Only if you need to.
It’s essential for authors get some sort of editorial feedback on their manuscript and/or query letter from someone they trust before trying to find an agent. That could be a significant other, a critique partner, a friend, a mortal enemy… someone.
The advice should be positive, useful, strike you with the occasional, “Why didn’t I see that?!” moment, and, perhaps most importantly, should be consistent with your vision for the project. In other words, the critiquer shouldn’t simply be telling you how they would have written it. Here’s how to know if you have a good editor.
On the other hand, if you don’t have someone you can show your work to and you need feedback or if you would like some input from someone who has worked in the business: by all means, consider a freelance editor. There are some wildly talented editors out there who can really help authors with their manuscripts for a fee. (Including, well, me)
However, before you mortgage the farm to pay a freelance editor, keep the following in mind:
Don’t spend money on a freelance book editor you can’t afford to lose
If it feels like too much money it is definitely too much money. Feedback is helpful, but not at the expense of funds that could be better used elsewhere. If you can spare it and it won’t hurt a whit, go for it. Otherwise: there are plenty of free ways to get good feedback.
Check the editor’s credentials
Find out what their experience is, who they’ve worked with in the past, and whether the amount they are charging is commensurate with their experience. Do your research and only work with an editor with whom you are completely comfortable.
Here’s how to find a freelance book editor.
Keep your expectations in line
Bear in mind that the mere fact that you’ve worked with an editor is not going to boost your chances with an agent (or at least, not with me). A few agents I have been on panels with feel that it is a benefit if an author has worked with an editor. Me? Not so much. I assume an author received feedback and edited accordingly to make it better. I don’t think you get a bonus because you paid for it.
Agents don’t care about typos
Copyediting is not really very necessary prior to submitting to agents. Barring a learning disability, your own grammar and spell-check-assisted spelling skills should be sufficient to ensure that your manuscript has only the occasional typo, which an agent will not worry about.
Do not let an editor submit to agents on your behalf.
When I was an agent, I would occasionally get submissions directly from paid editors who submit for their clients. Opinions vary on this, but in my opinion this is a bad idea. I want to hear directly from the author I’m potentially going to be working with. If you’re going to engage an editor, do so only for manuscript feedback. You should be handling the rest on your own.
An exception to this would be if the agent and the editor know each other extremely well on a personal level and the editor is just facilitating the intro.
Know what you’re paying for
Make sure you have a very clear understanding of what you’re paying for and what you’re getting up front. Make sure you and the editor have a clear understanding about what you hope to get out of the edit. And make sure you’re communicating well.
Watch out for scams
There are quite a few unscrupulous fake agents and fake editors out there. Google the person you’re thinking of working with, and, again, check their credentials. Beware of anyone overpromsing what they can really deliver.
There’s no magic bullet
Keep your expectations in check. The editor is helping you with your manuscript: it’s up to you to make the changes, and their help is no guarantee that your project will find representation or publication. The goal is to help you improve your manuscript, but the rest is ultimately up to you.
Basically: Do your research, keep your eyes open, but don’t be overly paranoid either. There are freelance editors out there who provide a valuable service, and assuming you find the right match their feedback can be a real help as you keep on plugging away toward representation.
Need help with your book? I’m available for manuscript edits, query critiques, and consultations! And if you like this post, check out my guide to writing a novel.
Art: The moneychanger and his wife by Marinus van Reymerswaele
I have done research on various online editors and have often wondered whether I should go that way. I have opted not to thus far as my critique group and a few other readers have been providing me with excellent suggestions, producing many "why didn't I think of that?" moments. Perhaps having an editor take a careful look at my first chapter might be of benefit though. Thanks for yet again posting on such a timely topic!
Thanks Nathan.
Lately I have been inundated with emails on Facebook offering services including editing services, publication help, and book cover art.
I know now, from reading your blog, that publishers use their own art departments, and buying cover art would only apply if I were self publishing.
It's good to learn about some of the other writers services being touted and how necessary (or not) they are.
Thanks Nathan for the timely and excellent post. Very much appreciated.
I am now very happy I went with a critique group instead of an editor.
……….dhole
As a freelance editor myself, it is my understanding that some publishers, especially the smaller ones, are having writer and editors arrange and pay for their own editing, so watch out for that. I prefer to work with actual companies than individuals. I have heard at least one agent say that there are an increasing number of publishers that won't accept a manuscript until it is "perfect" meaning sans all typos and other errors to save them the costs of having to do in-house editing.
