You've finished writing your book: congratulations!
Or maybe you're not quite there yet, but you're thinking ahead. (Very wise.)
So this doesn't end up being super-long, I'm going to assume you've already made the decision to hire an editor. Before we get too far
in, though:
Here are six key things to consider when choosing an editor:
#1: What sort of books do they handle? Most obviously, some
editors specialise in non-fiction, others in fiction. Within that, you might look for an editor who has subject-matter knowledge (they've edited or written books on similar topics to you) or genre-specific experience (they're a fantasy novelist like you are).
#2: Will they be a good fit, personality wise, for you? The easiest way to find out is to pay for a short sample edit and/or consultation. (Some editors will do a sample for free.) For
instance, you might want someone who'll be really encouraging and gentle ... or you might be happy with a brisk, efficient service instead.
#3: How much do they charge? This is rarely immediately obvious from their website. For good reasons, most editors don't publish their exact rates: some manuscripts will require far more work than others. I'd suggest emailing several editors to ask for a quote (they'll need to see a sample of your writing before
providing one).
#4: How long will the edit take? Editors are usually booked up for several weeks or even months ahead, so don't expect them to edit your whole novel over a weekend! If you do need edits in a hurry (perhaps to meet a competition deadline), then let them know upfront and ask if they can manage it.
#5: Do other writers recommend them? Your editor's website will probably include
testimonials: do read those, but also ask if you can get in touch with someone who's worked with them. (Or approach this the other way round: ask all the writers you know who they'd recommend you go to.)
#6: What (relevant to you) industry experience or expertise do they have? For instance, if you're aiming for a traditional publishing deal, you'll ideally want an editor who's been traditionally published – or who's worked as a literary
agent or in a publishing house.
I'd always recommend paying for a small amount of work before committing to spending hundreds of pounds / dollars on having your whole manuscript edited. That way, if there's anything you're unhappy with, you can address it up front – or simply look for a different editor.
If you don't know where to begin looking, my recommendations are: