How To Find an Editor

You will probably know the importance of editing and proofreading when creating written content and why self-editing is not always the best idea. So, your next question will probably be: How do I find an editor? The answer to this is somewhat complicated because it will largely depend on the type of content you are creating and what you want to achieve from it. The following steps, though, are ones that will help you decide what type of editor you need and then find one that suits you.

What Type of Editor Do I Need?

Deciding what type of editor you need is the first step to finding one. Do you need help with structural issues or weak characterisation? Then you need a developmental editor or a manuscript critique. Do you struggle with how to use language to convey your point effectively? Then you might need a line editor. Do you need help with the more technical aspects of English, such as grammar, punctuation and spelling? Then a copy editor or proofreader might be more appropriate for you. If you still need help deciding which service you need, I have two blogs about the differences between book coaching, developmental editing and manuscript critiquing and between line editing, copy editing and proofreading.

Salaried or Freelance?

You will also need to decide whether you want to employ a salaried editor or a freelancer. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, so you should consider these carefully. By using a salaried editor, you will have more control over timescales, volume and price, but you will not have the same flexibility as you would with freelancers. For example, you may have periods where you are not producing as much content, but you will still need to pay them. You would be able to pause business relations with a freelancer until you need them again. However, because you will likely not be a freelancer’s only client, you may have to wait until they have an opening for you, meaning you will have less control over timescales. You will need to consider these aspects carefully and decide which will work best for you.

How To Find an Editor

Now that you have decided what kind of editor you need, you can start looking.

Check Job Boards (Salaried Editors)

If you have decided to hire an editor and pay them a salary, the best place to look is job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor or Reed. On these sites, you can post a job advert with specific requirements, including experience or qualifications, and people can apply from those sites. This way, editors will come to you, which will save you time and effort.

Finding Freelancers

If you want to hire a freelancer, you will have to look elsewhere. There are several places to find freelance editors: Facebook groups, editing associations/professional bodies (for example, the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading in the UK, the Editorial Freelancers Association or ACES in the United States, the Editors’ Association in Canada, and the Institute of Professional Editors in Australia) and editing agencies. Each of these comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to research these options before you choose.

Interview and Sample

You will also need to check whether whoever you decide to hire for the work is capable of undertaking the work. Just as you would check the references of anyone you hire for a salaried position, you should check that the freelancer is qualified to do the work. You can ask what qualifications or experience the editor has. Some freelance editors will also provide a free sample, usually up to 1000 words, so it is worth asking the editor if they will complete a sample. That way, you will be able to see if you and the editor will work well together. If you choose an editing agency, it might not be possible to have the same editor for every piece of work, so this is something you should ask and take into consideration.

Establish Your Workflow

Once you have found an editor you want to work with, you will need to establish volume, timescales and price. Like I said earlier, this may rely on whether you have decided upon salaried or freelance editors. It is also a good idea to set down agreements about timescales, price and volume in writing, even if this is just an email, to keep both of you on the same page (pun intended).

Conclusion

Finding an editor can be challenging, but taking some time to consider what you need from an editor will help you narrow down your search. Knowing where to look for editors will also save you time. You can ask freelancers if they will do a sample edit for you so you can check whether you will work well together. Following these steps will help you find an editor that is suitable for you and your company.