So, you finally did it. You wrote the book. Or more honestly, the book wrote you. Either way…it’s done.
Now what?
You’re proud, tired, and probably a little protective of those pages. But before your story can make its way to readers, it needs something else — someone else. An editor.
Not just any editor, though. You need one who gets your story, your voice, and your weird obsession with commas. That’s where book editing services come in — finding someone who refines your work without sanding off what makes your writing yours.
Finding that person takes time. It’s a bit like dating, but with track changes. Let’s talk about how to find an editor for my book who’ll make your story shine without turning it into something it’s not.
Step-by-Step Guide to Find the Right Editor
Here are 10 steps to find the right editor for your manuscript:
Step 1: Know What Kind of Editing You Need
“Editing” sounds like one thing, but it’s actually a few very different jobs.
And picking the wrong kind is like calling a plumber when you need an architect.
#1 Developmental Editing
Big-picture stuff. Structure. Pacing. Character arcs. They’ll tell you if your middle drags or if your ending makes sense. Think of it as story surgery. You’ll hate them for cutting your favorite chapter, then love them when it reads 10x better.
#2 Line Editing
Now, we’re zooming in. A line editor helps your writing flow better, tightening sentences, improving rhythm, and catching awkward phrasing. It’s not about rules. It’s about music.
#3 Copyediting
This is the grammar zone. Typos, punctuation, consistency, style guides…the quiet hero work that makes your book look professional.
#4 Proofreading
The last safety check before you publish. They catch what everyone else missed because they’re the kind of people who notice missing spaces and double periods.
Pro tip: Knowing which type of edit you need is one of the most underrated manuscript editing tips out there.
Step 2: Find Someone Who Knows Your Genre
Every genre has its heartbeat.
- A romance editor knows when the tension’s off.
- A thriller editor knows when the twist came too early.
- A fantasy editor knows when your worldbuilding feels half-cooked.
You want an editor who’s already swimming in the same ocean as your story.
Look in the acknowledgments sections of books you love. Authors almost always thank their editors. Google those names. Or hop into author Facebook groups, where writers are generous about sharing who they’ve worked with.
Ask questions like:
“What’s the one book you wish you’d edited?”
If they light up talking about your kind of story, that’s a good sign. You’re on your way to find an editor for my book who understands your audience.
Step 3: Always Ask for a Sample Edit
This is non-negotiable.
A sample edit is like a first date: a low-stakes way to test chemistry. Send a few pages and see what they do.
Then pay attention:
- Do they make your words stronger or just different?
- Are their comments thoughtful or robotic?
- Do they explain the “why” behind changes?
If their notes feel like a conversation instead of a lecture, that’s the one to keep talking to. Many authors say understanding line editing vs. copy editing is one of the best manuscript editing tips they’ve ever learned.
Step 4: Pay Attention to Communication
You can tell a lot about an editor by how they talk to you.
Are they kind but honest?
- Do they listen when you explain your intent?
- Do they reply to emails before the next full moon?
You’re trusting them with your creative baby; respect and clarity matter. A great editor won’t just fix your words; they’ll teach you how to see your work differently.
If you ever feel small after reading their feedback, they’re not the right fit.
Step 5: Budget Honestly
Editing costs money. Real talk: it’s not cheap and it shouldn’t be.
You’re paying for skill, experience, and time. Expect anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the type and length of your manuscript.
Here’s what you can do:
- Ask about payment plans.
- Get 2–3 quotes.
- Be upfront about your budget.
Some editors will work in stages, edit half now, half later. Others offer payment breaks for indie authors.
Just don’t go for the cheapest one because they’re “fast.” Fast edits are usually half-done edits.
Step 6: Read the Contract Like a Lawyer
No one loves paperwork, but this one matters.
Make sure it says what you’re getting, how much it costs, and when it’ll be delivered.
There should also be a confidentiality clause; your book stays yours.
And please, never pay the full amount upfront. A deposit is normal. The rest should come after the work is done.
Step 7: Check their Reputation
The editing world is small. Ask around.
Post in author communities. Check websites like Reedsy, Fiverr Pro, or the Editorial Freelancers Association.
Look for editors with testimonials or links to published books they’ve worked on.
If you can, read one of those books. You’ll know immediately whether their editing style clicks with what you want.
Step 8: Don’t Ignore Chemistry
The right editor feels like a creative partner, not a critic.
When you find the right one, you’ll actually look forward to their comments. They’ll challenge you without taking over your story. They’ll care enough to tell you when something’s off. They’ll even be kind enough to help you fix it.
You’ll know you’ve found them when you say, “Ugh, they’re right,” out loud while reading their feedback.
Step 9: Be Open to Critique
This part’s hard. You’ll get notes that sting. You’ll want to argue. You’ll probably close your laptop once or twice.
That’s normal.
Take a breath. Walk away. Come back later. If the feedback still makes sense after you’ve cooled off, use it.
Good editors don’t rewrite your story; they help you see what it could be.
Step 10: Think Long Term
If you find someone amazing, stick with them. A strong author-editor relationship makes every book better. They start to anticipate your quirks, your tone, and your habits, and they help you grow.
Some of the best writer-editor pairs have worked together for decades.
That could be you.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right editor isn’t about luck. It’s about fit.
You’re looking for someone who sharpens your words without dulling your spark; someone who listens before they change anything.
When you find an editor who gets you, the writing process stops feeling lonely. It feels like collaboration. It feels like your story finally found its second heartbeat.
Ready to find your editor? Connect with Ghostwriting Help to connect with an editor who’ll help your words sound like you, just clearer.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my manuscript is ready for an editor?
When your story feels complete, characters are developed, and you’ve self-edited once or twice, it’s time to bring in a professional editor for refinement.
2. What type of editor should I hire first?
Start with a developmental editor if your story structure or pacing feels off. They’ll help fix big-picture issues before you move to the grammar and polishing stages.
3. How much does professional editing usually cost?
Editing prices vary based on word count and depth. Expect anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on whether you need developmental, line, or copyediting.
4. Can I skip editing if I have good writing skills?
Even experienced writers need editors. A fresh perspective catches mistakes, improves flow, and ensures your story connects with readers clearly, no matter how strong your writing is.
5. How long does the editing process typically take?
Depending on your manuscript’s length and editing level, it can take anywhere from two weeks to two months. Good editors never rush; they refine with care and precision.
