If you’re a writer, then at some point you’ll probably need to hire a developmental editor. A developmental editor can help you improve your writing by catching errors and helping you make your writing clear and concise. They do ti by proofreading, rewriting sentences, or reorganizing paragraphs to improve clarity and flow. Some may also provide feedback on content, style, and tone. Developmental editing can take place at any point during the writing process—before or after first drafts, before or after revisions from other editors—but it’s best when done as early as possible in the process because that gives writers more time for revision with less need for major changes later on.
But how do you choose the right developmental editor for you? There are several factors you need to consider when making your decision. In this article, we’ll discuss those factors and provide tips on how to find the perfect developmental editor for your needs.
One of the most important things to look for, when searching for the right developmental editor for your project is their experience. You should check how long have they been editing and what kind of writing have they edited, and also what type of feedback do they typically give. When looking for a developmental editor, it’s important to find someone who has experience in the type of writing you need help with. If you’re a nonfiction writer, for example, you’ll want to find an editor who has experience editing nonfiction. If you’re a fiction writer, you’ll want to find an editor who has experience editing fiction.
You should also ask the developmental editor about their feedback style. Some editors provide very detailed feedback, while others simply mark the errors and leave it up to the writer to fix them. Some of the best developmental editors will also give feedback on content, style, and tone. It’s important to find an editor whose feedback style matches your needs.
Developmental editing is a process that takes time, and if you’re working with a developmental editor who is in high demand, then you may find yourself waiting weeks or even months for them to be available to work on your project. This can slow down the content writing process and cause frustration on your part. That’s why it’s important to check the developmental editor’s availability before you hire them.
The best way to check their availability is to ask the developmental editor how many projects they are working on at any given time and how long they typically take to complete a project. You should also consider hiring a freelance developmental editor rather than an editor who works for a publishing company. Freelance developmental editors are typically more flexible and can usually complete your project in a shorter amount of time.
When you’re looking to hire any type of professional, checking their references and reviews is always a good idea. This is especially true when it comes to editors. One great way to do this is to ask them for a list of clients they have worked with within the past. You can then reach out to these clients directly to get feedback on the editor’s work. If the editor doesn’t want to give you a list of references, that’s usually a red flag.
Another great way to get a sense of an editor’s work is to check their reviews online. Sites like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads are a great place to start. Be sure to read through both the positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded idea of what the editor is like. When reading through reviews and comments from the previous clients, make sure you take these with a grain of salt, as not everyone is going to be objective. However, if the editors’ reviews are mostly negative, it is better to move on to another candidate.
If you’re still on the fence about a developmental editor, or if you just want to make sure that the editor is a good fit for your project, ask for a sample edit. This is where the editor will edit a small section (usually around 1,000 words) of your manuscript and send it back to you with comments and suggestions. This is a great way to get an idea of the editor’s style and how they might help your project. Additionally, if you have a specific issue or concern with your manuscript, ask the editor to focus on that during the sample edit. For instance, if you’re worried about your plot, ask the editor to comment on your plot structure and how it could be improved.
Keep in mind that not all editors offer a sample edit, so be sure to ask upfront if this is something they offer. And if an editor does offer a sample edit, be sure to have a clear idea of what you want them to focus on. If you’re happy with the editor’s work, you can then move forward with hiring them for your project.
Working with a developmental editor can be expensive, but there are ways to offset the cost. Some developmental editors charge by the hour, while others charge a project fee. Make sure you understand what the developmental editor’s fees include and what extra costs you might incur. For example, will the developmental editor be reviewing your work for typographical errors? Will they be providing a feedback report at the end of the project? Some developmental editors also offer payment plans, so if the cost is prohibitive, be sure to ask about this option. And if you’re working on a tight budget, consider looking for a developmental editor who offers sliding-scale fees.
When it comes to the payment process, be sure to discuss this editor upfront. Ask them if they require a deposit and how will the rest of the payment be handled. Also, be sure to check with your editor about their cancellation policy. Some editors require a certain amount of notice before canceling an appointment, while others impose a fee for last-minute cancellations. By discussing these details upfront, you can avoid any surprises down the road.
Although finding a perfect developmental editor for your project can be a daunting task, if you take the time to consider these factors, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your needs. Just make sure to get in touch with a few different developmental editors and compare their rates, services, and style before making your final decision.