Do you know how to find the right editor?

Maybe you do and are an expert at, so you need no advice. Great! Then read no further. But, if you don’t know, then maybe I can help. Maybe you have some ideas, but haven’t put forth any effort yet; or, maybe you have and it didn’t work out so well.  Hey, it happens to the best of us. So, don’t give up. But, get ready for more hard work as I can attest that it can be quiet a challenging process.  Double that challenge for someone who has English as a second language, like me.  I have spent a lot of money and time searching for my gold nugget and can offer some advice to save someone from going through the same painful experiences.

First, protect your work. Register it before sending it to anybody. As a minimum, you can do this by mailing it to yourself.  You can also register it with the Library of Congress.  In addition, I personally register my work with the Writers Guild of America East, or West. You worked hard on your project, so why not take a little extra time to do everything you can to keep the rights to it.  Better safe than sorry as the old cliché’ goes.

 
Next, remember no matter how good and proud you are, you must have an editor…one that is perfect for your genre’ and you. Spending quality time and patience searching is a must do!  Make a list and send a sample of your work to the top ten editors on it. Since the first chapters set up your storyline, they are critical, so your sample should only be from the middle of your work. You are the customer, so don’t let an editor rule the game by demanding too much as a sample. A professional editor can work with whatever you send them for example.  Even though your work is protected, you can easily be hung-out-to-dry if you’re not careful; and, that leads us to the next action you should take.

Third, with a lot of hard research, and a little luck you can find an affordable, honest, hardworking editor who wants to be a proud part of your project.  Ask them up front if they want you to acknowledge them in your book. If they say “no” ask yourself why. Plus, you created this baby for a specific reason and believe in it. So, don’t be afraid to disagree with an editor. Keep trying until you are 100% happy with a returned sample, and feel comfortable with that person. Only then talk price.

Last, your deal will probably be by paying in installments.  I can tell you that the two-installment method is very tricky, and protects only the editor since it usually only includes first round editing. That means they get your money, while you get their changes you may or may not like.  I prefer the three-installment payment system. It offers the best flexibility and protection for time and quality.  With it the editor works with you until the project is ready to print before getting their last payment.

Remember, the right editor can make, or break your project, so get it right the first time. Don’t repeat my mistakes. In Russia, where I’m from, editors take great pride in their work and are held to high standards. Their name is printed every time on the second page of the book with the ISBN number, perhaps someday we can see that happen here, at home, in the US.

Here are some editor websites and books for your research:
Jeff Herman’s, Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, & Literary Agents/ 2013
www.book-editing.com, www.creativeliteraryalliance.com, www.writersmarket.com