In an open ocean of editors and freelancers, finding the right person for your book can feel overwhelming. However, with the proper sea anchors, you can identify the right editor for you in today’s bustling freelance waters.
Here’s what we at Generational Copy, LLC recommend:
Contracts
Legitimate business owners will always outline the parameters of your agreement in a contract that both parties agree to for legal purposes. Avoid editors who shy away contracts or promote ideas like “spiritual” or “handshake” agreements in their business dealings.
Test Projects
At Generational Copy, LLC, we recommend that authors first do a test project with an editor before entering into an agreement. This helps both parties understand a) the scope of the work and b) type of editing most appropriate for the project (i.e., developmental, line, copy editing, etc.), ensuring a higher degree of quality control throughout the process.
Experience
Every editor has a range of experience and expertise. The right editor for your book should have experience editing in your genre, as they will better understand the conventions of the genre itself and the style needed for your book to engage readers.
Recommendations
The editor you choose should ideally come recommended by previous clients and/or experienced professionals in the industry for their professionalism and the quality of their work.
Timeline
Reputable editors get booked very quickly and should be able to give you an approximate timeline for the duration of your project. It’s also important to note how many projects the editor takes on at any given time to ensure that your book gets the attention it deserves.
Communication
Professional editors will always be respectful of your time and take proactive measures to communicate regarding the progress of your book. Our policy at Generational Copy, LLC is to initiate same-day responses during business hours with a maximum response time of 48 hours during weekends and holidays.
Payment Structure
Payment structures vary between editors and can be based on word/page count, hourly rates, or project fees. Our payment structure at Generational Copy, LLC is a singular project fee based on the scope of the project without any risk to the author of incremental or “creep up” costs.
Find the Best Editor for Your Book: Expert Tips