Where To Find Reputable Freelance Book Editors Online

Gary Smailes | 5 November 2025

Define Your Editing Brief Before You Search

Going editor shopping without a brief wastes time and money. Most editors ask the same core questions. Answer them first, then outreach goes faster and quotes make sense.

Pick the level of editing

Match the service to the problem. A quick self test helps.

Read ten pages aloud and ask:

• Do scenes drag or repeat beats.
• Do sentences feel clunky or unclear.
• Do grammar errors and punctuation glitches jump out.
• Are you on a final PDF or formatted EPUB.

Now match symptoms to the right stage.

• Developmental editing. Big-picture work. Structure, plot, character arcs, pacing, point of view. Signs you need this stage:
  • Beta readers say stakes feel low or motives feel fuzzy.
  • Middle sags or subplots wander.
  • Scenes exist, story spine wobbles.
• Line editing. Style and flow. Rhythm, diction, clarity, voice on the sentence and paragraph level. Signs you need this stage:
  • Repetition, filler phrases, tangled syntax.
  • Inconsistent tone or register.
  • Descriptions bloat, dialogue beats drag.
• Copyediting. Grammar, usage, and consistency. Style guide alignment, continuity, fact flags. Signs you need this stage:
  • Mixed hyphenation and capitalization.
  • Numbers, dates, and names vary.
  • Agreement errors and punctuation trouble.
• Proofreading. Final typo sweep after layout. Page numbers, widows and orphans, stray spaces, broken links. Save this for the typeset file.

Pick one stage per round. Stack rounds in a sensible order. Development first, then line, then copyedit, then proofread.

Share the right project details

Editors tailor scope and price to the book on their screen. Offer a clean snapshot.

Include:

• Genre and subgenre. Be specific. “Romantic suspense” tells more than “romance.”
• Target audience. Age range and reading level if relevant.
• Word count and format. Draft in Word, Google Docs, or Scrivener. Intended formats, print or digital.
• Comps. Two or three current titles with a sentence on fit. “Voice like Tana French, small-town mystery stakes.”
• Timeline. Ideal start date, hard deadlines, and flexibility.

Example snapshot:

• Adult epic fantasy, 118,000 words.
• Readers who enjoy N. K. Jemisin and Rebecca Roanhorse. Smart worldbuilding, character-driven stakes.
• Draft in Word. Seeking developmental feedback first.
• Hoping to start in late July. Querying in November.

That level of detail helps an editor see workload, genre fit, and calendar pressure at a glance.

Decide on deliverables

Know what you expect to receive. Ask for examples if needed.

Common deliverables:

• Edit letter. A narrative report that covers strengths, issues, and priorities. For developmental work, expect themes, structure, character, and pacing. For line work, expect voice, clarity, and style patterns.
• In-document Track Changes. Inline suggestions and queries tied to exact sentences.
• Style sheet. A record of decisions on spelling, hyphenation, numbers, capitalization, and character names. Gold for series work and for translators.
• Debrief call. A short call to talk through notes and next steps.
• Second-look pass. A light follow-up pass on revisions within a set window.

Decide which elements matter for this round. For example, developmental feedback usually pairs best with an edit letter plus margin queries. Copyediting usually pairs best with Track Changes plus a style sheet. Proofreading often includes a marked PDF with comments.

Budget and schedule with real numbers

Rates vary by level, genre complexity, and condition of the draft. Review current benchmarks from the Editorial Freelancers Association before you set expectations. Then build a plan.

• Start early. Many sought-after editors book months ahead.
• Set a range, not a single number. Then ask for per-word equivalents. Apples to apples beats vague totals.
• Factor multiple rounds. Few books reach publication after one pass.

Sample math:

• 90,000-word novel.
• Developmental editing at 0.03 per word equals 2,700.
• Line editing at 0.02 per word equals 1,800.
• Copyediting at 0.018 per word equals 1,620.
• Proofreading at 0.01 per word equals 900.
• Total across four rounds equals 7,020.
• Spread across six months to match savings and schedules.

