March 12, 2024 • 12 mins
What you need to know BEFORE you start working with an editor—and how to tell if they’re the right fit for your novel.
Working with a developmental editor can be the most rewarding part of your editing process.
But if you’ve never worked with an editor before, it can also be . . . intimidating. Confusing. Scary.
After all, you’ve got to hand your manuscript that you’ve worked so hard on to a stranger on the internet and hope their feedback will be helpful and not soul-crushing.
If you’ve ever wondered how to find the right editor for your book—
—or maybe you’ve worked with an editor before, and it wasn’t a great experience—
—then this episode is for you. In it, I’m sharing my top tips to find the right editor for your novel.
You’ll learn:
- What you should know BEFORE you start looking for an editor
- 6 criteria to vet editors to see whether they’re the right fit for you
- 5 questions to ask to make sure you and your editor are on the same page
- And more!
When you find the right editor for your book, the developmental editing process can be so incredibly rewarding. My coaching clients often tell me that the hour we spend together on calls is their favorite hour of the week.
But if you don’t know how any of this works, you might feel a little lost. So let’s make it a little clearer and easier, shall we?
And if you’d like to see if I’m the right editor for your novel, let’s talk!
Go here to check out my manuscript wishlist and see whether I’m a good fit for your
story.
And go here to reach out and tell me about your book!
Links mentioned in the episode:
- Check out my manuscript wishlist: alicesudlow.com/wishlist
- Work with me: alicesudlow.com/contact
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts
"I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Every editor is different.
(00:01):
So make sure that you know whatto expect when working with the
editor you choose.
The great thing about this isthis means that there is an
editor out there for every typeof writer.
Whether you prefer written orverbal feedback, whether you
want a collaborative process orsomeone who will hand you a
clear to-do list, there's aneditor who works in that style
and who might be a great fit foryou.
(00:56):
Welcome to your next draft.
There is just no substitute forgetting expert outside feedback
on your writing.
Here on the podcast.
I share all the tips and tricksand strategies that I used to
edit novels.
So you can put them to use inyour own editing process and
your own ability to self edit.
Your manuscript is a reallyimportant skill and one that I
(01:18):
want every writer to develop.
That said, no matter how goodyou are at self editing, you are
never able to bring an outsideperspective to your writing.
You're never able to look atyour writing as though you
weren't the person who wrote it.
I suppose you could set yourmanuscript down and walk away
for years until one day a decadefrom now, You randomly stumble
(01:40):
across it in the back of yoursock drawer.
Then you'll have forgotten aboutit and you could read it with
distance and detachment, butthat is not a very efficient way
to edit a novel.
The more efficient way to getexpert outside feedback on your
novel.
Rather than waiting a decade foryou to forget.
The whole thing is to hire aneditor.
Like me.
(02:01):
But if you've never worked withan editor before, this can be a
really scary step.
I mean, there's a first time foreverything, right.
There are all kinds of thingsthat are new to us, things that
we won't know how to do untilwe've done them, but some
milestones are still scarierthan others.
And handing off your manuscript,your book that you've worked
really, really hard on.
And that is so personal andimportant to you.
(02:23):
Handing that off to a completestranger and asking them to tell
you all the things that aren'tworking in it.
Well, that's a pretty scary andvulnerable prospect.
Your manuscript is so personaland meaningful to you, and
you're handing it over to astranger that you met on the
internet.
It's no wonder that writers canget a little bit nervous about
this.
(02:43):
So in today's episode, I want togive you a little guidance to
help you as you work with aneditor for the first time, I
want to set you up for successso that you have the best
experience possible with youreditor right out of the gate.
In this episode, I'm going toshare four tips to help you find
the right editor for your book.
And in the next episode, I'llshare for more tips for how to
(03:05):
work with that editor, even ifyou've never worked with an
editor before.
I want you to feel informed andconfident as you seek out an
editor to support you in yourwriting And you share your
manuscript with them and workwith them.
And if you have worked with aneditor, but maybe you had a
bumpy or unpleasant experience.
I hope that these tips will helpyou feel a little more confident
(03:26):
about giving it another go maybewith a new editor.
When you find the right editorfor your book, the developmental
editing process can be soincredibly rewarding.
My coaching clients often tellme that the hour that we spend
together on calls is theirfavorite hour of the week.
But if you don't know how any ofthis works, you might feel a
little lost.
So let's make it a littleclearer and easier.
(03:48):
Shall we?
