How to Choose the Right Editor for Your Book

How to Choose the Right Editor for Your Book

You’ve written your book. You’ve poured your heart, your imagination, and countless hours into bringing it to life. Now comes one of the most important steps in the publishing process: finding the right editor. For many authors—especially first-timers—choosing an editor can feel overwhelming. You know you need one, but how do you find the right match? How do you balance professionalism with personality, cost with quality, and expertise with your specific goals?

An editor isn’t just someone who corrects your commas or points out a misspelling. A good editor becomes a partner in shaping your manuscript into the best possible version of itself. They sharpen your words, strengthen your story, and support your vision while also challenging you to improve. But not every editor is right for every author, or every project. Just like in any relationship, compatibility matters.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the different types of editing, what to look for in an editor, how to evaluate candidates, and how to make sure you’re getting the right fit for your book and for you.

Understanding the Different Types of Editing

Before you even start searching for an editor, it’s crucial to know what type of editing your book actually needs. Editing isn’t one-size-fits-all—it comes in levels, and each level has a different purpose.

Developmental Editing This is big-picture editing. A developmental editor looks at the structure of your book as a whole. For fiction, they focus on plot, pacing, character arcs, themes, and world-building. For non-fiction, they examine the clarity of your argument, organization, and whether each chapter contributes effectively to your message. They’ll ask tough questions like: Does this character have a believable motivation? Is this chapter redundant? Is your book’s opening strong enough to hook readers?

Line Editing Once the structure is solid, a line editor goes deeper into the sentences themselves. They refine your prose, making it sharper, more fluid, and more impactful. A line editor might suggest rephrasing clunky sentences, cutting unnecessary words, or enhancing the rhythm of your writing. They’re not just checking grammar—they’re polishing your voice.

Copyediting This is the nuts-and-bolts stage. Copyeditors look for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and consistency issues. They make sure your tenses don’t wander, your names are spelled the same way throughout, and your formatting aligns with publishing standards.

Proofreading Proofreading is the very final step. A proofreader checks for any small errors that slipped through the cracks—typos, misplaced commas, or formatting glitches. It’s like the last polish before your book is ready to meet readers.

Many authors mistakenly think they just need proofreading, when in reality their manuscript would benefit from deeper structural or line editing first. Understanding where your book is in the process will help you choose the right editor at the right stage.

Why Choosing the Right Editor Matters

Editing isn’t cheap, and it isn’t optional if you want a professional-quality book. The right editor can elevate your manuscript in ways you might not even imagine, while the wrong one can derail your project or leave you frustrated.

A good editor doesn’t impose their style on your book—they work with your voice, not against it. They know how to bring out the best in your writing while respecting your creative vision. The wrong editor, however, might make your book sound like someone else wrote it, miss important issues, or fail to communicate clearly with you.

Think of editing as an investment. The time and money you put into choosing the right editor will pay off in the long run, not just in sales, but in your growth as a writer.

Where to Find Editors

Once you’re ready to search, where do you look? Luckily, there are many places to find editors, from professional associations to freelance platforms.

You can start with organizations like the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), ACES: The Society for Editing, or Reedsy, which connect authors with vetted professionals. You can also find editors through word-of-mouth—ask other writers who they’ve worked with and if they recommend them.

Freelance marketplaces like Upwork or Fiverr may have editors, but you’ll need to be extra cautious when hiring through these platforms, as quality can vary widely. Always look for experience, samples, and testimonials before committing.

If you’re pursuing traditional publishing, your publisher will typically assign an editor. But even then, you might choose to hire your own editor before submission to ensure your manuscript is in the best possible shape.

What to Look For in an Editor

Not all editors are created equal. Here are some of the key qualities to look for when evaluating potential editors:

Relevant Experience An editor who specializes in romance novels may not be the best fit for your historical nonfiction. Look for editors with experience in your genre. They’ll understand the conventions, reader expectations, and industry standards specific to your type of book.

Strong Communication Skills Editing is collaborative. You need someone who can explain their suggestions clearly and respectfully, who listens to your concerns, and who doesn’t just impose changes without discussion.

Respect for Your Voice The best editors improve your work without making it feel like it belongs to someone else. They’ll respect your style and voice, even as they refine it.

Attention to Detail An editor who misses basic errors isn’t worth your time. Look for someone who has a reputation for thoroughness.

Professionalism This includes meeting deadlines, sticking to agreed-upon terms, and providing clear contracts. A professional editor will outline their process, pricing, and timeline upfront.

How to Evaluate an Editor

Once you’ve found a few editors you’re interested in, how do you decide which one is right for you?

Check Samples of Their Work Many editors will provide sample edits—often a few pages of your own manuscript. This is one of the best ways to see if their style works for you.

Ask for References Don’t hesitate to ask for testimonials or to speak with past clients. Hearing about another author’s experience can tell you a lot.

Compare Costs Editing costs vary depending on the level of editing and the editor’s experience. Some charge per word, others per page, and others per hour. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true. Cheap editing often leads to low quality. But also, the most expensive editor isn’t automatically the best fit for you.

Assess Compatibility Sometimes, it comes down to personality. Do you feel comfortable with them? Do they seem genuinely invested in your project? You’ll be working closely together, so trust your instincts.

Red Flags to Avoid

While there are many excellent editors out there, there are also some who might not be right for you—or worse, who might be unprofessional. Watch out for these warning signs:

• An editor who refuses to provide a contract.

• Someone who guarantees your book will be a bestseller (no editor can promise that).

• Editors who won’t explain their changes or don’t provide clear feedback.

• Extremely low prices that suggest they’re rushing through projects.

• A lack of experience or no visible track record.

Building a Good Relationship with Your Editor

Once you’ve chosen an editor, remember that this is a partnership. Approach it with openness and respect. Editing can feel vulnerable—having someone critique your work is never easy—but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of the writing process.

Be open to feedback. You don’t have to accept every suggestion, but consider each one thoughtfully. Ask questions if you don’t understand a change. Communicate your expectations clearly and early. And most importantly, recognize that your editor is on your side. Their goal is to help your book succeed.

The relationship you build with your editor can extend beyond one book. Many authors work with the same editor across multiple projects, developing a rhythm and trust that deepens over time.

Investing in Your Future as an Author

Choosing the right editor isn’t just about this book—it’s about your career as an author. Each project you work on will help you grow, and a strong editor can be a mentor as well as a collaborator. They can teach you new skills, help you recognize patterns in your writing, and push you to become a stronger storyteller.

If you see editing as a partnership rather than just a service, you’ll get far more value out of the experience. It’s not just about fixing what’s wrong, but about elevating what’s already there, helping you present your best work to the world.

Bringing It All Together

Finding the right editor is a process of clarity, research, and trust. Start by knowing what kind of editing you need. Then look for editors with experience in your genre, strong communication skills, and a respect for your unique voice. Evaluate their work through samples, testimonials, and references, and don’t be afraid to trust your instincts about compatibility.

Yes, it takes time, effort, and money. But remember, your book deserves the best. Editing is the bridge between your private creative work and the public world of readers. Choosing the right editor means choosing a partner who will help you cross that bridge with confidence.

When your book is finally out there—polished, professional, and resonant with readers—you’ll be glad you took the time to find an editor who truly fits.

A Closing Reflection

Your words are precious. They deserve care, attention, and refinement. A great editor doesn’t take ownership of your story—they help you claim it more fully. They give your book its best chance to connect, to endure, and to matter. So when you’re choosing an editor, don’t think of it as just hiring a service. Think of it as choosing someone to walk beside you on this journey.

Because the right editor doesn’t just improve your book. They help you grow into the author you’re meant to be.