This is a VERY informative post and discussion. I'm currently in the scary land of editing and betas. Thanks, Nathan!
LOL, Steph D.! Great minds think alike, right?
And you're welcome, Marilyn. I don't think you blabber at all… given your many informative comments, I can tell how passionate you are about books, writing, publishing, AND research – and there's nothing wrong with that. *wink*
(re: deleted comment)
Sorry, I'm not going to allow advertisements for editorial services here.
Thanks for looking out for us, Nathan!
I imagine that most pay-for editors charge an up-front fee or a flat rate based on word count. Too bad you can't agree on a rate after they are done to ensure quality work. Although the danger there might be someone hacking a good work to pieces if they bill per change made.
Personally I would never pay someone to critique my works, but I have the benefit of having many friends who enjoy writing, a handful of whom are fellow would-be authors, and so we often critique one another's work. Generally we get together every Saturday night, and any meetings beyond that are a bit impromptu, usually because we're either bored and in the mood for it, or someone's just completed a segment they want critiqued, etc. Mind, I only let them critique when I'm done the whole thing, as I don't like anyone reading my work until I feel it's sufficiently finished enough to be presentable…and now I'm rambling. Nasty habit of doing that.
Anywho, very handy advice, I would imagine, for those who do use or are considering using such a service.
(Sorry Nathan! Didn't think… How's this:)
I am a freelance editor and with a particular reputable service. We all have published books (not self-published) to our credit, some of us (like me ) are authors in our own right, most of us specialize in certain genres, and ALL of us must pass stringent editing test to even be considered to join our editing network.
Check EFA rate guidelines here: https://www.the-efa.org/res/rates.php
And always check Preditors and Editors to find if the service or editor is legitimate: https://anotherealm.com/prededitors/
Freelance editors CAN provide a valuable service, but they are not all the same… I agree: do your research, get a sample edit done, compare quotes, and chat with your potential editor to see is she/he is a good fit for you.
Nathan,
Good advice–do your homework, know what you're paying for. There are some very good independent editors out there. But caution is advisable.
Back when an editor was considering my first two books (in the days when the earth's crust was cooling and editors would look at unagented submissions), he suggested I work with a specific "book doctor," intimating that a contract awaited me after these revisions. I did as he recommended, paying a pretty hefty sum. After the revisions, the editor turned down the submissions. However, I did pick up a few pointers from the book doctor–just paid dearly for them.
Hey Nathan-
That was such valuable info, I'm tweeting it!
Thank you for the guidelines. It was super helpful.
Stephanie
@Rick Daley
Rick, just to be clear, yes, an editor might have a flat charge (for a critique, say) or a per page rate (based on looking at some pages before quoting a rate in my case, although I know some editors just have a standard rate). But you should never pay an editor per "correction" or other change.
There may be some confusion on this point if you've ever gone all the way to publication with anything, because the typesetter may have a charge per author's alteration (AA) after the work is set in type and proofread. That's not an editing charge, though.
If any editor talks about charging you per change, run away fast. You don't want to provide an incentive for a hack job, as you say.
and thank you for mentioning how important it is to find someone who shares your vision!
I'm finding that increasingly important as I work with my publisher!
clearly some of the figures being thrown are way…way…out of my league of funds. $5000, $1200, and this is US money I suspect not CDN funds. I have trouble getting $100 to raise for an entry fee in a book award competition. If there were these groups available to me in Toronto, I'd like to know how to find them. For now I'll edit myself, I don't have that kind of budget, besides many books I've read have typos, I always spot them.
I'm noticing a recurring error confusing proofreading with copyediting. Copyediting is more than just correcting spelling and grammar. If all you're worried about is your spelling and your misplaced modifiers, hire a proofreader. They're cheaper.
Nathan, What if the agent that you really want to represent your first book has offered the name of a specific editor and asked you to resubmit the manuscript at a later date? I know this may frequently fall into the scam category, but in this case, both the editor and agent are reputable.
I'm halfway through the process and thus far very happy. It isn't cheap, but then again, I could also be spending the money on writing classes, conferences, etc. I'm viewing this as my class for the year and I have the bonus of a private teacher.
anon-
Even if they're reputable I think it's fair to ask if the agent receives any financial consideration for recommending the editor. But if everything's on the up and up and they're reputable I'm sure it's fine. I know some very good freelance editors who I would recommend in a heartbeat, and I wouldn't receive a kickback from the editor or anything like that.
