Top Tips for Hiring the Best Freelance Editors in 2023

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 8 min read

As an author or content creator, finding the perfect freelance editor can make all the difference in the final outcome of your work. With countless freelance editors available in the market, it's essential to know how to choose the right one for your project. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of hiring the best freelance editors in 2023, starting with defining your editing needs.

Define Your Editing Needs

Before you begin your search for a freelance editor, it's important to determine the type of editing you need and the goals you want to achieve with their help. By being clear about your requirements, you'll be better equipped to find an editor who specializes in your specific needs.

Different Types of Editing

There are several types of editing, and each serves a distinct purpose. Some common types include:

Developmental editing: This type of editing focuses on the overall structure, plot, and character development of your work.
Line editing: Line editors concentrate on improving sentence structure, clarity, and style, making sure that your work flows well and is easy to understand.
Copy editing: Copy editors are responsible for catching grammatical errors, inconsistencies, and formatting issues in your work.
Proofreading: Proofreaders provide a final check for typos and other minor errors before your work is published or printed.

Understanding the type of editing you need will help narrow down your search for freelance editors who specialize in that area.

Clarify Project Goals

Once you've determined the type of editing you need, it's important to clarify the goals you want to achieve with your editor's assistance. These could include:

Improving the overall quality and readability of your work
Ensuring that your work adheres to a particular style guide or industry standard
Preparing your manuscript for submission to literary agents or publishers
Enhancing the impact and effectiveness of your content for a specific audience

Having clear goals will help you communicate your expectations to potential freelance editors and evaluate their ability to meet your specific needs.

Search for Freelance Editors

Now that you've defined your editing needs and project goals, it's time to start searching for freelance editors who can help you achieve those objectives. There are several ways to find qualified editors, and we'll explore some of the most effective methods below.

Reputable Platforms

Several online platforms connect freelance editors with clients seeking their services. Some popular and reliable ones include:

Upwork
Reedsy
Fiverr
Freelancer.com

These platforms typically feature profiles, portfolios, and reviews of freelance editors, allowing you to evaluate their skills, experience, and client satisfaction before reaching out to them.

Editor Networks

Professional organizations and networks for editors often maintain directories or job boards where you can find freelance editors. Some notable groups include:

The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA)
The American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)
The Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP)

By searching through these networks, you'll find editors who are dedicated to their craft and have likely undergone professional training or certification.

Personal Recommendations

Don't underestimate the power of personal recommendations. Reach out to fellow authors, content creators, or colleagues for suggestions of freelance editors they've worked with and trust. This approach can often lead you to editors who are not only qualified but also a good fit for your working style and project needs.

By using these different methods, you'll be able to compile a list of potential freelance editors to consider for your project.

Assess Editors' Skills

Once you've found potential freelance editors, it's time to evaluate their skills and determine if they're a good fit for your project. Here are some key factors to consider when assessing freelance editors:

Editing Portfolio

A freelance editor's portfolio should showcase their previous work and editing style. Look for projects similar to yours in terms of genre, format, or subject matter. This will help you understand if they have the experience and expertise to handle your project effectively.

Client Testimonials

Client testimonials provide valuable insights into a freelance editor's professionalism, communication, and ability to meet deadlines. Positive feedback from satisfied clients can be a strong indicator that the editor will be a good fit for your project. Keep an eye out for recurring themes in the testimonials, such as attention to detail, responsiveness, or adaptability.

Relevant Experience

While an impressive portfolio and glowing testimonials are essential, it's also crucial to consider the editor's relevant experience. Does the editor have a background in your specific niche or industry? Are they familiar with your target audience? An editor with experience in your field can bring valuable insights and suggestions to your project, helping you produce content that resonates with your readers.

By evaluating freelance editors based on their portfolios, client testimonials, and relevant experience, you'll be able to narrow down your options and select an editor who is well-suited for your project.

Conduct Interviews

Once you've narrowed down your list of potential freelance editors, it's time to conduct interviews. An interview allows you to get a better feel for the editor's personality, communication style, and work ethic. Here are some key aspects to focus on during interviews:

Communication Skills

Effective communication is vital for a successful working relationship with a freelance editor. During the interview, pay attention to how well the editor listens, asks questions, and responds to your concerns. Are they receptive to your ideas and suggestions? Are they clear and concise in their explanations? A freelance editor with strong communication skills will make the editing process smoother and more enjoyable for both parties.

Editorial Philosophy

Each editor has their own unique approach to the editing process, known as their editorial philosophy. During the interview, ask the editor about their editing style and methods, and how they handle different types of projects. Are they more hands-on or hands-off? Do they focus on big-picture issues or get lost in the details? Understanding an editor's editorial philosophy will help you determine if their approach aligns with your expectations and project goals.

