With so many editors out there, finding the right one for your project can feel daunting. How do you know if the person you’re considering is a trained professional or someone who woke up one day and decided they’ve got the skills to do this job (even if they don’t)? Choosing the wrong editor can leave you frustrated, out of a lot of money, or with a manuscript that no longer feels like yours. Here are a few red flags to watch for.
- They don’t clearly explain what their service includes
“Editing” is an umbrella term and can mean very different things. Developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, and proofreading all address different aspects of a manuscript. Will the editor fix your grammar? Will they point out plot holes? Will they comment on repetitive sections or help you tighten the prose? Your editor should be able to tell you exactly what they will be looking for and, perhaps more importantly, what they won’t be looking for. If they can’t (or won’t) discuss this, find someone else.
- They have no examples, testimonials, or professional experience available
Most editors will display client testimonials on their website or list the books they worked on. If they’re members of professional organizations like the Editorial Freelancers Association or ACES, they might share that as well. If they don’t have any of these things listed, feel free to ask them about it. If they can’t provide any sort of credentials, this could be a red flag. They could have all the relevant skills and just be at the beginning stages of their freelancing career (which is totally fine!), but they could also be unqualified for the job. You should find out which is the case.
- They refuse to provide a sample edit
A sample edit can be a useful way to determine whether you and an editor are a good fit. It will show you their approach to editing and giving feedback, which is extremely valuable. Some editors provide sample edits for free, while others charge a small fee. However, if an editor refuses to do a sample edit at all (or if they charge an unreasonable fee for it), that’s not a good sign.
- They make extensive changes in the sample edit without explaining their reasoning
A sample edit should give you an idea of how an editor approaches your writing—not leave you wondering why half the paragraph has been rewritten. If an editor makes significant changes without explaining what they’re addressing or why, you may have a hard time understanding their approach or deciding whether their suggestions are right for your book.
- They make you feel bad about your writing
Editing can involve difficult feedback, but you should never feel belittled, mocked, or pressured into accepting an editor’s suggestions. Your editor is there to help you make informed decisions about your book—not make you feel like you aren’t good enough to write it.
- They pressure you to pay upfront in full
Many editors have waitlists and might require you to book their services months (or even years) in advance. That’s completely normal—and can even be considered a good sign, if that many people are willing to wait for the editor’s services. In cases like this, you might need to sign a contract well before the editor would actually begin working on your project. However, this doesn’t mean that you should feel rushed to commit. If the editor is pressuring you to pay for their services upfront in full (especially without a contract), that’s a massive red flag.
- The contract is vague—or nonexistent
Always ask for a contract and read it closely. Make sure you understand the editor’s rates, estimated turnaround times, payment terms, revision policies, and what happens if either of you needs to cancel the project.
A clear contract is a good sign. If important details are vague or you’re being asked to agree to something you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask questions—or step away.
- They are dismissive or disinterested
Finally, pay attention to how the editor communicates with you. Do they seem interested in your book and your goals? Do they answer your questions clearly? Do you feel respected and listened to?
- They seem too good to be true
Extremely low prices, impossibly fast turnaround times, guaranteed results, and claims to be able to “do it all” are worth investigating. Editing is skilled, time-consuming work. If an editor promises to provide a 25-page editorial letter and developmental edits for your 150,000-word novel within three days for $200, chances are you’re paying for an AI edit instead of a human one. (That’s not a made-up example, by the way. I saw a listing offering developmental editing with those terms online not too long ago. Yikes!)
The right editor isn’t necessarily the most experienced, the most affordable, or the most popular. They’re the one who’s the right fit for your book and your goals. Take the time to ask questions, understand the service you’re buying, and trust your instincts.