Here are my top tips to help younavigate the world of
developmental editing and getthe feedback and support that
will most help you edit yourbook.
Let's dive in.
Tip number one.
Consider what you value want andneed.
Before you do anything elsebefore you hire an editor before
(04:09):
you send them your manuscript,before you even start
researching editors.
I recommend that you take sometime to think about what you
value, want and need.
What exactly do you want to getout of working with an editor?
What are your goals for yourwriting?
Two big goals to consider.
Are your timeline and yourdefinition of success for your
(04:30):
book.
Do you have a timeline thatyou're aiming for?
Do you have a deadline for whenyou want your drafts to be
finished or your book to bepublished?
And how do you define success?
Do you want your book to be anabsolute masterpiece?
And the time that it takes toedit is less important to you
than knowing that you've createdyour absolute best possible
work, or are you working to adeadline?
(04:50):
And the more important thing isto hit that deadline or get your
book in a certain space by acertain time.
Or do you have a certain amountof stamina for the editing
process?
You want to go through one moredraft or three more drafts and
then publish the best book youcan within that span of work.
While you're at it.
Also think about the strengthsand weaknesses of your
(05:10):
manuscript.
What do you think is not workingin your story?
What areas are you concernedabout or want help with.
What needs shoring up?
Maybe it's plot or characterdevelopment or point of view or
theme or dialogue or show don'ttell or something else.
The more that you know aboutwhat you need and what you want
and what you value the betterequipped.
(05:32):
You'll be to find an editor whocan provide exactly the type of
support and feedback that willbest help you.
So take some time to thinkthrough what you're looking for
before you start looking for aneditor.
Then when you do start lookingfor editors, keep in mind.
Tip number two.
That the editors you'reconsidering to make sure they
can meet your needs.
(05:54):
All right.
There's so much that I could sayhere.
When I was putting together thescript, I started listing out
all the things that I recommendyou look for as you vet editors.
And the list got so long that Istarted thinking this might be
an entire podcast episode of itsown.
So rather than go on for 20minutes about all the things you
can look for in an editor, I'mgoing to give you just a quick
overview list here and you canlet me know if you want to hear
(06:16):
all of those thoughts on vettingeditors.
In another episode.
Here's the quick list of thingsthat you can look for.
Do they have a professionalwebsite?
Do they mention any training?
What's their experience.
Do they specialize in anyparticular genre or work with a
particular type of writer?
Do they edit books in your genreand for your audience?
(06:38):
Do they have positivetestimonials?
Do they have any content whereyou can get a feel for their
work?
Developmental editors oftendon't offer sample edits, but
you can get a sense of theireditorial approach on a blog, a
podcast, a YouTube channelnewsletter or other content.
And if they offer a freeconsultation, definitely get on
a call with them to ask them allyour questions and feel out
(07:00):
whether this is a person thatyou would like to work with.
And on that call, you can tackletip number three.
Tell your editor, what do youwant feedback on?
When I open a manuscript, I havea whole list of things in my
mind that I'm looking for.
I know how to evaluate a story.
I could pick up some pages withabsolutely zero context and put
(07:21):
together helpful feedback for awriter.
But if a writer that I'm workingwith has particular concerns in
mind.
I want to know what they wantfeedback on.
If there's a specific area ofthe manuscript that you're
struggling with, tell youreditor and we'll keep it in
mind.
As we read.
I'll make sure that I make noteof it in my feedback either to
tell you where it stuck and whatto do with it next, or to tell
(07:42):
you that it's actually reallyworking and you can keep doing
what you're doing and don't haveto worry about it.
You'll empower both yourself andyour editor to give you the best
support by telling your editorwhat you see as strengths and
weaknesses in your manuscript.
Which brings me to my fourthtip.
Get clear on your editor'sprocess, the way that they'll
(08:03):
structure their work with you.
And the expectations you canhave for how you'll work
together.
One big thing to know about thebook services world is that
there is no standardization orregulation in this industry.
That means that you're not goingto find a standard set of
packages that all editors willoffer.
Or a standard way in whicheditors will work with writers.
(08:25):
When you work with an editorlike me who runs an independent
editing business, you're workingwith an individual who has honed
a process that they have foundworks with them and their
writers.
Personally, I found that I sharemy best feedback on zoom calls.
So my editing is based around alot of conversations with the
writer and not a lot of writtenfeedback.
