My dad’s dating advice can help you choose the right editor.
I thought about this when an author recently asked how to choose the right editor for his book. He wants to publish a second edition of his research on a landmark legal case.
“Do you think they should write a 700-word proposal on how they’d approach the editing?” he asked.
I shook my head and gave him the dating advice my dad had given me years ago.
“Talk with them,” I said. “You’ll know within ten minutes if you like them.”
My Dad’s Dating Advice
I remember facing the daunting prospect of dating as a single mother.
It had been four years since a devastating divorce, and I hadn’t been on a first date in two decades. A lot had changed.
“About time!” my dad said. Then he began rattling off some online dating tips. The “don’ts” of profile photos. The “dos” of bios.
It was funny and surprising that my dad (of all people) had tips up his sleeve.
But it was his third tip that surprised me the most.
He said, “Don’t get into a pen pal situation. Lots of people can sound good in writing. If someone shows interest, suggest a coffee date. You’ll know within ten minutes if you like them.”
He was right. I skipped long emails in favor of face-to-face conversations over coffee.
And I knew within ten minutes if there was any compatibility.
How Dating Advice Helps You Choose the Right Book Editor
You can tell much about a person by talking with them – often more than by writing.
Even with editors. Even when it’s writing that’s at stake.
Don’t get me wrong: An editor’s ability to shape your writing matters tremendously. But there’s more to it.
You should consider five things when choosing an editor.
Five Things to Consider When Choosing a Book Editor
1. Understand Your Needs.
Every author needs an editor for a professional product. There are three types of editing: developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Begin by identifying the types of editing your manuscript needs.
2. Evaluate Their Reputation.
Ask trusted industry pros for editor recommendations. Look at their portfolios to understand their past projects, credentials, testimonials, and clientele. Some editors specialize in one or more types of editing, genres, and subject matters. See if they’re involved in professional organizations to maintain professional development. And reach out to past clients to ask about their author experiences.
3. Present Project Specifics.
Discuss your timeline, budget, and any deadlines you have in mind. Confirm that the editor’s cost and availability align with your expectations.
4. Discuss the Process.
Ask about the editing approach. Do they edit in Google Docs or Microsoft Word? Do they make line edits, comments, or both? Will they email edits after each chapter or after completing the entire manuscript? Do they limit their rounds of editing?
All of these things matter. But the most important thing is your instincts.
5. Trust the Most Important Thing.
After reviewing past projects and credentials, I encouraged my author to rely on his instincts. He skipped 700-word proposals in favor of conversations with prospective editors. And he found “the one”!
Final Thoughts
When you talk with editors, you’re able to discern if they’re genuinely interested in you and your vision. You can tell whether you’d trust the working relationship.
Just as my dad promised, you’ll know within ten minutes if you like them!
P.S. I eventually married “the one” in 2015!
Note: This article was first published as a guest post for the Nonfiction Authors Association.
