Publishing today is highly competitive. If your book isn’t nearly perfect, you risk readers trashing your story. Professional editors are one way to make sure you release the best product possible. But it’s not always easy to find the right editor, especially when you are trying to find one for the first time. When hiring a paid editor, a writer should expect several things:
Professionalism: The editor should conduct themselves in a professional manner throughout the editing process, including clear communication, meeting deadlines, and respecting the writer's work.
Expertise: A paid editor should possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively edit the writer's work. This includes proficiency in grammar, punctuation, style, and structure, depending on the type of editing required (e.g., developmental editing, copyediting, proofreading).
Constructive Feedback: The editor should provide thoughtful and constructive feedback on the writer's work, identifying strengths and weaknesses and offering suggestions for improvement.
Respect for Voice and Vision: While providing feedback and making edits, the editor should respect the writer's voice and vision for their work. They should aim to enhance the writer's ideas rather than imposing their own style.
Attention to Detail: A good editor pays attention to detail, catching errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency, as well as addressing larger issues related to structure, coherence, and clarity.
Open Communication: The editor should be open to discussing the writer's concerns, answering questions, and providing clarification as needed throughout the editing process.
Transparency: A paid editor should be transparent about their process, including their rates, timeline, and any changes made to the writer's work.
Confidentiality: Editors should maintain the confidentiality of the writer's work and respect their intellectual property rights.
Revisions: Depending on the agreement, the editor should be willing to provide revisions or address any further concerns the writer may have after the initial editing is complete.
Overall, hiring a paid editor should result in an improved manuscript that is polished and ready for publication, while also respecting the writer's voice and intentions.
I am the founder of ArmLin House, as well as the Chief Editor and Creative Director. For over thirty-five year, I’ve worked in technology, business development, marketing, writing, and publishing jobs. In the last 5 years I’ve returned to school and have become a graphic designer and social media video editor. In general, I have A LOT of experience in A LOT of industries and I love to help people, which is one of our main missions as a company. Learn more about me on my LinkedIn page.