I am unemployed, no income, trying to break into the writing field. Although I haven't found a Literary Agent or a publisher, I do have several completed manuscripts.(I write Romance, sci-fi/paranormal/time travel, historical as well as written a few , Teen/Tween/Young Adult, short stories, children's stories,
So finding an editor that won't charge an arm and a leg, and $1-$5 per page is way too much for me.
I'd love to find someone who is willing to work with me and free won't hurt, but I realize they have bills to pay and food to eat as well.
So thanks for posting this, its is helpful. So I will keep writing, checking my own grammar, spelling, several times before sending it out via email as snail mail is beyond my capabilities at this time.
Nathan:
I pay an editor $23 hr. She definitely helps improve my writing, mostly by rearranging words and shortening it. I trust her to charge me for the actual time she spends. Doesn't this sound like a fair deal to a writer?
Thanks for these comments, Nathan. Interesting and helpful.
I had my ms assessed (not edited) by an Australian writer whose work I've admired for years – Sally Ogders. She pretty much confirmed what I thought: the main character is endearing, but fantasy of the nature I'd written of was not really compatible with an Australian setting. She even had an issue with a castle I'd set on Australian soil. But I loved the way she made her criticisms so gentle and constructive. That's very hard to do of another person's work. She also claimed – all things considered – to have loved the story. This sentiment was echoed by online reviewers during the decade I've worked on the ms.
And yet…
I can't see the point in doing this. Better to hire cheerleaders to usher the manuscript/query to your chosen agent's door. And what a bad idea that is…
An agent referred me to an editor to spruce up the novel. Thinking he was referred by the (legit) agent, I thought, great! I spent a few thousand dollars, even though my instincts told me "no!".
In the end I ended up rewriting the whole thing–but not because of his comments. He helped me discover some new points and problems, but that could have easily been done with a manuscript evaluation. Instead, he nitpicked a failed draft.
I felt like he was a money hound. So I would recommend a manuscript evaluation before shelling out sooo much money.
In the end, I never went back to this agent.
Thanks, Nathan, for giving it to us straight!
> your own grammar and spell-check-
> assisted spelling skills should be
> sufficient to ensur
You might want to take a look at Spell Check Anywhere (SpellCheckAnywhere.Com). It is a terrific spell checker that works in all programs, including blogs, and has an optional grammar check.
I can't tell you how much a freelance editor helped me see my book with fresh eyes – he worked with me on the submission package and made it so much stronger – it was like a penny dropping, every time he pointed out something that could be vastly improved.
Nathan is right, though, it has to be someone you trust. I knew this guy from a writing forum i frequent, plus someone recommended him as an editor.
The thing is that many of us are not just copyeditors and/or proofreaders, we are developmental editors, and that’s a very valuable service for many writers—both unpublished and published (yes, I work with published authors, too). Critique groups are great, and I suggest to each and every client that they join one. I am a (published) author and I have a trusted crit group, too. But unless your critique group members are more experienced writers, they may not be the best judge of your work. And they may not be impartial.
Many of my clients have written novels with great ideas, exquisite language use, and/or a compelling plot with believable characters, but they might never have heard of Point of View or ‘show, don't tell.’ They confuse words like sight/site, waste/waist, etc. and their grammar checker won't pick that up. They might slightly misjudge their target audience (children’s books are my specialty), and need help refocusing it. They may not understand that "he declared proudly" is not better writing that "he said". Sometimes there’s no character arc at all, or it’s a picture book with problematic verse and I teach them about meter and end-rhymes. The list goes on and on.
So, I ‘m not just an editor but a writing teacher, and although it may cost a $1200, or $2500 or more (depending on the word count), I work very, very hard for every penny; I have not had an unsatisfied client in all the time I’ve been doing it—which I know because of the glowing feedback forms clients send directly to my network coordinator. Sometimes when a MS is at a very early stage in its development and/or the writer is very new to the process, I suggest a full edit of one or two chapters—this allows them to apply all they learn to their MS without the major expense. And that’s called having a moral code. (There ARE scammers out there. Always Check Preditors & Editors).