Other editors have more writtenfeedback and fewer calls or only
(08:48):
written feedback and no calls.
The timeline, the process, theformat of the feedback, the
amount of communication you canexpect, the end goal for the
editing package.
All of that varies from editorto editor.
Here are some questions that youmight want to ask or just listen
for these answers as the editordescribes their services to you.
What's the goal of the feedbackthat you'll receive.
(09:10):
Will the editor focus mainly onidentifying the areas where your
manuscripts needs work or willthey also include solutions?
What's the format of thefeedback.
Will it come via zoom calls oran editorial letter or inline
comments or other deliverables?
What's the timeline for thefeedback?
How many weeks should you expectto wait?
(09:31):
What communication can youexpect during the edit?
Will the editor collaborate withyou during the process or will
they take some time to preparetheir feedback and then reach
out to share it with you?
What kind of followup isavailable after the feedback is
delivered?
Does the editor include a zoomcall or email support to answer
questions after you get yourfeedback?
Every editor is different.
(09:52):
So make sure that you know whatto expect when working with the
editor you choose.
The great thing about this isthis means that there is an
editor out there for every typeof writer.
Whether you prefer written orverbal feedback, whether you
want a collaborative process orsomeone who will hand you a
clear to-do list, there's aneditor who works in that style
and who might be a great fit foryou.
(10:14):
So there you go.
My four tips on how to find agreat editor for you.
Here they are again.
One.
Get really clear on what youwant, what you need and what you
value.
Two.
Vet your editor to make surethat they're an expert in their
fields And that they can meetthose specific needs and values
that you have.
(10:34):
Three.
Tell them, what kind of feedbackyou're looking for.
So they can look for thosethings specifically as they edit
your manuscript.
And of course, tell them anydeadlines that you're working
towards as well.
And for get really clear on whatit is they offer, find out
exactly how you can expect towork with them.
In the next episode, I'll bringyou four more tips for what to
(10:55):
do when you're working with aneditor for the very first time.
I hope all of that helps younavigate the world of finding
and hiring and working with theright editor for you with more
confidence and clarity andknowledge of what to expect.
I hope that you have anincredibly rewarding partnership
with whomever you decide to workwith this work is such a
delight, and I hope that you getto experience that in a great
(11:17):
editor writer relationship.
Of course, I myself am adevelopmental editor.
So if you're wondering whetherI'm a good fit for you and what
it would look like to work withme, Go to my website at Alice
subtler.
Dot com.
Check out my manuscript wishlistto see whether I'm a good fit
for the story you're working on.
You can find that at Alicesouthern.com/wishlist.
(11:37):
And if you like what you see.
Go to Alice sideload.com/contactand fill out the form to tell me
about your book and how I canhelp you.
And of course, all those linksare in the show notes as well.
Regardless of the editor youwork with know that I am
cheering you on all the way.
I'll be back next episode withmore tips to help you have an
amazing experience working withyour editor.
(11:59):
And I am so excited for you toshare your book with the world.
Happy editing.
Every editor is different.
(00:01):
So make sure that you know whatto expect when working with the
editor you choose.
The great thing about this isthis means that there is an
editor out there for every typeof writer.
Whether you prefer written orverbal feedback, whether you
want a collaborative process orsomeone who will hand you a
clear to-do list, there's aneditor who works in that style
and who might be a great fit foryou.
(00:56):
Welcome to your next draft.
There is just no substitute forgetting expert outside feedback
on your writing.
Here on the podcast.
I share all the tips and tricksand strategies that I used to
edit novels.
So you can put them to use inyour own editing process and
your own ability to self edit.
Your manuscript is a reallyimportant skill and one that I
(01:18):
want every writer to develop.
That said, no matter how goodyou are at self editing, you are
never able to bring an outsideperspective to your writing.
You're never able to look atyour writing as though you
weren't the person who wrote it.
I suppose you could set yourmanuscript down and walk away
for years until one day a decadefrom now, You randomly stumble
(01:40):
across it in the back of yoursock drawer.
Then you'll have forgotten aboutit and you could read it with
distance and detachment, butthat is not a very efficient way
to edit a novel.
The more efficient way to getexpert outside feedback on your
novel.
Rather than waiting a decade foryou to forget.
The whole thing is to hire aneditor.
Like me.
(02:01):
But if you've never worked withan editor before, this can be a
really scary step.
I mean, there's a first time foreverything, right.
There are all kinds of thingsthat are new to us, things that
we won't know how to do untilwe've done them, but some
milestones are still scarierthan others.
