Become a Writer: Hiring a Book Editor: 10 Mistakes to Avoid

Where do you find an editor? How much should it cost, and what should you expect throughout the process? In this video I draw on my experience of writing 50 books and teach you some mistakes to avoid so that you don't get scammed.

Editors are important. Make sure you hire the right people!

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[MrZkoki]

I like the fact that even though you're definitely a person with a kind demeanor, when you're talking business, you're not sugar coating anything. This is extremely helpful. Thanks, your advice is clear and on point.

[mlbullbooks]

Because I self-edit my own novels multiple times with and without software, I typically only pay for a copy-edit.

[sindarpeacheyeisacommie]

A note on UPwork...any business relationship begun on UPwork MUST pay the UPwork fees for 24 months from the start of the relationship. You can pay an exit fee to get around this.

[JamesBrady-pxnh]

Love your video and your speaking style - thanks for your effort! It sounds like you are saying a copy editor should cost in the hundreds. I saw on the Reedsy cost calculator you mention, based on the 2022 "marketplace data" they collected, it costs between $2, 400 and $3, 400 to hire an editor for a 60, 000-word book. That took me aback. You think this figure is a bit inflated?

[Ken_]

Your well spoken thank you for the info

[P.EnglishLiterature]

Do you have an idea of how long it takes to edit a book of 400 pages? I mean in terms of months, do you have an idea?

[shantarammeshram]

Should Authors on the Traditional Path Pay an Editor? Or do authors need to hire editors when they are going to publish traditionally or the publishers hire editors to edit authors book?

[mariams]

Thank you, a thorough and excellent effort.

[esthermuinde]

what measures should one take to prevent an editor from stealing the manuscript and claiming
to be there

[MrBrowser]

Excellent video, I was wondering the most about editors stealing work and making it their own. Has this ever happened? would a contract solve it? any other strategies? Thanks

[ConsciousEntrepeneur]

Stylistic editing which seems to be comparable to Copy editing, you said to expect to spend a couple of hundreds (its a script not a novel, shorter form) but if you’re quoted over a grand, and over two hundred to do a test of edit of 17 pages, is it a red flag?

[velf]

I talked about this exact thing in my podcast last week. Got scammed my first try. Found a lovely copy editor second attempt, but now I plan to self publish I've found the editor of my heart on reedsy. And 100% agree on the sample edits. I narrowed a potential list down to 5 then judged them on the sample edits. Huge difference in approach, style and therefore price.

[mattleatherwoodjr.]

Good Info. I can vouch for Reedsy. Found a first class editor who did a superb job and didn't break the bank.

[queenmotherbug]

From a freelance copyeditor's perspective, this is a very thoughtful and fair video. There's a trend online where writers looking to self-publish discourage the use of professional editors, or suggest that all editors should work at low prices. I appreciate what you had to say about sample edits. I saw a video with very well-known "influencer"-types who told viewers that writers are entitled to a free sample edit, and the editor is a scammer if they charge anything for a sample edit. Many very respectable editors who I know do charge for sample edits, but also do what you described and deduct the cost from the final bill. Since I've been freelancing for only a year and have less experience, I do offer free sample edits, and I know some other more experienced editors do as well. But just because an editor charges for a sample edit doesn't mean they're a scammer out to rip you off.

[roseygirl]

I am seventy years old and I have written my first book It is my autobiography. I am so out of my comfort zone. Please, do I copyright my book first or edit it first?

[zimbabaloooba]

Great advice. An author friend insists he doesn't need an editor. It's so frustrating...

[PaintingMeJosh]

Wait hang on. I've not seen your videos before so I'm genuinely asking here. Why would you not recommend a developmental editor? Which video should I watch for elaboration?

[lucymiller]

My advice: learn how to edit. The craft of writing is a continuous learning experience. The writer's job is to write well. Any short-cut you take to get your book out will detract from the final product. There is no substitute for a proper edit, you should care enough to edit your own manuscript as best you can, before even considering hiring an editor. You can provide a good edit if you apply yourself. Is it even possible to hire someone who cares about the quality of your work more than you do?

[davidronin]

Just discovered your site. It's the most useful I've found. I got burned last year by an editor who promised much and delivered very little. Sadder but wiser and all that.

[stevstring]

This was really good content. I’ve made so many writing mistakes before I found autortube. I’m glad I found videos like this before I got to the professional editing stage. Thanks, dude.