Working with a Freelance Editor:
Tips and Tactics for Success
by Linda Nathan

You've written the Great American Novel, and it's ready for publication.

But no one else seems to think so.

Maybe you've tried everything—the writing books, the critique groups and conferences; you've entered contests, badgered friends and family (Mom loves it), and you've even considered self-publishing.

What should you do next?

Have you considered hiring a freelance editor?

Popular author Austin Boyd is an example of the good fruit that can come from the right relationship with a freelance editor.

After nine years of writing, Austin had 250,000 words, 900 pages, and no takers. He had studied nearly 30 writing books and run his manuscript by anyone willing to read it. Yet he was still no closer to publication. He finally hired Hawkeye Editing, Inc. and Logos Word Designs, Inc. for evaluation, consultation, editing, rewriting, and agent/publisher submission services.

After two comprehensive reviews, two substantive edits, and three years of hard work, Austin had five interested publishers. His third techno-thriller in eighteen months came out in July 2007, and he's now Oliver North's co-author. He's recovered all of his investment and profited. What's more, he's close to fulfilling his heart's desire: being a full-time writer.
 

If you find yourself in the same state yet are afraid to make the leap, answering some of these questions may help.

• How do you know when you need a freelance editor?
   
• How do you find the right editor?
   
• And how can you benefit most from the relationship?

Working with a Freelance Editor

Editors A to Z. Freelance editors come in all shapes and sizes and often specialize in different areas. Their services range from simple copyediting to the complex assessment of long-term writing career goals and needs.

If an agent or editor thinks your manuscript looks unprofessional, she will reject it. But a professional intermediary can help ensure that it is nearly 100 percent free of errors in content and presentation and prepare a professional proposal package.
 

Useful Links

Invest in Yourself. Austin Boyd's sage advice for fellow writers.

Freelance Book Editors: Worth the Price? By Lisa Silverman

Working with a Freelance Editor by Jennifer Tribe

Frequently Asked Questions About Book Doctors/Freelance Editors

Be Your Own Editor

© 2008 Linda Nathan

1. Assess your goals, strengths and weaknesses.

First, analyze your long-term objective(s). What kind of writing career are you seeking? Just chronicling family memoirs? Or hoping to be the next Tom Clancy? What do you need most? An editor, a mentor, or a writing class?

Are you going to self-publish or seek a royalty publisher? Do you understand the publishing business? Are you committed to the long haul? Carefully assess your strengths and weaknesses. And if you want an editor, look for one that can assist your growth as a writer.

2. So what does an editor do?

Many people think editors just fix grammar and punctuation. But far more important is the editor's ability to understand and to clarify your concepts. So don't necessarily expect an expert in editing cookbooks to grasp the nuances of your treatise on Calvinist theology.

Levels of editing:

a. Simple proofreading covers basic grammar and punctuation issues.

b. Light copyediting fixes grammar, punctuation and syntax, usage, and style issues and corrects awkward sentences.

c. Substantive/content editing clarifies and strengthens your meaning, overall clarity and accuracy; rewriting improves readability and flow.

d. Developmental editing helps develop a manuscript from its initial concept to completion.

e. Rewriting assistance utilizes all of the above in helping to rewrite line by line. It's a great hands-on way to learn. My fiction rewriting assistance also includes developing the elements of fiction: character, plot, setting, etc.

f. Ghostwriting. You hire someone to write under your name.

3. Finding and Assessing Your Editor

Research the Internet using key words freelance editor, freelance editing, editorial association, book editor, and book doctor. Ask fellow writers for referrals; explore writers' conferences and the library.

Editorial associations are an excellent resource, as they usually vet their members. You can search membership lists, contrast credentials and experience, and get contact information. Some resources:

a. Editorial Freelance Association (EFA), professional editorial specialists.

b. Northwest Independent Editors' Guild, a regional guild. Check your own region.

c. The National Writer's Union, a national trade union.

Christian market writers have Sally Stuart's Christian Writers' Market Guide, and Kathy Ide's Christian Editor Network. General market writers can search Elizabeth Lyon's National Directory of Editors & Writers, the Writers Net Directory and the Preditors & Editors online guide, among others.

4. Assessing Your Editor

Select the two or three most likely editors and assess their training, credentials, services, and fees. Compare with the EFA's Fair Practice Code.

What services are available? What will you get for your investment? Are details clear? Who are his clients? Look for years of experience and types of editing. Are testimonials available? Do published books acknowledge the editor?

Is the editor a published writer? Do the types of publications fit you? Has he ever worked for a publisher?

What organizations does the editor belong to?

Do you feel you can respect and work with this editor?

Will he edit your work personally or delegate it? Provide a written evaluation? Meet your deadline?

5. Working with an Editor

Expect to send a sample or your entire manuscript in advance for an initial determination.

Editors may not want a particular deadline, may dislike a topic, or not be conversant with it. Someone once phoned me four times within ten minutes and rambled in a nearly incoherent manner. I definitely rejected his project!

Once you decide to move ahead, be sure to have a written agreement. Research what makes a good one and suggest any needed changes. See a sample agreement. Recommended: The Writer's Legal Guide by Crawford & Lyons.

Much online editing these days uses Word's track changes and comment features. Mastering these will help both you and your editor.

Remember that editors have good days, bad days, and headaches. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Be fair, patient, and kind, and communicate as clearly as you can. Check your contract for relevant clauses and don't withhold payment. Do what you can to build trust. And be sure and take the quiz: "Are You a Good Client?"

If you need to withdraw over issues, assess how profitably you can without burning bridges. Forgive. And move on.

6. Payment

Standard hourly rate ranges can vary by location. (See the-efa.org/res/rates.html and writersmarket.com/download/How_Much_Should_I_Charge.pdf)

Per-page rates are based on the industry standard page—a double-spaced manuscript page in a standard 12-point font with one-inch margins and a header that contains approximately 250 words/page. For example, 30,000-words divided by 250 = 120 pages.

Check with your editor about payment methods.

"Dream clients."

One client consistently says: "Throw it to me. I've got my Teflon suit on." And once he even decided I hadn't charged enough and sent me another $200! So, yes, there are dream clients!

Now that you know how to be a "dream client," hopefully you're on your way to finding your own dream editor!