Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Freelance Editing
Adapted from an article by Kimberly Rufer-Bach

What is a freelance editor?
How do I choose a freelance editor?
How does the freelance editorial process work?

What is a freelance editor?

Freelance editors are professionals who perform editorial services for writers, publishers, and businesses on a freelance basis.

What services do freelance editors perform?

Services offered by freelance editors include critiques, revision, ghostwriting, copy editing, proofreading, marketing assistance, and even help with the process of planning and writing a manuscript.

Why should I hire a freelance editor?

Publishing houses hire freelance editors when they need help with their workloads, or if they are too small to keep full-time editors on payrolls. Businesses hire freelance editors for the same reasons, for projects like editing documentation, press releases, newsletters, and marketing and advertising copy.

Writers hire freelance editors for a variety of reasons. Budgets have shrunk in the publishing industry, and many editors at publishing houses don’t have a lot of time to revise manuscripts. If a manuscript requires a lot of revision or copy editing, publishers and agencies might reject it in favor of a "cleaner" manuscript.

If a manuscript contains mechanical errors (spelling, punctuation, grammar, or organizational problems), a freelance editor can edit or revise it before it is submitted. Sometimes writers are unsure if their works are marketable, so they ask freelance editors for critiques. A freelance editor can analyze a manuscript’s marketability and suggest ways to improve it. A freelance editor can assist a writer with the process of marketing a manuscript, including finding appropriate markets for the manuscript, putting it into standard manuscript format, and preparing cover letters, queries, and complete book proposals. Some freelance editors will even study a client’s rejection letters and manuscript to find out why publishers or agencies have rejected it and suggest ways to make the manuscript more marketable. If a manuscript has a particular weakness (such as problems with characterization, plot, dialogue, or structure), a freelance editor can critique it and suggest ways to strengthen it. Some freelance editors not only work to improve a specific manuscript, but also teach writing techniques that will make their clients better writers.

Writers who self-publish their manuscripts often hire freelance editors to copy edit and proofread them before going to press.

Can a freelance editor really make my work more marketable?

Experienced freelance editors can improve the marketability of your work in a variety of ways. They know how to properly present a manuscript. They can fix mechanical errors that would greatly reduce a manuscript’s chances of acceptance by a publisher. They can suggest ways to revise your manuscript to make it better, or revise it for you. From their experience, they know what makes a manuscript marketable, and they can help you to focus yours so it fits a particular market niche.

Can a freelance editor guarantee my work will sell?

If a freelance editor makes this sort of promise, be wary. Only a publisher can promise your work will be published.

Why not simply take a class or join a workshop?

Classes and workshops are valuable resources. However, workshop members usually aren’t as experienced and knowledgeable as freelance editorial professionals. In any class or workshop, each student receives only so much attention. An instructor is unlikely to, for example, copy edit an entire book manuscript. Freelance editors will give as much one-on-one attention as a client requires.

Can a freelance editor introduce me to editors and agents?

This does happen from time to time, but it is rare. Be wary and check those references if a freelance editor promises to put you in personal contact with editors or agents. Remember that no freelance editor can guarantee your work will be published.

After the freelance editorial process, will it still be "my" book?

A competent freelance editor can copy edit your manuscript without changing your style or content.

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How do I choose a freelance editor?

What qualifications should a freelance editor have?

Freelance editors come from many different backgrounds. Some are successful writers who pass on their knowledge to others. Some have worked at publishing houses or literary agencies. Others have taken university courses. Some freelance editors are self-taught. A proven track record is the best qualification. Ask for and check references. Are this editor’s clients happy with the services the editor has performed?

What qualities make a good freelance editor?

A freelance editor not only needs to know how to edit a manuscript, but also how to communicate with clients. A freelance editor might have to explain his or her edits, and has to be able to give a critique that explains terms, concepts, and writing techniques that might be entirely new to a client. Honesty is another important quality. It’s a freelance editor’s job to give an honest opinion of a manuscript’s strengths, weaknesses, and marketability. It’s better to receive a freelance editor’s suggestions for revision than it is to receive a bunch of uninformative form rejection letters from publishers. A good freelance editor has a positive "bedside manner," and can offer constructive criticism in an instructive and encouraging way.

How do I choose the right freelance editor for my project?

