It is natural, as an author, to feel nervous about hiring an editor for the first time. If you have never used one before, then knowing how to find one and what qualities to look for can take time and patience. Even if you have used an editor before, finding a replacement can be a little nerve wracking.
Five common fears
Allowing any professional to review your manuscript, even as an experienced author, takes guts as ultimately you want that person to enjoy your writing and provide the best possible feedback.
Being overcharged
The fear of being overcharged is completely natural. This is true of hiring any professional to complete any kind of work. The best approach is to always do your research before making any decisions. The challenge with editors is that they all charge varying rates, usually dependent on their specific skillset and level of experience. Some also charge per hour while others charge a fixed project rate.
There is no right or wrong way for an editor to charge; the important thing is that they are transparent about whichever system they use. Your job is to check that everything matches up. A new, untrained editor who is charging £500 p/h for a proofread is questionable. An experienced editor with multiple credits to their name charging the same fee is a different story altogether. Always, always, do your research. You can look on pages like CIEP to see what rates are recommended for editors to help.
Feeling judged
As an author, it is inevitable that you will worry about your how your work will be judged, either by an editor or later by readers. Handing your manuscript over to a professional who seems to know everything about grammar and punctuation can be daunting. Think of it this way: your editor is there to serve you so that when your book is submitted to agents or self-published, it stands a far better chance of being accepted/enjoyed. Editors should be there to support you, not judge you, so if you find someone who is unnecessarily critical, they might not be the right person for you.
Facing feedback
No one likes criticism, least of all authors. It can be hard to deal with feedback, especially with a first book. The fear of feedback is a little different to the fear of being judged. It relates to the volume of comments and corrections rather than the editor’s general opinion. Remember this: an editor’s job is to provide constructive criticism. Every suggestion they make is a way to improve your book. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything but you do need to be open to the suggestions. Having a second pair of eyes is invaluable.
Copyright concerns
Some authors worry that sending their book off to an editor puts it at greater risk of being copied. Editors should have terms in place specifying that they will not share your work with anyone else (unless of course you have asked them to). By law, your work belongs to you anyway under the Copyright Act. As with every profession, there are scammers out there who want to take your money. This is why being vigilant during the selection process – checking credentials, fees, experience etc. – is so essential.
Letting go
Knowing when to let go of your manuscript can be hard, especially if it’s a first book. The feeling that you could keep making alterations and adding to your plot is a common one amongst first time writers especially, but also for those who are more experienced. The message is it will never be ready unless you decide to let go. So be brave, contact an editor, and kickstart your writing journey.
To sum up
Knowing how to find and editor and who to select is a personal process. The editor you work with should align with your values and understand your style as well as being a professional. If you do your research properly, it is much easier to set aside those fears and be proactive.
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