Know When to Hire an Editor

by Rochelle Melander

Though we’d love to think we can take a book from conception to publication all on our own, it actually takes a village to raise a book. An editor can be a helpful partner at many stages of the writing and publication process.

Hire an editor when you get stuck.

Many writers give up when they bump up against a structural or content issues with a book and can’t figure out how to fix them. Early in the writing process or at any stage we get stuck, a development editor (someone who deals more with content than technical issues) can help us understand and fix the structure of the book or address issues of plot, character, and setting.

Hire an editor when you wonder if the book is good enough.

You’ve finished writing your book and although you trust the opinions of your first readers, you want to hear what an expert thinks of your book. You are curious about what works, what doesn’t work, and what you can do about it. This is a great time to hire someone to do a manuscript evaluation, a broad read of the book with an eye for content, flow, consistency and marketability. Many development editors will also make suggestions for how you can fix those issues.

Hire an editor when you want to make a good first impression.

You’ve finished your book. Friends and critique partners have read it for content and flow. You think you’re ready to go. But wait. Some editors and agents, faced with a deluge of submissions, will look for any reason to dump your work—even a small typographical error. You need someone to review your book for clarity and consistency. You also need someone to address grammar issues and typographical errors. At the very least, you want a proofreader. Or you might want a copy editor to provide a more substantial look at the final copy of your book.

Hire an editor when you are publishing the book on your own.

You’ve decided to indy publish your book. Because you’re doing it all on your own, you’ll want to hire everyone you can to help: a development or content editor to make sure the book is organized well and makes sense; a copy editor to deal with issues of style and content; and a proofreader to check for minor errors. At the very end, you will probably want someone who can prepare your manuscript for publication, including typesetting, layout, and design.

Hire an editor when you get an agent or a publisher.

When an agent or publisher accepts a book, it is by no means done. An agent will often give suggestions for revision before submitting it to editors or even after receiving constrictive comments from a few editors. The publisher will also have editors who will help you further develop and edit the content of the book as well as copy editors and proofreaders to put it in tip-top shape for publication. No doubt, you will be doing the bulk of the rewriting here. But, at some point, an agent or a publisher might suggest you hire an editor to help you create the best book possible.

Your turn: When has an editor helped you take your book from good to great?

Write Now! Coach Rochelle Melander is an author and ADHD-trained professional certified coach. She helps wildly creative people get stuff done. From writing and publishing books to finishing that work project–she’s got you covered. If you’re struggling to start or finish a project, connect with Rochelle to create a personalized plan for overcoming procrastination, dealing with distraction, and staying focused. Book a private consultation: https://writenowcoach.com/consultation/