How to Find Your Ideal Editor

Writing a book is a deeply personal and transformative process. By the time you reach the editing stage, you’ve poured your heart, time, and energy into shaping your manuscript. Now it’s time to invite someone else into your creative world—and that can feel both exciting and terrifying. The right editor can take your book to new heights, while the wrong fit can leave you feeling misunderstood or discouraged.

So how do you find the ideal editor for your project? Here’s a guide to help you find the right collaborator for your book.

1. Get Clear on the Type of Editing You Need

Before you start looking for an editor, it’s important to know what kind of support your manuscript needs. Editing is not one-size-fits-all—there are several different stages:

• Developmental Editing: Big-picture feedback on story structure, character arcs, pacing, and overall flow. Ideal if your manuscript is complete but needs shaping.

• Line Editing: Focuses on sentence-level style, tone, and clarity. This is about elevating your writing voice and ensuring every line sings.

• Copyediting: Corrects grammar, punctuation, consistency, and word usage.

• Proofreading: The final polish before publication, catching typos and formatting issues.

If you’re unsure which stage you’re in, many editors offer manuscript assessments or editorial letters to help you decide where to start. To learn more about each stage of the editing process, visit this blog post.

2. Know Your Goals and Budget

Hiring an editor is an investment—both financially and emotionally. Ask yourself:

• What is my goal for this book? (Traditional publishing? Self-publishing? Personal legacy?)

• What level of feedback am I ready for?

• How much can I realistically invest in professional editing right now?

Being clear on your goals and budget will help you narrow your search and find someone who can deliver what you need within your means.

3. Look for Editors Who Specialize in Your Genre

A romance editor will approach your manuscript differently than a science-fiction editor—and that’s a good thing! Look for someone who understands the conventions of your genre, your audience’s expectations, and what makes a book in your category successful.

Check their websites, portfolios, or testimonials to see if they’ve worked on books similar to yours. You can also ask for a list of titles they’ve edited.

4. Review Their Credentials and Process

Professionalism matters when you’re trusting someone with your manuscript. A good editor should be transparent about:

• Their editing process and timeline

• Their rates and what’s included

• Their communication style

• Their experience and training

Some editors are members of professional organizations like the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) or ACES, which can be a good sign of commitment to industry standards.

5. Request a Sample Edit

Most editors will offer a short sample edit—often 5–10 pages—for free or a small fee. This is one of the best ways to see if their style resonates with you. Pay attention to:

• The clarity and helpfulness of their comments

• Whether their suggestions feel aligned with your voice

• How their feedback makes you feel—motivated, inspired, or defensive?

A good editor should challenge you while respecting your vision for the book.

6. Trust the Relationship

Editing is more than just improving a manuscript—it’s a partnership. You’ll be in conversation with this person about vulnerable parts of your work and possibly yourself. Choose someone you trust, someone who “gets” your story, and someone you feel safe collaborating with.

7. Take Your Time Choosing

Finding the right editor is worth the effort. Don’t rush the process—interview multiple editors, read testimonials, and check references if you can. The goal is to find someone who will not only improve your book but also support you as a writer.

Your ideal editor isn’t just a service provider—they’re a creative partner invested in helping you tell the best possible version of your story. When you take the time to find the right fit, the editing process can feel empowering, collaborative, and deeply rewarding.

Seeking a developmental editor? Check out Her Narrative’s Editing Services.