Talking Points:

Kinds of editors:

Developmental editor (Successful authors) The macro edit

Line edit editors

Beta reader editors

Copy editor (Grammar Nazi)

Proofreaders (Details person)

Places to find an editor:

Writers’ Conference (Ask the faculty for recommendations. They will likely recommend fellow faculty who you can talk with. 15m consult)

Recommendation from a successful author

The acknowledgements of a book with a similar style.

Editor marketplace like ChristianEditor.com

What to look for in an editor

By their fruits you will know them.

Looks for a track record of commercial success.

Level 0 Editor: just starting out

Level 1 Editor: only edited for self published books (only a some of which are on Amazon).

Level 2 Editor: has been editing for a while and occasionally freelances for traditional publishing house.

Level 3 Editor: used to work full time for a traditional publisher.

Level 4 Editor: has edited a New York Times bestselling book.

Level 5 Editor: has edited multiple New York Times Bestselling books.

Do they match your personality style? How will you work together?

Places NOT to find an editor:

Your friend from college/church who has an English degree

The editor who is doing a lot of marketing (the best editors are booked solid)

Someone who loves to read and has always wanted to break into editing so they’ll save you a ton of money and do your edit for free

 

Final Tips:

Find a happy client before hiring someone and talk to them about the editor’s style

Ask for a sample edit first. Ask all the editors to edit the same sample so you can make an apples to apples comparison.

Make sure your editor is a good fit for your writing style.

 

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