And fairly often, clients who have never had a request for partials or fulls get them after our editing process, and every now and then, a client gets an editing contract. Do they think it was worth it? What do you think?
In the early life of the MS there was no way I would have paid for an editor. There is no guarantee, there are a lot of scams out there, and as you said`money you can`t afford to lose`.
I got very lucky and got a contract for my first novel (which will be released next month!) relatively quickly. The publisher took care of editing, and I am glad I didn`t spend money unnecessarily.
Cheers, Jill
http://www.jilledmondson.blogspot.com
Hi Nathan
Re rule no 5: "Do not let an editor submit to agents on your behalf."
Do you think it’s always a total no-no?
In the UK there are a some well established "literary consultancies" (Cornerstones, The Literary Consultancy, Hilary Johnson) which act as ‘scouts’ for agents and have a strong track record of placing authors with agents.
A number of these authors have gone on to gain deals (six figure ones in some cases)!
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on this, if you have time.
I haven't read all 80 previous comments, but it behooves writers to remember that editing is subjective. If you choose to use a freelance editor, make sure you click. Not that the editor only gives kudos, but that he or see is in tune to your voice and the message behind your book.
I have used freelance editors (and full disclosure, I am one too) and like the accountability that comes with paying for someone's opinion — I usually find an editor much more thorough than beta readers or CPs.
I once paid an editor who was a good friend of a good friend, and therefore didn't do enough homework on exactly what I would be getting from her–I just figured that my friend was a good person, so this editor must be too, and would give me my money's worth. Well, $750 later, I got my manuscript back with a lot of praise (OK, that was nice), a handful of pretty minor copyedits (things I would probably have fixed on my own eventually) and a recommendation to submit my 30,000+ word manuscript from an unknown writer (me) to the New Yorker, because this editor had read a series of articles they once published on a similar topic. Um, okaaaaayyyy. That's the last time I'll pay someone to review my manuscript. I've gotten much better help and advice just by sending it out and getting feedback from a few people who saw enough potential in it to give me a few words of wisdom.
I just went through the process of interviewing freelance editors for a "developmental" editor. The pricing ranged from $550 to $5000, with experience varying wildly, too – and it wasn't the one with the least experience who was the least expensive. I also asked for references. It was the best way to determine the value, and personality of the editor for a fit for me. Ultimately the editor I chose had the best references, the best style that fit my needs, and was still a good value. Above all, I felt she was going to bring years of publishing and editing experience to her evaluation, with the goal to make a more marketable book.
Okay, time to fess up. All us editors belong to this worldwide cabal, see? And if you've had a bad experience with one editor, you should never ever talk with another one, cuz we're all uniformly evil and incompetent and want to suck you writers dry and cast you aside like crawdad shells or gum wrappers or something cuz that's going to work to our advantage somehow.
Folks, if you've had a bad experience with one editor, including spending more than you should have, you made a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes. Buck up and move on. But don't shoot yourself in the foot. For those of you who really don't need an editor, great! More power to you. For those who do, how does refusing to work with one advance your career exactly?
Well said, Dick.
Both your post, Nathan, and the comments are very helpful.
Thanks.
funny one of these names (KH)reminded me of someone I grew up with. Sadly post-teen hormones and confusion destroyed a long distance friendship.
The stupid things you do when you have nobody close to love.
I'll never know if they forgave me for being a jerk, well that was 21 years ago.
Back to topic, its pretty obvious my current job won't support my writing efforts if editing costs this much. I'll continue writing, I have to, just finding a reputable publisher that believes in me is pretty hard.
The suggestions about finding an editor are really on point. I'm working with a freelance editor at the recommendation of a few friends, but I put a lot of thought in to what I hoped to achieve before plunking down a couple hundred dollars. I can tell from the first few edits that I'm getting my money's worth.
Personally, I think one should be able to do their own copy-edits, but it's great to have feedback on story arch, character development, structure and if you're taking the reader to the place you planned to take them.
I find most of this in a good beta reader.
I think I would consider hiring an editor for a non-fiction book, not sure about a novel. I've ghost written and edited NF before and I like to think I was very helpful.
I have beta readers who read all my manuscripts after first draft and now a very hands-on agent who helps with revision and editing, but I was so nervous about the sequel to my first book (and at the time un-agented) that I used a freelance editor. The experience was well-worth the expense. She had great references, had worked as an agent in a well-regarded NYC agency, and gave me in-depth written notes and suggestions for revision and a line edit. She charged either a flat fee or a per page fee. I opted for the flat fee.
