05 Jan What questions should I ask when hiring a book editor in 2024?

Hiring a Book Editor in 2024? Here are some top Interview Questions to Ask

Are you ready to take your manuscript to the next level? Hiring the right editor is a pivotal decision and one you should take your time with. I highly recommend starting the search early on, putting out some feelers, and asking around while you are still working on your manuscript. This gives you plenty of time to thoroughly do your research and choose a great editor to partner with. You will likely find that the more experienced editors are fully booked for months in advance so this also means you can get booked in with your first choice.

Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a few good editors then there are some questions you might want to ask. You don’t need to ask all of those noted below, in fact some of the information might be available on their website and portfolio so have a look there first.

And also, it’s worth remembering that the editor will be interviewing you as well – it’s a two-way partnership and you both want to work well together. Personally, I vet every author before I agree to take them on as a client. My process is fairly thorough but it’s meant that I have wonderful repeat clients who I’ve worked with for many years and on many books.

The interview process is your opportunity to ensure you’re choosing a professional who not only aligns with your vision but also enhances your writing. Here are the top interview questions to ask to make sure you find the perfect match for your book.

What Is Your Experience with My Genre?

Your book deserves an editor who is well-versed in its genre. Ask potential editors about their experience and success with books similar to yours. This question helps ensure they have the right insights and instincts to resonate with your target audience.

What Is Your Editing Process Like?

Understanding an editor’s process will give you insight into how they approach their craft. This question reveals whether they’re thorough, how they handle feedback, and if their editing style is what you’re looking for in a collaborator.

I use Tracked Changes so that my clients can see the changes I’ve made and I also add comments down the side with questions, points, alternative suggestions, etc. This is fairly standard in the industry but some editors have different ways of doing things. And this goes for everything, not just the actual editing notes provided.

I try to adapt to each author so the process varies from client to client. I’ve worked with tech-savvy writers as well as authors who hand-wrote their manuscripts. I’ve worked with people age 26 to 83. And I’ve worked with local authors in person, international clients over Google Meet, and even been flown to London and Dubai to meet with clients. I tend to use email. WhatsApp, and Google Drive but that also varies. So, if you have a preference ask if that’s an option.

Can You Do a Sample Edit?

This can be a good question to ask newer editors as they don’t have a proven body of work. Some editors will happily do a short sample edit of a few pages or the first couple of thousand words of your manuscript. Not every editor will do a sample edit, especially the more experienced ones. I rarely get asked this anymore as my portfolio is pretty large now. But I will, if requested, offer a paid sample edit. Also, most editors (at last the legit ones) won’t be able to give ‘before and after’ edits of previous books they’ve worked on for confidentiality reasons. The other thing to consider is that when reading a sample, the editor only has a snapshot of the entire book and hasn’t had a chance to fully understand your writing or the purpose of the book or who your target audience is yet. So a sample edit is often just general advice and corrections and not a real reflection of the editing process.

However, if it makes you feel more comfortable and confident to compare sample edits from a few editors then go for it. It’s your book and your author journey!

How Do You Handle Different Editing Rounds?

Editing is sometimes down in stages or have multiple rounds. It may depend on the editor or the package you have paid for so check on this. Ask about the number of editing rounds, what each round entails, and how they manage revisions. This ensures the process is comprehensive and that you are involved or at least aware of every step.

What Is Your Timeline for a Project Like Mine?

Discussing timelines helps set realistic expectations. There may be steps you weren’t aware of if this is your first time writing a book. And, if you plan to self-publish, there are also stages after editing (proofreading, formatting, another round of proofreading). Plus, the editor will need to wait on you to review their work and possibly accept changes so you will need to account for this in your own schedule.

There is no real way to give an exact timeline down to the hour, perhaps not even to the day or week without knowing everything about the project and having read the manuscript. But an experienced editor can give you an estimated timeline at the start and then an updated one once progress is under way. If you’ve got a specific date in mind, make sure to mention this during the interview so the editor can check their calendar. I’ve had to turn down quite a few authors who were keen to get their book edited and published with just a few weeks!

Let me ask you a question. In a year or two, what would you feel more proud of? Getting your book out on that date you choose (for whatever reason) … or making sure you went through all the stages and quality control with enough time to make sure you are publishing a great book?

How Do You Prefer to Communicate with Authors?

Effective communication is key to a successful editing partnership. Find out if they prefer emails, phone calls, or video chats and how often they will update you on their progress. This aligns your expectations and helps build a strong working relationship.

I always like to do a video call/phone call first to see how we’d get on and have a good chat about the book and my editing process. It’s just nicer than emails!

Asking the right questions during the interview process is essential in finding a book editor who can truly elevate your manuscript. Remember, a great editor doesn’t just correct your work; they enhance your narrative, preserve your voice, and prepare your book for the audience it deserves. I pride myself on being transparent, collaborative, and dedicated to your publishing success.

Ready to partner with an editor who understands your vision and propels your book to greatness? Contact me today to schedule a consultation and start the journey to transforming your manuscript into a masterpiece!

Kirsten

Book Editor of Bestsellers & Author Coach

Check out my portfolio here.