same genre as yours. Do they know the editing process in your niche? Is there any track record of success with stories like yours?
Additionally, check if they are members of online writing communities, groups, and book clubs working on your genre. Ask them to provide you with references of the authors they have worked with. On the author’s website, read through the reviews and testimonials of the writer, describing their experience working with the editor. See if they have organized any writing workshops of your genre. This will show their passion for working on your theme.
6. Estimate a cost
It is pivotal that you have a clear understanding of the cost involved. Every editor has a different strategy. Some charge according to each word, while others set their rates according to hours, or offer package rates. However, the rates will vary based on many factors. These include the editor’s experience, the level of editing required, and the manuscript’s complexity and length. Ask them for the details and review them. Check what facilities are part of the package. Consider your budget and the amount you can invest in the editing process. Save some of the amounts from your budget that will be used in marketing the book. To know the latest trends in marketing you can ask for help from services like book marketing services Malaysia or other countries worldwide. Their guidance will promote your book effectively.
7. Ask for a sample edit
The final tip before you book a deal with the editor is to request a sample edit. In the sample edit, add manuscript sections that need improvement or the areas where you are struggling with clarity, pacing, and flow.
To check the expertise of the editor, add some intentional errors in the sample sent for editing. Examine how they can spot the errors. Talk to them and convey your expectations. Clarify the format you will send the file and the type of editing you want. Give them a deadline and see if they can deliver the sample edit on time.
After receiving the sample edit, analyze it with your critical specs. Analyze their editing style, the depth of the feedback, and the way they have responded to your narrations.
Make a decision
You have worked with the editor for some time. You might have collected enough information and are ready to make a decision. Don’t hesitate. Make a final call and choose someone you worked well on your demands.
When you are choosing someone, check if they are experts in your genre and if they have experience in working with such manuscripts. Also, look for the rates they offer and if they match your budget. If all these things have a positive signal, go for it and wait for the transformation of your manuscript into a masterpiece.