Every freelance editor has different specialties. Some focus on copy editing and proofreading. Some specialize in critiquing manuscripts. Others offer all of these services.

As well, each freelance editor has gained experience editing different types of manuscripts. Some non-fiction specialties include New Age/Spiritual, How-to, Medical, Biography, and True Crime. Some fiction specialties include Romance, Western, Science Fiction, Horror, Mystery, and Suspense. Choose a freelance editor who has experience editing manuscripts like your own.

The human side of the writer-editor relationship is very important. How do you get along with this person? Does this freelance editor have the time to answer your questions? Does he or she seem enthusiastic about your project? When you ask a question, is the response clear and helpful? It’s vital to feel comfortable with and confident in the freelance editor you choose.

What should I do if a publisher or agent suggests a freelance editor?

The manuscript probably requires revision or copy editing. On the other hand, recently some agencies and publishers referred writers to specific freelance editors in exchange for kickbacks, with no intent to publish their manuscripts. One good test is to say you have already chosen a freelance editor with whom you intend to work. Does the editor or agent try to back out of his or her statement, or insist that your manuscript will only receive consideration if you work with a specific freelance editor? If you want to consider working with the in-house or recommended freelance editor, be sure to get and check references.

How do I know a freelance editor won’t rip me off?

Ask for and check references.

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How does the freelance editorial process work?

What’s the procedure for working with a freelance editor?

First, correspond with the editor, and have a chat or two on the phone. It’s important to outline the parameters of an editorial project before the freelance editor begins work on it. If the freelance editor is located nearby, you might get together for a meeting. Today, many freelance editors work with their clients by phone, e-mail, telephone, and postal mail. You send your manuscript and any advance payment to the freelance editor. The freelance editor completes the project and sends it back to you. Then you send the balance of the fee to the freelance editor. Some freelance editors offer follow-ups, and are happy to answer questions and offer advice after the completion of the project.

Can I expect a written contract?

Some freelance editors use formal contracts, especially when undertaking a major project (such as ghostwriting). Many don’t use formal contracts; however, your verbal agreement is binding. Save e-mail or other written correspondence that outlines the project and the agreement between you and your freelance editor.

Will a freelance editor demand a byline?

Most don’t, but some do demand a byline on ghostwritten manuscripts. Some are willing to give up the byline for a larger fee.

How long does the editorial process take?

This depends on the length and complexity of the editorial project, and on how many projects the freelance editor already has booked. Before agreeing to work with a freelance editor, ask how long the project is expected to take.

What if I'm unhappy with the completed project?

Freelance editors’ policies vary. If you point out what dissatisfies you about the completed project, many editors are willing to put in the extra time and effort to satisfy you. Some offer refunds. This is another question to ask an editor before you begin your working relationship.

Can I request more changes?

Some freelance editors offer the opportunity for a second revision, sometimes for an additional fee. Ask about this before the editor starts working on your project.

Does the freelance editor work on hard copy, or on disk?

Most freelance editors prefer to work on hard copy (paper). It is generally thought to be easier to spot copy editing-type errors on hard copy than on a screen. Some freelance editors will charge additionally for the added time and effort required to enter corrections into a text file. It’s not a bad idea to review a freelance editor’s edits as you enter them yourself; it’s a good way to learn how to avoid making habitual errors. As well, you might not agree with every change, and this is your opportunity to veto those you don’t like.

 How much do freelance editors charge?

Fees vary quite a bit, based on editorial experience, the length of the manuscript, its complexity, and what editorial services are required. Writers Market lists a range of typical rates (updated annually). Some freelance editors charge on an hourly basis, some charge per page, and others quote a flat fee for each project. Expect to pay more per page/per hour for shorter projects.

Do I have to pay up front?

Each freelance editor makes different arrangements. Some want their entire fee in advance. Some request an advance, with the balance due upon completion of the project, or in installments (during a long project).

 Can I get a freelance editor to work for royalties?

Many writers ask freelance editors to revise or ghostwrite manuscripts in exchange for a percentage of royalties. Freelance editors usually won’t consider this sort of arrangement, because they can take on other projects with advances.

 Is a freelance editor’s fee tax deductible?

The freelance editor’s fee should be deductible from writing-related income (if you file a Schedule C for your writing business). To be certain, check with your accountant.

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