How to Hire a Freelance Editor: What Every Writer Needs to Know

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Hiring a freelance editor is a great thing to do for your writing. I always recommend it to newer writers who are getting ready to submit for the first time, but I also have best-selling author friends who would never send a manuscript to their publisher without paying for a freelance editor to vet it. Today’s post is to help you find an editor and some best practices before spending any money. 

Where to Find a Freelance Editor

The best place to find a freelance editor is in a writing group—in person or online. Ask for referrals and talk to people who have actually hired the editor in question. Remember, anyone can legally hang out a shingle and label themselves as a freelance editor. They don’t have to have any experience, training, or certification. 

Some organizations have lists of people they recommend (like the Christian Pen), but I would still ask for a referral.

Training to Look For

• Degree: someone who is employed at a publishing house usually has a degree, as well as real-time experience with editing. 
• Certification: there are numerous programs offered that give editors certifications. The trustworthy ones that immediately come to mind are Writer’s Digest and The Christian Pen. I would trust someone with credentials from either of those places. 
• Experience: sometimes people have an eye for editing and have taken on clients because of that knack. Don’t disregard these folks, I’ve used several editors like this and been very happy with the results.

8 Questions to Ask Potential Freelance Editors

1. Decide whether you need a writing coach or an editor. They perform two different things, although there can be some overlap. Here’s a valuable blog post about a writing coach from Crystal Bowman, The Benefits of Working with a Writing Coach. 

2. Once you decide on hiring a freelance editor, you need to decide what kind of an edit you think you need. There are all kinds.

• A. Developmental Editing (Also called: Substantive or Structural Editing)

• What it accomplishes: This is the big picture edit. A developmental editor evaluates the manuscript’s overall structure, plot, pacing, theme, character development, tone, and consistency. For nonfiction, they focus on organization, argument strength, clarity of ideas, and logical flow.

• Key Questions Answered:

• Does the plot make sense and keep the reader engaged?
• Are the characters fully developed and believable?
• Is the story arc clear and satisfying?
• Are the themes integrated organically?
• Are there holes in logic or timeline?

• Common Changes Include:
• Rearranging chapters or scenes
• Adding/deleting characters or plotlines
• Suggesting deeper emotional arcs or stronger arguments

• B. Line Editing (Also called: Stylistic Editing)

• What it accomplishes: This focuses on the craft of writing itself—style, language, sentence structure, rhythm, and tone. A line editor ensures your voice is clear and consistent, and that each sentence flows well and reads smoothly.

• Key Questions Answered:
• Is the prose engaging and appropriate for the genre/audience?
• Are sentences varied and well-constructed?
• Is the language fresh, not cliché?
• Is the tone consistent and intentional?

• Common Changes Include:
• Rewriting awkward or clunky sentences
• Enhancing word choice
• Trimming repetition or overuse
• Tightening dialogue and interior monologue

• C. Copyediting

• What it accomplishes: This is the technical tune-up. A copyeditor ensures accuracy, clarity, consistency, and correctness in grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, and formatting. They also apply a style guide (e.g., The Chicago Manual of Style) to maintain consistency throughout.

• Key Questions Answered:
• Are there grammar or punctuation errors?
• Is the manuscript internally consistent (e.g., spelling of character names, capitalization)?
• Are facts correct (when relevant)?
• Are citations or quotes properly formatted?

• Common Changes Include:
• Fixing typos, comma splices, or misused homophones
• Correcting inconsistent tense or POV shifts
• Standardizing formatting (e.g., chapter titles, italics)
• Flagging factual errors

• D. Proofreading

• What it accomplishes: This is the final polish before publication. A proofreader catches last-minute errors that may have slipped through—think of it as quality control. It typically happens after layout or typesetting, reviewing the book in its final form.

• Key Questions Answered:
• Are there lingering typos or punctuation mistakes?
• Are formatting and spacing consistent?
• Do all page numbers, headers, and footers appear correctly?
• Are chapter breaks clean and complete?

• Common Changes Include:
• Fixing missing or duplicated words
• Catching misnumbered pages or orphaned headings
• Ensuring consistent use of fonts and spacing

• E. Sensitivity Reading

• What it accomplishes: Not an edit in the technical sense, but a sensitivity reader reviews your manuscript for potentially harmful or inaccurate representation of cultures, identities, disabilities, or experiences outside your own.

• Especially valuable if:
• You’re writing characters from marginalized groups
• Your story addresses trauma, faith, race, or historical injustice

3. What is the cost and how do you want your money?

• Do they want the money all up front? If so, what guarantees are built in that my edit will be done in a timely fashion and accurate.
• Over time? Do they want part now, and part later?

4. Do you have an opening in your calendar and how long should my editing job take you to finish.

5. Do you offer a sample edit? When I was working as a freelance editor, I preferred to offer a short sample edit. This allowed me to see the level of the work the author was submitting and gave us both a chance to determine if we would enjoy working together. Some editors offer a sample edit, some don’t. 

6. What kind of a contract do you offer. Let me say right now, hiring a freelance editor isn’t inexpensive. When you’re spending this kind of money—I don’t care how well recommended or how well you know the person—NEVER work without a contract. A legal contract will protect everyone.

7. Can you provide a list of referrals and/or clients. Always ask someone who is or has worked with the person you’re considering. 

8. What is your policy if a crisis happens. A crisis can happen to anyone—the author or the editor. What process is built in to let everyone know and reschedule or refund all or part of the money?

Bottom Line

Do not take ANYONE (someone with a degree, certification, or gift) at face value. Do your homework and be wise. A freelance editor is a valuable tool, but take responsibility for finding the right fit for you. 

Now it’s your turn. What tips do you have for hiring/finding a freelance editor? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below. 

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings, 

Edie

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How to Hire a Freelance Editor: What Every Writer Needs to Know from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.