4 Things to Look For in a Book Editor or Writing Coach
Deciding to work with a book editor or writing coach is a huge deal. You want to make sure you’re giving your book to the best person for the job.
So how do you know what to look for? How do you know who you can trust?
There are a few key elements that make up the perfect editor or coach.
Take a look at the 4 things you should be looking for when doing your research.
#1 Genre specialty
When looking for an editor or coach, it’s important to find someone who is familiar with your genre.
Just like with querying, you wouldn’t give your epic fantasy to someone who only works with contemporary romance.
Most editors and coaches will list their genre specialties on their website so you know exactly what they will or won’t work with. If you’re unsure, it’s worth dropping them an email and checking so they have all the details before agreeing to take on your book.
Some editors and coaches have specialist areas, like thrillers or historical fiction. Other editors, like me, have a more broad genre interest. There is no real right or wrong, it’s just about choosing the person who is going to best understand your book and your vision.
#2 Track record
Your chosen editor or coach should be experienced and educated.
That means they should have testimonials from previous writers they’ve worked with or editing-specific qualifications that show they have the practical knowledge needed to conduct their work.
If you’re unsure about the editor or coach’s expertise, ask for testimonials or ask to speak to previous clients. It’s also worth checking their social media and seeing what kind of content they post and what this might suggest about how they run their business.
What you want to know is that this person is qualified and capable. More than that, you want to know that they’re reputable, with experience and happy customers.
#3 Professionalism
Your editor should be a professional. This means having a professional website, qualifications, experience, and professional communication with prospective clients.
Before reaching out to an editor or coach, do your research. Check their website, social media, testimonials, and how they interact with people online. Your freelance editor or coach is running a business, and that means upholding professional standards at all times.
After reaching out to them, consider how they communicate and if it feels right to you. Were they prompt with their response? Were they friendly and made you feel at ease? Did they answer your questions and seem interested in your work (not just interested in getting paid)?
Additionally, your editor or coach should have professional procedures in place, like having a contract, deposits, or arranging connection calls to get to know each other first.
#4 Style
Style refers to both how the editor or coach communicates and how they work. It’s important that you are receiving feedback in a way that suits you.
Many writers who are new to receiving feedback are concerned about harsh criticisms and being made to feel bad about their ability. If that’s a concern you have, talk to the editor or coach and ask how they deliver feedback or what their stylistic approach is. (For example, I make it clear on my website that my approach is all about being empathetic and solutions-based.)
As the writer, you don’t want to be disappointed or surprised when you receive your feedback, so discuss the editor or coach’s approach before agreeing to work with them, especially if you’re nervous.
Other important factors
While these are 4 of the main factors to take into account, they’re not the only ones. Other important considerations are:
Cost. Although price shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision, it is important. According to Reedsy, the average cost of developmental editing is $0.028 per word (£0.022 per word). You can expect then that an editor charging this rate or higher really knows their stuff. An editor charging less than this might be a little less experienced. At the end of the day, experience costs.
Availability. Another important factor is the editor’s availability. Often, a good editor is booked several months in advance. At the time of writing (November 2024), I am booked 11 months in advance. If an editor has a packed schedule, it’s often a good sign. Newer editors are less likely to be booked as far in advance, so immediate availability can sometimes suggest less experience.
Ultimately, it comes down to weighing up the things that count and making an informed decision. Give yourself plenty of time to find the right editor so you’re not rushing to get booked in.
