How to Find an Editor for Your Book: A Step-by-Step Guide for Authors

If you're asking yourself how to find an editor for your book, you're not alone. Whether you're self-publishing or preparing to query literary agents, editing is a crucial step in the writing process. A skilled editor helps refine your manuscript, catch errors, and ensure your story shines. But where do you begin?

This step-by-step guide will help you find the right editor for your book—someone who understands your voice, respects your vision, and elevates your writing.

1. Know What Kind of Editing You Need

Before you start looking for an editor, identify what stage of editing your manuscript requires. Editing typically falls into four main categories:

• Developmental Editing – Big-picture feedback on structure, pacing, character development, and plot.

• Line Editing – Focused on sentence flow, style, tone, and language.

• Copyediting – Corrects grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency issues.

• Proofreading – The final polish before publication, catching minor typos and formatting errors.

Knowing what kind of help you need will guide your search and ensure you hire the right professional.

2. Set a Realistic Budget

Editorial services vary widely in cost depending on the type of editing, word count, and editor’s experience. Developmental editing can be more expensive than proofreading, for example. Decide what you can afford and where you’re willing to invest. Quality editing is worth the price, especially if you're serious about publishing.

Tip: Some editors offer free sample edits (like a first chapter) to give you a feel for their style before committing.

3. Search in the Right Places

When figuring out how to find an editor for your book, knowing where to look is half the battle. Here are some tried-and-true places to start:

• Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) – A professional directory of experienced editors.

• Reedsy – A marketplace of vetted editors, with client reviews and pricing estimates.

• Social Media & Writing Communities – Facebook groups, Threads, and Discord servers for writers often have editor recommendations.

• Writer Conferences or Local Events – Great for networking and meeting editors in person.

• Referrals – Ask other authors who edited their books and whether they recommend them.

4. Review Portfolios and Testimonials

Don’t hire the first editor you find. Take time to review their website, client testimonials, and sample work. Look for:

• Experience in your genre

• Clear communication style

• Professionalism and timeliness

• Alignment with your publishing goals (indie vs. traditional, faith-based vs. mainstream, etc.)

You want someone who respects your voice while offering constructive, honest feedback.

5. Ask the Right Questions

Before hiring, schedule a consultation or send an email with questions like:

• What type of editing do you specialize in?

• Have you worked with books in my genre?

• What’s your turnaround time?

• Do you offer a contract or editing agreement?

• Can I see a sample of your work?

This helps clarify expectations and ensure you’re a good fit.

6. Trust Your Gut (and the Sample Edit)

Once you’ve received a sample edit or had an initial conversation, trust your instincts. Did their feedback feel insightful and respectful? Did they seem enthusiastic about your book?

The right editor will feel like a partner in your publishing journey—not a critic, but a collaborator.

Final Thoughts: Editing Is an Investment in Your Success

Figuring out how to find an editor for your book can feel overwhelming, but it's also one of the most important decisions you'll make as an author. Take your time, do your research, and choose someone who champions your story. With the right editor by your side, your book will be the best version of itself.

Want a gentle, detail-oriented editor who specializes in indie romance and faith-based fiction? I offer affordable proofreading and beta reading services, with a free sample edit (up to 1,000 words). Click here to learn more.