And handing off your manuscript,your book that you've worked
really, really hard on.
And that is so personal andimportant to you.
(02:23):
Handing that off to a completestranger and asking them to tell
you all the things that aren'tworking in it.
Well, that's a pretty scary andvulnerable prospect.
Your manuscript is so personaland meaningful to you, and
you're handing it over to astranger that you met on the
internet.
It's no wonder that writers canget a little bit nervous about
this.
(02:43):
So in today's episode, I want togive you a little guidance to
help you as you work with aneditor for the first time, I
want to set you up for successso that you have the best
experience possible with youreditor right out of the gate.
In this episode, I'm going toshare four tips to help you find
the right editor for your book.
And in the next episode, I'llshare for more tips for how to
(03:05):
work with that editor, even ifyou've never worked with an
editor before.
I want you to feel informed andconfident as you seek out an
editor to support you in yourwriting And you share your
manuscript with them and workwith them.
And if you have worked with aneditor, but maybe you had a
bumpy or unpleasant experience.
I hope that these tips will helpyou feel a little more confident
(03:26):
about giving it another go maybewith a new editor.
When you find the right editorfor your book, the developmental
editing process can be soincredibly rewarding.
My coaching clients often tellme that the hour that we spend
together on calls is theirfavorite hour of the week.
But if you don't know how any ofthis works, you might feel a
little lost.
So let's make it a littleclearer and easier.
(03:48):
Shall we?
Here are my top tips to help younavigate the world of
developmental editing and getthe feedback and support that
will most help you edit yourbook.
Let's dive in.
Tip number one.
Consider what you value want andneed.
Before you do anything elsebefore you hire an editor before
(04:09):
you send them your manuscript,before you even start
researching editors.
I recommend that you take sometime to think about what you
value, want and need.
What exactly do you want to getout of working with an editor?
What are your goals for yourwriting?
Two big goals to consider.
Are your timeline and yourdefinition of success for your
(04:30):
book.
Do you have a timeline thatyou're aiming for?
Do you have a deadline for whenyou want your drafts to be
finished or your book to bepublished?
And how do you define success?
Do you want your book to be anabsolute masterpiece?
And the time that it takes toedit is less important to you
than knowing that you've createdyour absolute best possible
work, or are you working to adeadline?
(04:50):
And the more important thing isto hit that deadline or get your
book in a certain space by acertain time.
Or do you have a certain amountof stamina for the editing
process?
You want to go through one moredraft or three more drafts and
then publish the best book youcan within that span of work.
While you're at it.
Also think about the strengthsand weaknesses of your
(05:10):
manuscript.
What do you think is not workingin your story?
What areas are you concernedabout or want help with.
What needs shoring up?
Maybe it's plot or characterdevelopment or point of view or
theme or dialogue or show don'ttell or something else.
The more that you know aboutwhat you need and what you want
and what you value the betterequipped.
(05:32):
You'll be to find an editor whocan provide exactly the type of
support and feedback that willbest help you.
So take some time to thinkthrough what you're looking for
before you start looking for aneditor.
Then when you do start lookingfor editors, keep in mind.
Tip number two.
That the editors you'reconsidering to make sure they
can meet your needs.
(05:54):
All right.
There's so much that I could sayhere.
When I was putting together thescript, I started listing out
all the things that I recommendyou look for as you vet editors.
And the list got so long that Istarted thinking this might be
an entire podcast episode of itsown.
So rather than go on for 20minutes about all the things you
can look for in an editor, I'mgoing to give you just a quick
overview list here and you canlet me know if you want to hear
(06:16):
all of those thoughts on vettingeditors.
In another episode.
Here's the quick list of thingsthat you can look for.
Do they have a professionalwebsite?
Do they mention any training?
What's their experience.
Do they specialize in anyparticular genre or work with a
particular type of writer?
Do they edit books in your genreand for your audience?
(06:38):
Do they have positivetestimonials?
Do they have any content whereyou can get a feel for their
work?
Developmental editors oftendon't offer sample edits, but
you can get a sense of theireditorial approach on a blog, a
podcast, a YouTube channelnewsletter or other content.
And if they offer a freeconsultation, definitely get on
a call with them to ask them allyour questions and feel out
(07:00):
whether this is a person thatyou would like to work with.
And on that call, you can tackletip number three.
Tell your editor, what do youwant feedback on?
