Guest Post: How to Pick the Right Editor for Your Book

I edit book-length manuscripts and have an excellent track record and happy clients; nevertheless, I hear horror stories about people who chose the wrong editor. Each sad story represents lost time, lost money, and an end product that reflects poorly on the author. When I ask what made the unhappy author choose a particular editor, I get one of two answers: low price or quick turnaround. Of course! Those factors are uppermost in the minds of most buyers of editing services, yet they should be the least important, because they are the most short-lived and shortsighted.

Instead, look for a reputable editor with credentials and an understanding of the type of book you have written. For example, if the book is self-help, your editor should be a reader of self-help books and should have a history of editing such books. If the book is a thriller, fantasy, reference, or romance, the same holds true.

How can you be sure you're getting a reputable editor who will do what he or she promises and who will still be in business later, if you need help? Here are things to check. Find out if he or she…

1. Is a full-time editor and doesn't have another job that detracts from editing
2. Follows Chicago Style guidelines for editing books
3. Line edits for clarity and correct capitalization as well as the standard grammar, punctuation, syntax, and typos
4. Has edited books that have been published by traditional publishers, not just by self-published authors
5. Has written or contributed to books that have been traditionally published (not just self-published)
6. Has been editing in general for at least a decade
7. Has been editing books for at least five years
8. Is willing to supply you with a list of recent clients, along with contact information, so you can check references
9. Has a Web site listing accomplishments, services, and prices
10. Offers follow-up guidance and mentoring-allows you to ask questions afterward
11. Offers concept editing if you desire it, in addition to line editing (Concept editing should include a written report on elements that apply to your book-that is, for fiction it should at least cover plot, characterization, pace, conflict, and resolution; for nonfiction it should address organization, clarity, pace, and marketability.

When the editor you find fills those requirements, no matter how long you wait or what price you pay, you will get the results you want.

In choosing an editor, low price and fast turnaround both work against you. The best editors charge for their experience, spend a great deal of time with each manuscript, and have a backlog of work. To get the right editor, be patient and be willing to pay, because you will get what you pay for, and you'll be rewarded with a good editing job. As a result your books will reflect well on you and sell well, too.

Bobbie Christmas is the author of Write In Style (Union Square Publishing, a division of Cardoza Publishing, Simon and Schuster, distributor) and owner of Zebra Communications, a book-editing service. Sign up her free e-zine, The Writers Network News, at www.zebraeditor.com. Her book is available in bookstores in America, Canada, and Australia as well through Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.