How to hire book editors
Whether you’re writing an autobiography, working on a textbook, or trying to tell a compelling story, book editors are here to help you polish your manuscript for publishing.
So how do you hire book editors? What follows are some tips for finding top book editors on Upwork.
How to shortlist book editing professionals
As you’re browsing available book editing consultants, it can be helpful to develop a shortlist of the professionals you may want to interview. You can screen profiles on criteria such as:
- Book type. You want a book editor who understands the nuances of editing the type of book you wish to get published.
- Project experience. Screen candidate profiles for specific skills and experience (e.g., experience screening character arcs for narrative inconsistencies).
- Feedback. Check reviews from past clients for glowing testimonials or red flags that can tell you what it’s like to work with a particular book editor.
How to write an effective book editing job post
With a clear picture of your ideal book editor in mind, it’s time to write that job post. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a contractor to know if they’re the right fit for the project.
An effective book editing job post should include:
- Scope of work: From outlines to polished manuscripts, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: If you prefer experience with certain industries or types of books, mention this here.
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
Ready to get your manuscript under the discerning eyes of a book editor? Log in and post your book editing job on Upwork today.
BOOK EDITORS FAQ
What is book editing?
Publishing a book? You’re going to want to have it edited first. Book editors specialize in the process of screening and preparing manuscripts for publication.
Here’s a quick overview of the skills you should look for in book editing professionals:
- Book editing
- Editing specializations (e.g., developmental editing, copyediting)
- Book type (e.g., textbooks, novels, biographies, trade books)
Why hire book editors?
The trick to finding top book editors is to identify your needs. Are you looking for someone to fact-check a trade book? Or do you need someone who can critique a dialogue-heavy family-drama novel? The cost of your project will depend largely on your scope of work and the specific skills needed to bring your project to life.
How much does it cost to hire a book editor?
Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.
- An experienced book editor may command higher fees but also work faster, have more-specialized areas of expertise, and deliver a higher-quality product.
- A contractor who is still in the process of building a client base may price their book editing more competitively.
Which one is right for you will depend on the specifics of your project.