The best advise here is too be careful on who you trust. My husband and I advanced $750 toward a $1,500 edit through someone we thought was a professional. When we meet her at a conference, she was an editor for a large house. After seeing her at different events, and out novel being "in consideration" at her house…she eventually said she thought the manuscripted needed professional editting. We saw her at conferences for the following two years. She remembered us and still talked about the novel. We were thrilled. At the last conference we saw, she said she was leaving the publishing house and openning her own business as an editor. She said she believed in our work. Well, we believed in her. Now, a year and half later…no edits, no return money, and we can't find her. It is heartbreaking. So, learn from this blog, and from my story, even if you think you have the research for a private editor…be careful. Please…
Nathan (or anyone reading this who knows):
You mentioned scams by editors. What are the scams to watch out for? Is there anything other than being out a LOT of money to be aware of?
Timely advice Nathan.
I’ve had multiple beta readers from the typical family and friends to published authors and grade school teachers (my ms is YA). I’ve used two critique groups and of course my own multiple read throughs (both silently and out loud). I’ve taken big breaks from it and when I returned I found more things, of course.
After all this I still find rejection and so I’m left to the conclusion that I should try a professional editor. I’ve found one that (after research and some discussion) seems to fit well with me. I’m not waiting and saving for the time to begin with her.
After all that, here is my question; If you have tried the beta and critique routes and you simply can’t tell anymore if it will ever sell, are the only solutions the following…
a) Quit on it for good.
b) Take a big break then go back, again.
c) Try a profession editor to show you WHY it wont sell.
Thanks Nathan.
Thanks! I was told I MUST pay an editor but an author told me to send my manuscript to 5 people I trust and use their feedback. With a background writing for magazines, I am used to editing my own work carefully. Any money would probably be too much right now since the magazines are dropping like flies.
I did consider it once myself, but I found that a critic group was much more useful. At least that way you can get feedback from a variety of different people. Plus there are plenty of free groups you can join.
This was so helpful. I was just discussing this very topic with a friend. Thank you for posting it.
Word of mouth is very important when deciding on a professional editor. Don't be frightened to ask LOADS of questions. After all it is your money and you need to make sure you will be getting value.
I would also add that there is a lot of difference between a reader's report and an in depth line edit. The first will be cheaper but will only give you an general overview. The second, though more expensive, will provide much more detail and specific feedback.
My experience is that writers often pay for a reader's report thinking they are getting a detailed line edit – beware!
Another freelance editor weighing in:
Great advice, Nathan. Like Nathan, I would not recommend hiring an editor to copyedit or proofread unless an agent has told you they love your book but you need help with the mechanics before they sell it (unless you're self-publishing, which is a whole different ball game w/a whole different set of goals and expectations). Having said that, as Nathan pointed out, don't EVER hire an editor who gives a kickback to the person who recommended him/her. That's not a true recommendation; that's a scam. A talented freelance editor can provide a great service if you have been unable to click with a good, constructive writers' or critique group. I don't take on every potential client who comes to me, and I always read at least 30 pages and provide some feedback and have an in-depth phone discussion with the author about expectations and goals for the editing before any money ever changes hands.
For those considering hiring an editor, the Editorial Freelancers Assoc. (www.the-efa.org) has a member directory where you can check out freelancers who have worked with presses and/or authors you admire.
Agents don't care about typos? Really??
I don't think enough people really understand/care about/take the time to use proper grammar/formatting.
I have critiqued manuscripts of people who have thought they proofread…and, yeah, they hadn't. Or if they had, they needed seriously help because they weren't familiar enough with the rules.
I mean, of course there are going to be typos–that's just an annoying fact. However, make sure you've proofread the hell out of your manuscript before you send it…
…and if you don't really know much about grammar, you might want to consider hiring someone to take a look-see because, chances are, it's a big old grammatical mess.
And agents WILL care about that.
Ricki Schultz
http://www.rickischultz.com
Ricki-
Nope, I really don't care about typos. Rampant errors that aren't actually typos are problematic, but not your run of the mill typo. That's what copyeditors are for.
That is definitely good to know–it seems like the little buggers always find ways to crop up somewhere!
Ricki Schultz
http://www.rickischultz.com