Hiring a Developmental Editor: 8 Important Things to Consider

 Finding the perfect developmental editor can be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Many people claim to be developmental editors, but you shouldn’t entrust your masterpiece to someone based solely on their assurances and promises.

Here are some of the best tips you need to hire the best developmental editor services for your masterpiece.

1.Prepare Your Budget

Just as with any other professional, editors also offer their services for different rates. The prices for these services can be based on their experience, qualifications, expertise, and several other factors.

Even though the charges for the services provided by editors can vary based on several factors, you must keep in mind that they do not come cheap. Hence, you must stay mentally and financially ready for this endeavor.

While most book editors charge by words, some may edit by the hour. It is best to clarify such important details before hiring a developmental editor so that there are no issues down the lane.

2.Inquire About Time

Every author understands the importance of time and how room for doubt or delay can lead to several issues. Just like authors, editors also have busy schedules. Their schedules can determine the turnaround time for your project. 

Editors can be very busy, and discussing their turnaround time can clear any doubts. If you are in a hurry, you may need someone who does not have a lot else on their plate. This way, they will be able to prioritize your project.

Once you find an editor who agrees to your schedule, you can confidently proceed with a contract and have peace of mind, knowing that your deadlines will be met.

3.Learn About the Format

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to make assumptions about an editor’s formatting preferences. Just because an editor looks old or has more experience does not mean that they will edit with a red pen.

Developmental editors all over the world can have different preferences for editing. Some editors prefer using writing software for editing, while others may go for the traditional pen-and-paper approach.

Before finalizing anything, it is better to inquire about the details to avoid unexpected surprises later. This way, you can familiarize yourself with their editing markup. If you are uncomfortable with your editor’s choice of format, you can also consider partnering up with someone else.

4.Read Reviews

Another great thing you can do to hire the best developmental editing services is to read their reviews. Great reviews often indicate that the professional is well-versed in their skill and can help you stand out among the competitors in the genre.

If you find most of the reviews to be disappointing, you must not consider taking a chance. If a developmental editor has been unable to satisfy other clients, they may not be able to make much of a difference for you.

On the contrary, developmental editors with good reviews can be trusted with full confidence. Good reviews suggest that their clients have been satisfied with their service. This means that these developmental editors will be able to do the same for you.

5.Understand Their Style

Once you have understood the editing format of your editor, the next important thing to learn about their editing style is Just like every author has a different style; every editor is also unique in their own way. When an author wants to work side by side with their editor, they must pay special attention to their style. 

Do you prefer criticism and suggestions conveyed to you in a light-hearted and conversational tone, or are you someone who does not fear harshness? Asking yourself questions about what works for you and what does not can help you find an ideal match for your needs.

In this aspect, it is best to ensure that you do not stretch your limits. For example, if you cannot take harsh criticism, do not set yourself up for a challenge. It is best to find someone who is compatible with your needs and whose editing style matches them.

6.Know Their Specialty

Whether you are a fiction writer or a biographer, you must have a specialty in writing. Similarly, editors have specialties too. You must ask your editor about their specialty before making a decision to ensure a smooth partnership.

You can assume that an expert biography editor may not be a master of editing romance fiction novels and vice versa. In an ideal situation, you and your developmental editor will have the same specialties as you to form an ideal partnership.

7.Query about Experience 

Becoming a developmental editor is often more challenging than people think. You cannot consider someone who edited assignments in their college life to be an ideal developmental editor for your upcoming masterpiece. 

Anyone can call themselves a developmental editor. However, it is up to you not to fall for these scams. The best way to determine the legitimacy of a developmental editor is by looking at how much experience they have.

The longer a developmental editor has been editing, the better they will be able to bring out the best version of your book. Remember, they may not be able to help you achieve your goals if your book is the first one they are editing.

8.Determine Their Openness 

Lastly, another important thing you must pay attention to is your developmental editor’s openness to questions and feedback. Working with development can be called a type of partnership. Any partnership cannot go smoothly if the other person is stubborn and rigid.

Before you finalize the contract with your developmental editor, make sure that they are open to feedback and questions. You can determine more about this quality by reading reviews and asking them some questions.

This practice clarifies whether the editor will be available to address your queries and concerns down the lane. If they are unresponsive or not cooperative, you can always seek a professional who is more compassionate and adaptive for a smooth partnership.