Three Questions to Ask Potential Editors
You’re new to the editing process, and perhaps you’re a bit apprehensive. Your university might provide a list of approved editors for theses and dissertations, but you still might be hesitant to reach out and get started.
When you’re searching for an editor for your project, remember that you’re in control of who you hire. Chances are you’ll find several editors who are willing to work with you, so understanding how to evaluate them ensures you choose the right one for your needs.
Ask potential editors these questions to help you assess their editing services and find a good fit.
How do you charge for projects?
You’ll find a variety of answers here. Some editors (like me) charge by the hour. Others charge per page or per word. Still others charge a flat rate for the project.
Cost is certainly a driving factor in your decision on who to hire, so you’ll need to flush out these rates so that they’re easy to compare. A reliable editor will be happy to provide a project-specific quote, so don’t hesitate to ask for one before you decide.
Do you format?
If you’re writing an academic paper, formatting is key. You’ll need to have your document properly formatted to align with school-specific guidelines, as well as your department’s style guide of choice.
Some editors do not format. In fact, I recently formatted a dissertation that had been edited by someone else. While it’s certainly fine to hire two people, it is typically more cost-effective to hire an editor who can also format as they edit. So, if you have some formatting requirements to deal with, look for an editor who can also format the document so it’s polished and prepared for submission.
How do you handle revisions?
Revisions are an expected part of the editing process, so find out how your editor handles them. Some editors may include a round of revisions in their quote, while others might charge extra to look at the revised document.
As an example, I include 30 minutes of revisions at no charge. So, if you need me to check the formatting of a couple of citations or update your table of contents, I am happy to take care of that without any extra charge. If you need a full edit of the revised draft, then additional charges apply.
As you evaluate editors, do so with these questions in mind. Ask around for referrals, too. Chances are you’ll be pleased with the edit if you hire an editor who your colleagues liked, too.
If you’re ready to hire an editor, I’m scheduling projects for the rest of the year! Let’s chat about your upcoming project.