by Hannah de Keijzer

Thousands of freelance editors are poised to work on your manuscript. But whether or not the editorial process elevates your book and enlivens you as a writer hinges in large part on the person you pick. You need someone who can deliver edits to professional standards, of course, on time and within your budget.

But you also deserve to work with a communicative editor whose method fits your brain and preferred ways of working. Look for someone who gives you confidence in yourself and in your manuscript as it develops. That’s a matter of process and feelings fit as much as one of professional skill.

So beyond good credentials, how do you find the right editor(s) for you? Here are a few specific aspects of fit to keep in mind while you search.

Do our logistical needs align? There are lots of details to agree to up front, and the ease with which you do so is a good indicator of what your working relationship will be like throughout. Aligning expectations also keeps the relationship smooth and helps you stay relaxed.

Do our communication needs and styles align? Do you two like communicating by the same means? If you’d rather field questions via text because your inbox is so full it makes you break out in hives, for example, your editor needs to be willing to text.

But communication fit is about goals and expectations, too. Are you looking for a collaborative, back-and-forth conversation, or would you rather just get sent a polished manuscript with minimal questions and notes? Do you want the chance to talk through the final changes with the editor? Think through what process will serve you best and, before you hire someone, make sure they can offer it.

Do we want the same thing from the relationship and from this edit? If you’re looking to develop your craft, you may want your editor to suggest directions for change but leave the details for you to execute. Or if you’re ready to get this book over with, you may want them to polish instead of guide. What feels most appealing to you at this stage, and can this editor deliver it? Remember you’ll have a break from the manuscript while it’s with your editor, so don’t let being sick of the text right now completely dictate your choices!

Does this person feel like someone I can enjoy working with, and whom I can trust to do well by me and my work? Do you understand each other well? Do the questions they ask about your work, either in conversation or in a sample edit, make it clear they’re honoring you, your voice, and your goals? Do you trust their ideas, and do you think they trust yours, too? Can you be straightforward and comfortable with them?

Keep looking until you find someone you click with. Your good-fit editor is out there, and they’re worth chasing—for the sake of this book and every future book you write.

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Hannah de Keijzer is a book coach, writing catalyst, and editor who helps nonfiction authors write compelling books they’re wildly proud of—without grinding themselves to a pulp along the way. This article is adapted from her book How to Enjoy Being Edited: A Practical Guide for Nonfiction Authors, a concise guide to getting the most out of the editorial experience. Connect with Hannah at https://hannahdk.com.