Timeline sketch for the same project:

• June, developmental edit, four weeks, one-week pause for questions.
• August, revisions by author, four to six weeks.
• October, line edit, three weeks, one-week Q&A.
• November, copyedit, two weeks, one-week fix pass.
• December, design and typesetting.
• January, proofreading, one week, final fixes, one week.

Swap months to suit your calendar. The structure stays.

A one-page brief editors love

Drop this into an email or inquiry form.

Subject: Editing inquiry, Genre, Word count, Target month

Hello [Name],

Project

• Title, Genre, Subgenre
• Word count, Draft format

Goal for this round

• [Developmental, line, copyedit, or proofread]
• Success looks like: [clear stakes, tighter line work, clean copy, print-ready pages]

Audience and comps

• Target readers: [age range, interests]
• Comps: [Title by Author, Title by Author], brief fit note

Timeline

• Ready to start: [date]
• Deadline or event: [date], priority level

Deliverables requested

• [Edit letter, Track Changes, style sheet, debrief call, second-look pass]

Attachments

• Synopsis, first 10 pages, and any style notes

Questions

• Availability for this scope and timeline
• Quote with per-word rate and deliverables
• Sample edit policy on 1,000 to 2,000 words

Thank you,

[Your name]

[Contact details, website if relevant]

Quick worksheet

If overwhelm creeps in, fill these blanks.

• My biggest pain point right now: __________
• One level of editing that fits that pain point: __________
• Top three deliverables I value: __________, __________, __________
• Word count and format: __________
• Genre and subgenre: __________
• Two comps and why they fit: __________, __________
• Ideal start month and deadline: __________, __________
• Budget range and number of rounds planned: __________

Bring that brief to your search. Editors will take you seriously, and your quote will reflect the work you need, not guesswork.

Best Places Online to Find Vetted Editors

Finding strong editors starts with places that screen for experience, show real portfolios, and make pricing clear. Start here.

Reedsy Marketplace

A curated hub built for books. Profiles list services, genres, training, and recent titles. You send one brief to several editors, then review quotes side by side.

How to use it well:

• Filter by genre and service level. Developmental, line, copyediting, or proofreading.
• Read profiles closely. Look for recent books in your lane, specific outcomes, and a style match in sample pages.
• Check response time and acceptance rate.
• Send a tight brief. Title, word count, genre, comps, timeline, deliverables. Attach your first chapter or synopsis.
• Ask for a paid sample on the same pages from each contender.
• Keep messages in the platform for tracking and dispute support.

Good signposts:

• Concrete notes in sample edits, not vague praise.
• Clear boundaries on scope and timelines.
• A style sheet example for copyediting or proofreading.

Professional Associations and Directories

Member directories give you training badges, specialties, and links to external portfolios. Rate charts help you set expectations before outreach.

• Editorial Freelancers Association, EFA. U.S. directory with search filters for specialty and industry. Rate guidance shows typical per-word bands. Sort by book editing and your genre.
• CIEP, Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading. UK directory with levels, Entry to Advanced Professional. Higher grades signal extensive training and logged hours. Look for book specialisms and genre notes.
• Editors Canada. Search by service, language, and sector. Many listings include sample projects and tools used, such as Chicago and PerfectIt.
• IPEd, Australia and New Zealand. Accredited editors carry a credential after names. Filter by service type and subject area.
• ACES, The Society for Editing. Strong for copyediting and proofreading. Check the member directory and job board. Look for editors with book series experience and style guide fluency.
• ALLi Partner Directory. Built for indie authors. Partners agree to a code of standards. Read the listing page for scope, then click through to an external site for fuller case studies.

How to shortlist from directories:

• Collect 6 to 10 names with direct genre alignment.
• Cross-check websites for recent book credits and before or after samples.
• Send a standard brief to each, then compare replies for clarity and tone.

