(And How to Choose One That Doesn’t Make You Cry)
You’ve written the book. You’ve self-edited. Maybe you’ve even handed it off to a few brave beta readers. Now you’re thinking about hiring a professional editor.
Cue the internal screaming.
Editing is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your book. It costs time, money, and trust — which means you need to know what you’re paying for. What do editors actually do? How do you find one who gets your voice, your vision, and your genre? And how do you keep the whole process from making you cry into your keyboard?
Let’s break it down.
First: Yes, You Probably Need an Editor
Even with great grammar, an English-teacher friend, or seventeen rounds of spellcheck, an editor still helps polish your story.
Here’s why: you are too close to your own story. After months of drafting and revising, your brain fills in missing words, skips over typos, and smooths out awkward sentences without even realizing it. That’s what brains do.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need an editor to begin. If you’re still staring at a blank page, waiting until your draft is “worthy” of editing, stop right there. You just need to start writing. If you need a little push, take a look at How to Finally Start Your Book — because editing only matters after you have something to polish.
An editor brings fresh eyes once you’ve already got words down. They notice what you no longer can. They catch the gaps, the repetitions, the places where you forgot that the main character’s eyes were blue in chapter one and green in chapter four.
A good editor doesn’t just fix mistakes. They help your book become the best version of itself.
The 4 Main Types of Editing
Editing isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are different layers, and knowing which one you need will save you money, stress, and a whole lot of tears.
1. Developmental Editing
This is the deep surgery. Big-picture stuff. Structure, plot, pacing, character arcs. A developmental editor helps you figure out whether your story works as a whole.
They’ll ask the hard questions:
- Does this plot thread pay off?
- Why is the villain suddenly helping the hero?
- Do we really need this flashback, or is it just slowing things down?
You’ll probably cry a little. Then you’ll rewrite. And your story will be ten times stronger.
Example: Think about The Hunger Games. The steady escalation of stakes — from volunteering at the Reaping, to training, to fighting for her life in the arena — didn’t happen by accident. That’s structure. That’s the kind of thing a developmental editor keeps their eye on.
When to use this: Early drafts. If your story feels wobbly, if your characters aren’t growing, or if beta readers keep telling you the middle drags, this is the editor you want.
2. Line Editing
Once your story bones are solid, line editing zooms in on how you tell the story. It’s about voice, tone, and rhythm at the sentence level.
Line editors help you:
- Trim awkward phrasing.
- Strengthen weak or repetitive sentences.
- Clarify meaning.
- Punch up emotional impact.
- Keep the voice consistent throughout.
They’re not looking for typos — they’re shaping your language so it shines.
Example: Think of The Great Gatsby. The sentences sing with rhythm and style. That kind of line-level magic doesn’t appear by accident. It comes from attention to detail and careful shaping.
When to use this: After you’re confident in your structure. Great for second or third drafts when you want your writing to feel polished and powerful.
3. Copyediting
Copyediting is where the technical cleanup happens. It’s about accuracy and consistency.
Copyeditors catch:
- Grammar mistakes and typos.
- Misused or missing words.
- Inconsistent capitalization, hyphenation, or verb tenses.
- Continuity issues (was her name Sara or Sarah?).
- Style guide rules (like Chicago Manual of Style).
They’re the ones making sure your manuscript reads clean, clear, and professional.
Example: Imagine a mystery novel where the murder weapon is a knife in one chapter and a gun in another. A copyeditor is the one who saves you from angry reader emails.
When to use this: Once your story and style are set. Essential if you’re self-publishing.
4. Proofreading
The final polish before your book goes out into the world.
Proofreaders catch the last little things:
- Lingering typos.
- Formatting errors.
- Missing quotation marks.
- Weird line breaks.
They’re not rewriting. They’re your last defense against embarrassment.
Example: Picture your book launch, readers excitedly cracking open their copies — and spotting “teh” instead of “the” on page one. A proofreader prevents that.
When to use this: After formatting, right before publication.
So… Which One Do You Need?
It depends on:
- Where you are in the process.
- How strong your draft already is.
- What you’re comfortable fixing yourself.
If you’re not sure, ask for a sample edit. Many editors will do a short one for free or a small fee. It’ll give you a taste of their style and show you what kind of editing your manuscript really needs.
How to Choose the Right Editor
This is the part that matters most. Editing is a collaboration. You’re trusting someone with your book-baby, and the wrong fit can make the process painful.
Look for someone who:
- Specializes in your genre.
- Communicates clearly and kindly.
- Has testimonials or references.
- Respects your voice instead of rewriting your book into theirs.
- Offers a sample edit so you can test the fit.
Questions to ask before hiring:
- Have you edited books like mine before?
- What’s your process and timeline?
- How do you handle disagreements?
- Do you use a contract? (The answer should be yes.)
- What’s included in your fee, and what’s extra?
It should feel like a collaboration, not a power struggle. You want someone who sharpens your story while respecting your vision.
Coffee Reflection: My first editor gently pointed out that my protagonist had no agency in the climax — things just “happened” around her. That note hurt, but it was delivered kindly, and it made the book so much stronger. A good editor is both tough and compassionate.
How Much Does Editing Cost?
Here’s the part nobody loves: the bill. Editing is an investment, and prices vary depending on experience, genre, and manuscript length.
Ballpark ranges:
- Developmental Editing: $0.03–$0.08 per word.
- Line Editing: $0.02–$0.05 per word.
- Copyediting: $0.01–$0.03 per word.
- Proofreading: $0.005–$0.02 per word.
Some editors charge hourly or by the page. Some bundle services. Always ask for a clear quote and a contract in writing.
Budget tip: Plan to spend more than you think. Editing is often the single biggest expense for a self-published book, and it’s worth every penny. A polished book sells. A messy one earns one-star reviews.
Red Flags to Watch For
Not every editor is a good fit. Some are not even legit. Protect yourself.
Red flags include:
- No portfolio or references.
- Vague about process or pricing.
- Dismissive of your concerns.
- Tries to rewrite your story in their voice.
- Promises to “guarantee” bestseller status.
A professional editor will explain their services clearly, show you past work, and put everything in writing. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away.
Final Thoughts: Editors Aren’t Just for “Bad” Writers
Hiring an editor is not a sign of failure. It is a sign that you care about your readers. You are choosing to invest in your craft and your story.
The right editor won’t erase your voice. They’ll help you find it more clearly. They won’t take over your book. They’ll help you own it.
So don’t be afraid to reach out. Ask questions. Do your research. And when you find the right editor? You’ll know. Because suddenly, your story will feel more like itself than it ever has before.
You might also enjoy:
The 3 stages of editing — and when to stop tinkering
Should you pay for a critique? And what to expect