The Comfy Hermit

When you start looking for editors they will be listing different services they offer. Some offer line editing, but not developmental editing. Others offer a wide range of options and allow you to pick and choose.

Some, like my editor, will be straightforward with you and say, “you don’t need developmental editing, but you need line editing. Here’s a sample edit. I hope we can work together.” (Pst, that’s why you want to have Critique Partners, Alpha Readers, and Beta Readers. They save you money.)

Types of Editors
There are a lot. I am going to keep this short, sweet, and to the point. I am also going to go in order of steps.

Before we dive in, please remember that editors are people. People are prone to human error. They help you polish your manuscript/draft. They don’t create perfection.

Development Editor-> Structural Editing->Line Editing-> Copy Editing-> Proof Reading

Developmental Editors-help with character development, plot holes, and how all the components of your book make up a coherent story.

You can actually reach out to a Developmental Editor for help before your manuscript is complete for help on specific issues.

Structural Editors-hey help with the flow of the book. Got a lot of time jumps and flashbacks? Could help.

From this point on, you need a completed manuscript.

Line Editing-they help with your voice/style. They will get into the nitty-gritty of your sentences.

Copy Editing-when you are thinking of the proof reading your teachers had you do in school, this is what they are talking about. They get into grammar, punctuation mistakes, etc.

Proof Reading- the last line of defenses on typos, inconsistent comma usage, and other minor details.

Your editor should give you an assessment over the overall book and outline what they think they can do for you. They should also provide you with a sample edit. They may be a fantastic editor, but for some reason you just don’t jive- that’s okay! Here’s an article with more details on the types of editors and the process.

How to Find an Editor
I went on Facebook and posted in writing groups looking for one. My background is in recruiting so I felt comfortable in this vetting process.

You will want to find out which editing they provide, typical turn around times, rates, if they offer a contract (review it), see how quickly they respond, how politely they respond, and you should put in some intentional errors to test and see if editor catches them.

Outside of social media, you can find editors on Reedsy.

Some editors offer payment plans, others are open to bartering services (like promotional material for a certain amount of words). We will have a list of editors in the future.