Genre and Trade Communities

Some of the best editors live inside genre homes. Associations often run vetted lists or pass along referrals.

• SCBWI, for children’s and YA. Members share editor referrals by age band, picture books to YA fantasy. Look for editors who talk about developmental stages for kidlit, not only grammar.
• RWA, for romance. Chapter groups share lists and run live critique sessions. Editors who teach deep POV, trope management, and series bibles tend to understand romance readers.
• Reputable writing orgs by niche, such as Sisters in Crime, HWA, SFWA affiliate circles. Many host directories or Slack groups with referral threads.

How to work these communities:

• Search forums for “editor rec” plus your subgenre.
• Note names that repeat across threads.
• Verify each person through a website and credits, then request a paid sample.

University and Literary Press Clues

Freelance editors often cut teeth at presses. Acknowledgments pages name them. Use those breadcrumbs.

A quick method:

• Pull three comps in your category. Ebook samples work.
• Jump to Acknowledgments or back matter. Scan for “Thanks to” lines naming editors or editorial consultants.
• Example note you might see: “Deep thanks to Dana Ruiz for wise structural notes.” Or “Copyediting by Michael Chan.”
• Search those names with “freelance editor” plus genre. Check LinkedIn and personal sites for services and contact forms.

Why this works:

• Names come tied to proven books.
• You see exact roles, developmental, line, copyedit, proofread.
• You confirm genre fluency immediately.

Pro Tips For Faster Results

• Build a tracker. One sheet with name, service level, genre fit, rate, availability, sample edit status.
• Use the same 1,000 to 2,000 word sample for every test. Same chapter, same problems, fair comparison.
• Ask about style, Chicago or house style, and dictionary choice. Consistency matters down the line.
• Favor editors who explain choices. “I moved this beat to raise tension because the goal-reaction sequence stalls.” Specifics signal strong thinking.

A Sample Outreach Blurb For Directories

Subject: Thriller, 92k words, developmental edit, September start

Hello [Name],

I found your profile in [Directory]. My thriller, 92,000 words, aims for readers of S. A. Cosby. I seek a developmental round focused on stakes, pacing, and POV control.

Deliverables requested:

• Edit letter
• Margin queries on key scenes
• Debrief call
• Optional second-look on revised opening

Ready to start in September. Querying in January. Are you available, and what is your current per-word range. Do you offer a paid sample on 1,500 words from chapter 3.

Thanks,

[Your name]

Use these sources, work a clear brief, and you will surface editors with the skills your book needs. Fewer dead ends. Better pages.

Using Marketplaces and Communities Strategically

The internet is crowded. You do not need every platform. You need a smart plan for the few that work.

Upwork and Fiverr Pro

These platforms sometimes surface excellent book editors. They also reward clear briefs and sharp screening.

Set up your post:

• Title: “Developmental edit for 85k-word sci‑fi novel, series starter”
• Include: genre, word count, comps, timeline, editing level, deliverables, English variant, budget range
• Attach the same 1,000 to 2,000 words you will use for all samples

Add two screening prompts:

• “Share two books you edited in this genre. List your role and year.”
• “Mark three issues you see in my sample, then outline your plan for the first 10 chapters.”

Green flags:

• Proposal cites your sample pages, uses exact terms, and gives a mini diagnostic
• Portfolio shows recent books, not only blog posts or web copy
• Rates match book work, with per‑word or per‑project clarity
• Specific tools and guides listed, such as Chicago and Merriam‑Webster, plus a style sheet example

Red flags:

• Vague promises and generic lists of services
• Prices set per hour without page or word estimates
• Refusal to do a paid sample
• No book titles in credits

Workflow tip:

• Invite only the top five proposals to send a paid sample on the same pages
• Keep all messages on the platform for records and support
• Close the job once you hire to prevent message clutter

LinkedIn

Think of LinkedIn as a live directory with proof of activity.