When I open a manuscript, I havea whole list of things in my
mind that I'm looking for.
I know how to evaluate a story.
I could pick up some pages withabsolutely zero context and put
(07:21):
together helpful feedback for awriter.
But if a writer that I'm workingwith has particular concerns in
mind.
I want to know what they wantfeedback on.
If there's a specific area ofthe manuscript that you're
struggling with, tell youreditor and we'll keep it in
mind.
As we read.
I'll make sure that I make noteof it in my feedback either to
tell you where it stuck and whatto do with it next, or to tell
(07:42):
you that it's actually reallyworking and you can keep doing
what you're doing and don't haveto worry about it.
You'll empower both yourself andyour editor to give you the best
support by telling your editorwhat you see as strengths and
weaknesses in your manuscript.
Which brings me to my fourthtip.
Get clear on your editor'sprocess, the way that they'll
(08:03):
structure their work with you.
And the expectations you canhave for how you'll work
together.
One big thing to know about thebook services world is that
there is no standardization orregulation in this industry.
That means that you're not goingto find a standard set of
packages that all editors willoffer.
Or a standard way in whicheditors will work with writers.
(08:25):
When you work with an editorlike me who runs an independent
editing business, you're workingwith an individual who has honed
a process that they have foundworks with them and their
writers.
Personally, I found that I sharemy best feedback on zoom calls.
So my editing is based around alot of conversations with the
writer and not a lot of writtenfeedback.
Other editors have more writtenfeedback and fewer calls or only
(08:48):
written feedback and no calls.
The timeline, the process, theformat of the feedback, the
amount of communication you canexpect, the end goal for the
editing package.
All of that varies from editorto editor.
Here are some questions that youmight want to ask or just listen
for these answers as the editordescribes their services to you.
What's the goal of the feedbackthat you'll receive.
(09:10):
Will the editor focus mainly onidentifying the areas where your
manuscripts needs work or willthey also include solutions?
What's the format of thefeedback.
Will it come via zoom calls oran editorial letter or inline
comments or other deliverables?
What's the timeline for thefeedback?
How many weeks should you expectto wait?
(09:31):
What communication can youexpect during the edit?
Will the editor collaborate withyou during the process or will
they take some time to preparetheir feedback and then reach
out to share it with you?
What kind of followup isavailable after the feedback is
delivered?
Does the editor include a zoomcall or email support to answer
questions after you get yourfeedback?
Every editor is different.
(09:52):
So make sure that you know whatto expect when working with the
editor you choose.
The great thing about this isthis means that there is an
editor out there for every typeof writer.
Whether you prefer written orverbal feedback, whether you
want a collaborative process orsomeone who will hand you a
clear to-do list, there's aneditor who works in that style
and who might be a great fit foryou.
(10:14):
So there you go.
My four tips on how to find agreat editor for you.
Here they are again.
One.
Get really clear on what youwant, what you need and what you
value.
Two.
Vet your editor to make surethat they're an expert in their
fields And that they can meetthose specific needs and values
that you have.
(10:34):
Three.
Tell them, what kind of feedbackyou're looking for.
So they can look for thosethings specifically as they edit
your manuscript.
And of course, tell them anydeadlines that you're working
towards as well.
And for get really clear on whatit is they offer, find out
exactly how you can expect towork with them.
In the next episode, I'll bringyou four more tips for what to
(10:55):
do when you're working with aneditor for the very first time.
I hope all of that helps younavigate the world of finding
and hiring and working with theright editor for you with more
confidence and clarity andknowledge of what to expect.
I hope that you have anincredibly rewarding partnership
with whomever you decide to workwith this work is such a
delight, and I hope that you getto experience that in a great
(11:17):
editor writer relationship.
Of course, I myself am adevelopmental editor.
So if you're wondering whetherI'm a good fit for you and what
it would look like to work withme, Go to my website at Alice
subtler.
Dot com.
Check out my manuscript wishlistto see whether I'm a good fit
for the story you're working on.
You can find that at Alicesouthern.com/wishlist.
(11:37):
And if you like what you see.
Go to Alice sideload.com/contactand fill out the form to tell me
about your book and how I canhelp you.
And of course, all those linksare in the show notes as well.
Regardless of the editor youwork with know that I am
cheering you on all the way.
I'll be back next episode withmore tips to help you have an
amazing experience working withyour editor.
(11:59):
And I am so excited for you toshare your book with the world.
Happy editing.
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