There are a couple different ways to do so. Not every editor is the same, or the most well-suited for your individual project. Some of us have certain interests or skills that lend themselves to working on certain projects more so than others. No two editors are alike!

In your search, you want to think about the following:

• Does this person have a background in writing, editing, or communications in any way? What qualifies them to be an editor or proofreader?

• Is this person a writer? Can you find their writing somewhere to see how they treat their own work?

• Are their prices reasonable for your budget? Do they offer payment plans or flexibility?

• Do their prices seem too affordable?

• Do they have any reviews or references?

• Do they offer any free consultations of their editing?

Everyone knows editing can be expensive—that’s why most opt out of it, and their work tends to suffer as a result. Depending on the length and depth of your project, the price can vary significantly. And as someone who went through the process of publishing myself, I know how pricey editing can get and how little writers make in profits and royalties, so I am happy to work around any budget. To see breakdowns for pricing, refer to my Services and Pricing page.

When looking for an editor, the prices can be daunting, but you must also be wary of any editor whose prices are considerably low or way too high. Editing a full-length manuscript, 80k-100k words, should cost anywhere between $1000-$2000 depending on what kind of editing you want. Any lower, the price is too good to be true. Any higher, the editor gouged their prices.

Developmental editing relates to content, structure, plot, and story consistencies. This type of editing takes more time, skill, and effort on my part, so it costs more.

Copy editing is for grammar, mechanics, word choice, and punctuation. In comparison to developmental editing, copy editing is faster and easier. That is why the price varies for whether you want developmental editing, copy editing, or both.

This is a very popular question! I’ve been both and I’ve employed both. Some people have very strong opinions on which one is better or more helpful, but my answer to this is it depends. It’s up to you what’s best for your project. More often than not, a writer will incorporate both after they’ve completed their first draft.

Editor

• Background in writing or editing (maybe a degree)

• Business-oriented and professional

• Deep editing: line editing, copyediting, grammar & mechanics

• Adheres to deadlines agreed upon by the writer and editor

• Charges for services ($-$$$)

• Stranger/acquaintance from social media/online or professional contact

Beta Reader

• Often from within social group (friend, relative, coworker, etc.)

• Services are usually free

• Process can take as long or short as the reader has time for

• Dynamic is casual and informal for both parties

• Surface reading: plot holes, likes/dislikes about story & characters

• Likely have 5-10 readers simultaneously, sometimes more

I do, upon request. Because of the confidential nature of someone else’s work or professional profile, I don’t display examples of previous work I’ve done out of courtesy. I do, however, appreciate referrals from happy customers!