Search strings to paste:

• “freelance book editor” AND “romance” AND “developmental”
• “copyeditor” AND “historical fiction”
• “proofreader” AND “children’s books”
• “line editor” AND “memoir”

Open promising profiles. Check:

• About section for book focus and genre notes
• Featured posts or articles showing edit letters, case studies, or process write‑ups
• Activity feed for teaching threads, not only sales posts
• Recommendations from authors, not only co‑workers

Quick outreach template:

Subject: Mystery novel, 78k words, line edit in June

Hello [Name],

Found your LinkedIn profile and liked your post on tightening dialogue. I have a 78,000‑word mystery for readers of Jane Harper. Seeking a line edit, June start.

Deliverables:

• In‑document Track Changes
• Style sheet
• Short summary of global issues
• One debrief call

Do you have availability, a per‑word range, and a paid sample policy on 1,200 words from chapter two?

Thank you,

[Your name]

Social Communities

Targeted groups save time. Go where your genre hangs out.

Where to look:

• Facebook groups for indie authors in romance, SFF, mystery, kidlit
• Discord servers tied to reputable writing orgs
• Subreddits such as r/selfpublish and r/writing

How to mine referrals without drama:

• Use search within the group for “editor rec,” “dev edit,” or “copyedit”
• Note names repeated by multiple authors
• DM for specifics, scope, timelines, and result quality
• Cross‑check each name on a personal site and a directory profile

Post template for groups:

“Looking for a developmental editor for a 90k‑word historical fantasy. Goal: tighten pacing, clarify stakes, strengthen POV. Target August start. Budget in line with EFA ranges. Seeking editors with recent credits in adult fantasy. Please share two titles, service scope, and paid sample policy.”

Keep your post clean. No pages attached in public threads. Move to email once you have a few leads.

Conference Directories and Speaker Lists

Editors who teach often hold up well under scrutiny. Teaching forces clarity and repeatable process.

Where to look:

• Faculty lists for conferences such as Writer Unboxed events, genre cons, and reputable regional festivals
• Podcast guest pages where editors discuss process
• Webinar hosts for groups like SCBWI chapters, Sisters in Crime, HWA, or RWA chapters

Signs of substance:

• Session topics tied to book editing, such as stakes, scene structure, style, or fact‑checking
• Slides or articles linked for follow‑up reading
• Case studies with outcomes grounded in craft, not hype

Follow the trail to booking pages or personal sites. Ask for availability and a paid sample. Reference the session you watched. It shows you did the homework and sets a shared vocabulary.

Build a Shortlist Without Burning Weeks

You want 5 to 8 names, each with genre fit, clear scope, and samples on your pages.

A quick, repeatable workflow:

1. Pull three leads from a marketplace post, two from LinkedIn, one from a social group, and two from a conference list.
2. Send the same brief to all. Same sample pages, same questions, same deliverables.
3. Log replies on a simple sheet:
   • Name, service level, genre match, rate, availability
   • Sample edit received, notes on voice sensitivity
   • Communication tone, timeline clarity, and process detail
4. Rank sample edits side by side. Look for specific rationale. “Shift paragraph three before paragraph one to restore cause and effect.” Precision wins.
5. Schedule one short call with your top two. Listen for collaboration style. You want clear explanations and respect for your voice.

Two last moves:

• Reply to those you pass on. Thank them. Keep bridges intact.
• Keep your tracker. You will need copyediting and proofreading later. Good contacts pay off across rounds.

Marketplaces and communities reward focus. Use tight briefs, repeatable tests, and polite persistence. You will end up with a shortlist worth the money and the pages.

Vetting and Testing: How to Evaluate Editors Online

You are hiring judgment. You need proof. Not gloss, not hype. Proof in the work, the method, and the way your pages improve.

Portfolio and case studies

Start with results you can see.

• Look for named book credits with roles and years.
• Ask for a sample edit letter or a before and after page. Even one page tells you a lot.
• Read for outcomes tied to craft. Clearer point of view. Tighter pacing. Cleaner sentence rhythm. Stronger continuity.