By conducting thorough interviews and focusing on communication skills and editorial philosophy, you'll be able to identify the freelance editor who's the best fit for your project.

Request a Sample Edit

Before making a final decision on a freelance editor, it's a good idea to request a sample edit. A sample edit allows you to see the editor's work in action and evaluate their skills on a small portion of your project. Here's how to go about it:

Evaluate Sample Edit

Provide the editor with a few pages from your project and ask them to perform an edit. Once you receive the edited sample, review the changes and comments carefully. Consider the following questions:

Did the editor improve the clarity and readability of the text?
Did they catch grammatical errors, inconsistencies, or awkward phrasing?
Was their feedback constructive and easy to understand?
Did the editor maintain your voice and style throughout the sample?

Assessing the quality of the sample edit will help you determine if the editor's skills meet your needs and expectations.

Compare Sample Edits

If you've requested sample edits from multiple freelance editors, take the time to compare their work. Look for differences in the level of detail, the types of changes made, and the overall quality of the edit. Evaluating each sample side by side will give you a clearer picture of which editor is best suited for your project.

Requesting and evaluating sample edits can be a valuable step in the hiring process, as it helps ensure you find a freelance editor who is both skilled and compatible with your project's needs.

Discuss Fees and Payment

Once you've found a freelance editor whose skills and experience align with your needs, it's time to discuss fees and payment. Remember, clear communication is key in establishing a successful working relationship. Consider the following steps to help you navigate this part of the process:

Negotiate Rates

Freelance editors may charge by the word, by the page, by the hour, or on a project basis. Start by discussing their preferred method and the rates they charge. If their rates are within your budget, great! If not, consider negotiating a rate that works for both parties. Keep in mind the following:

Be respectful and professional during negotiations.
Take into account the scope of your project and the editor's expertise.
Remember that quality editing is an investment in your project's success.

Establish Payment Schedule

Once you've agreed on rates, it's important to establish a payment schedule. This will help both you and the editor manage expectations and maintain a smooth workflow. Consider the following options when setting up a payment schedule:

Upfront payment: A percentage of the total fee is paid before the project begins.
Milestone payments: Payments are made when specific milestones are reached, such as completing a certain number of pages or chapters.
Final payment: The remaining balance is paid upon completion of the project.

Discuss these options with your freelance editor and choose the one that works best for both parties.

By openly discussing fees and payment, you can establish a strong foundation for your working relationship and ensure that you and your freelance editor are on the same page financially.

Create a Contract

After discussing fees and payment, it's time to create a contract that outlines the terms of your working relationship with the freelance editor. A well-crafted contract can help prevent misunderstandings and protect both parties in case of disputes. Here are some key elements to include in your contract:

Clearly Outline Expectations

Make sure the contract specifies the scope of work, including the type of editing services to be provided. It's essential to be as detailed and specific as possible to avoid confusion later on. For example, if your project requires copy editing, state it clearly in the contract, along with any other tasks you expect the editor to perform.

Establish Deadlines

Set realistic deadlines for the completion of each stage of the editing process, and include them in the contract. This will help keep the project on track and ensure that both you and the editor are accountable for meeting these deadlines.

Include Terms of Termination

It's important to include terms of termination in case either party needs to end the working relationship early. This could be due to unforeseen circumstances or dissatisfaction with the work. Specify any notice periods and refund policies, if applicable.

Once your contract is in place, both you and your freelance editor can proceed with confidence, knowing that the terms of your working relationship are clearly defined and legally binding.

Maintain Open Communication

Effective communication is key to a successful working relationship with your freelance editor. By keeping the lines of communication open, you can ensure that the editing process goes smoothly and that any potential issues are addressed promptly. Here are some tips for maintaining open communication with your editor:

Provide Feedback

As your editor works on your project, make sure to provide them with constructive feedback that can help improve the quality of their work. Be specific about any changes you would like to see and explain your reasoning. This will not only help your editor understand your expectations, but it will also help them grow as a professional.

Address Concerns

If you have any concerns or questions about your editor's work, don't hesitate to bring them up. Be honest and open about your thoughts, and allow your editor the opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings or make necessary adjustments. Remember, it's better to address any issues sooner rather than later to avoid complications down the line.

By maintaining open communication with your freelance editor, you can build a strong working relationship that will lead to a successful editing experience and a polished final product. After all, collaboration and mutual understanding are essential ingredients in the recipe for a well-edited project.

If you're looking to improve your skills in editorial submissions and shoot development, don't miss the workshop titled 'Editorial Submissions: Shoot Development To Publication' by Jose Espaillat. In this workshop, you'll learn how to create compelling submissions that will catch the eye of publications and help you grow as a creative professional.