Questions to ask:

• What problems did you identify in this book, and how did you address them?
• Which changes did the author accept, and why?
• Do you have permission to share a snippet of an edit letter with the author's name removed?

Green flags:

• Specific issues named and solved, not vague praise.
• Clear boundaries between coaching, line edits, and copyedits.
• Credits in the last two to three years.

Red flags:

• Guarantees about agents or sales.
• No book-length samples, only blog or web copy.
• Case studies with zero text examples.

Genre alignment

An editor does not need to have worked on your exact niche series, but they need fluency in the shelf you target.

Check for:

• Recent titles in your category, with audience match. Adult romance is not YA romance. Cozy mystery is not thriller.
• Familiarity with tropes and reader expectations. Ask for three comp titles and what those readers expect.
• Awareness of current market language. Does their portfolio include books with similar tone and length?

Quick test:

Send a one-paragraph summary of your book. Ask which comp fits better and why. A useful reply names stakes, voice, and audience.

Sample edit policy

A paid sample removes guesswork. Request 1,000 to 2,000 words from the same chapter for every editor on your shortlist. Keep the pages identical.

What to expect:

• Track Changes showing wording edits, trims, and rewrites where needed.
• Margin queries that flag logic, POV slips, flat beats, or consistency issues.
• A short diagnostic note that explains priorities for the full manuscript.

How to read the sample:

• Do the notes teach you something about your book, or only mark surface errors.
• Do the line choices honor your voice, or flatten it.
• Are comments clear and actionable. Examples help. Vague directions waste time.

Reasonable policies:

• A small fee credited to the project if you hire.
• Delivery in 3 to 7 days for a short sample.
• A limit on follow-up emails before a formal booking.

Style and standards

Editors work from standards so your book reads clean and consistent.

Ask:

• Which style guide do you use for books. Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster are standard for U.S. trade.
• Which tools you run. PerfectIt, Word's Editor, macros, and a style sheet template.
• How you build a style sheet. Ask for a sample page.

What a strong style sheet includes:

• Spelling decisions, hyphenation, numbers, capitalization.
• Character names, relationships, and ages by chapter.
• Place names and timelines.
• Voice notes, such as preferred idioms or sentence patterns.

Voice protection:

• Ask, how do you decide when to rewrite versus comment.
• Look for answers like, I preserve diction and rhythm, I explain the reason for major shifts, I flag tone risks.

Communication and process

Editing lives or dies on clarity. You need a roadmap and a partner who respects your time.

Confirm:

• Start date, delivery date, and turnaround for a second pass if included.
• What files you return. Track Changes file, a clean file, an edit letter, a style sheet.
• How many questions you answer after delivery. Email? Call? How long.
• How you handle disagreements or reversions.

Language that signals a healthy process:

• Here is how I scope heavy versus light edits, with examples.
• If a passage invites multiple options, I show two versions and explain the trade-offs.
• I leave author-only comments where a revision needs your voice.

Watch for:

• Vague timelines or shifting milestones.
• Defensive replies when you ask about process.
• No mention of a revision window.

References and social proof

Testimonials help. Verified references help more.

Ask for two recent clients in your genre. Then follow through.

• Email a short note with three questions.
  1. Did the edits match the agreed scope and schedule.
  2. What part of the feedback moved your book forward.
  3. How did the editor handle a disagreement.
• Scan public feedback. LinkedIn recommendations. Reedsy reviews. Mentions in acknowledgments.
• Match dates and book titles to the editor's portfolio.

What to ignore:

• Star ratings without details.
• Praise from colleagues who were not clients.
• Reviews that mention price only, not outcome.

Side-by-side testing

Put the evidence on one screen. Your chapter, two or three sample edits, your notes.

Make a simple scorecard:

• Rationale. Do comments explain the why behind each change.
• Specificity. Are fixes precise, with examples you can follow.
• Voice sensitivity. Does the sample still sound like you.
• Scope match. Do edits stay within the agreed level. A developmental sample should not nitpick commas.
• Clarity. Are the files tidy and easy to read.

Mini exercise:

• Read one page of each sample out loud. Your ear will catch stiffness or loss of rhythm.
• Highlight three suggestions you love and three you will decline. If you struggle to choose, the fit might be wrong.
• Look for one revision that makes you wish you had thought of it. That is the editor you want.

Tie-breakers:

Pricing, Contracts, and Safe Hiring Practices

You want clarity before commitment. Numbers, scope, and ground rules. No surprises, no guesswork.

Quotes and rates

Ask for itemized quotes with per‑word equivalents. You want apples to apples.

What to request:

• Editing level and rate type, per‑word, per‑hour, or flat fee.
• Estimated hours for hourly work, with a cap and notice before overage.
• Heavy‑edit surcharge and rush fee, with thresholds spelled out.
• What is included and what counts as extra.

Quick math to compare:

• Example: 85,000 words at 2.5 cents per word equals 2,125 dollars.
• Heavy‑edit surcharge of 20 percent adds 425 dollars.
• Total: 2,550 dollars. Two rounds included, or one, with a short fix round.

If a quote lists only a flat fee, ask for the per‑word equivalent. Also ask for a sample schedule. Deposit, midpoint, and final.

Cross‑check numbers with rate charts from EFA or your regional association. Outliers deserve questions.

Email script:

• “Please itemize services by stage with per‑word equivalents. Include rush and heavy‑edit rates, and what triggers them.”

Scope and deliverables

A contract should show the work on the page, not an airy promise.

List every deliverable:

• Editing level and focus, developmental, line, copyedit, or proofread.
• Word count limit and how overage is billed.
• Edit letter length or page range.
• Files you receive, Track Changes file, clean file, style sheet, comments.
• Debrief, length of call, or number of emails.
• Second pass terms and cutoff date.

Two sample lines:

• “Service covers 85,000 words of line editing with Track Changes, a 3 to 5 page edit letter, and a style sheet.”
• “A second pass on revised pages up to 15,000 words within 30 days, no extra fee.”

If your book has back matter, maps, or illustrations, name those pieces and note who formats them.

Payments and protection

Use secure invoices or platform escrow. Avoid direct bank transfers to unknown accounts.

Set structure before work starts:

• Deposit, often 30 to 50 percent, due on booking.
• Milestones tied to dates or file delivery.
• Final payment due on delivery, before release of the clean file.
• Refund and cancellation rules in writing.
• Late fee policy.

If using a marketplace, keep messages and files on platform. If hiring off platform, use a signed PDF and a reputable invoice tool. Ask for a receipt for every payment.

Rights and confidentiality

Your words stay yours. Put it in writing.

Cover these points:

• You own all IP in the manuscript and edits on delivery of final payment.
• Editor keeps files confidential and stores them securely.
• File retention window, for example, deletion within 60 days after project end unless you ask otherwise.
• Portfolio use, for example, “Editor may list title and author name after public release. No text excerpts without written permission.”
• NDA on request for pre‑publication work.

If you use pen names, record legal name for invoicing and pen name for public credit.

Global considerations

Match the English to your market. U.S., UK, Canadian, or Australian conventions. Confirm style choices up front, spelling, punctuation, date formats, and quotation marks.

Also confirm:

• Time zones and typical response windows.
• Currency and VAT or GST. Who pays processing fees.
• Tax forms. W‑8BEN or W‑9 for U.S. clients who need them.
• File formats. Word, Google Docs, or both.

Add these to the contract so no one guesses later.

Red flags online

Walk away when you see:

• Promises of agent deals or bestseller status.
• Refusal to provide a paid sample or two references.
• Vague scope or a one‑line “I edit everything.”
• Pressure to pay in full before a start date with no contract.
• No explanation for editorial choices during a sample.
• Hostile or evasive replies to basic questions.

Mini checklist before you hire

• Three itemized quotes converted to per‑word.
• Contract with scope, deliverables, timeline, and second‑pass terms.
• Deposit and milestone plan in writing.
• Clear IP and confidentiality clauses.
• English variant, currency, tax forms, and time zone confirmed.
• Paid sample reviewed side by side with at least one other.

A quick example

Two quotes arrive for an 82,000‑word fantasy novel.

Editor A: flat fee 2,400 dollars for line edit, includes Track Changes, style sheet, 2 page letter, one follow‑up call, no second pass, 20 percent heavy‑edit surcharge if needed.

Editor B: 0.032 per word for line edit, equals 2,624 dollars, includes Track Changes, clean file, 4 to 6 page letter, style sheet, second pass up to 10,000 words within 45 days, no heavy‑edit surcharge, rush fee 15 percent if delivery under two weeks.

You line up inclusions and timing. You ask two questions. A will not define heavy edit triggers. B lists triggers, sentence‑level rewrites across more than 20 percent of pages or consistent grammar intervention. Same week, both deliver paid samples. B preserves voice and explains choices. The higher price buys clearer scope and a second pass. That avoids costly fixes later.

Last word

Do the boring parts now. Ask for detail. Put every promise in the contract. Future‑you will be grateful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly should I put in a one‑page editing brief to get useful quotes?

Include genre and subgenre, target reader, word count and file format, a two‑sentence pitch, two or three comp titles with a note on fit, three pain points (for example “sagging middle”, “flat dialogue”, “POV drift”), desired service level and timeline, plus the first chapter or the most representative chapter. This tidy packet lets editors produce accurate per‑word equivalents for the exact work you need.

How do I decide which level of editing—developmental, line, copyedit or proofread—I actually need?

Run a short self‑test: read ten pages aloud and ask whether scenes drag (developmental), sentences feel clunky (line editing), style and consistency wobble (copyediting) or you’re on a typeset file needing a final typo sweep (proofreading). Match the symptom to the stage and plan rounds in sequence—developmental first, then line, copyedit and finally proofread—to avoid wasted time and extra cost.

Why should I commission paid sample edits and how should I evaluate them?

Paid sample edits (1,000–2,000 words, ideally from the middle of a chapter) show weekday‑pace decision‑making rather than polished free samples. Expect Track Changes, margin comments that explain the why, and a short diagnostic note. Evaluate samples for voice preservation, whether the editor spots the main problem first, and the teaching value of comments—those are the signals that will save you money across the whole manuscript.

How do I compare quotes and normalise pricing across editors?

Ask every editor for a per‑word equivalent for the specific service and deliverables they propose (for example “line editing with Track Changes, 3–4 page letter, style sheet”). Convert flat fees or hourly estimates to per‑word so you compare apples to apples, and confirm thresholds that trigger heavy‑edit surcharges or rush fees to avoid surprise costs later.

Where are the best online places to find vetted book editors?

Start with curated marketplaces like Reedsy Marketplace, professional association directories (EFA, CIEP, Editors Canada, IPEd) and genre communities (SCBWI, RWA, Sisters in Crime). Use the same one‑page brief and sample across shortlisted editors so you can compare replies, paid samples and timelines in a disciplined way.

What contract and payment terms should I insist on before work starts?

Insist on a written agreement that defines scope, exact word count, deliverables, timeline, deposit and milestone payments, revision windows, cancellation and kill fees, confidentiality and IP ownership. Confirm English variant, currency, VAT/GST and file formats; and request secure payment methods or escrow rather than informal bank transfers to protect both parties.

How can I vet an editor quickly for genre fit and credibility?

Ask for two recent titles they edited in your subgenre, permission to contact those authors, and links to professional memberships. Request a paid sample on identical pages from every finalist and score samples side‑by‑side for rationale, specificity and voice sensitivity. A short call with the top two then confirms collaboration style and availability.



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