Should you hire an editor? 📝

Everything you want to know about working with a professional editor

As a developmental editor, there is nothing more rewarding to me than helping an author achieve their vision for their book. But I also know that there is some confusion around developmental editing. Is it really necessary? When should you hire an editor? How does the process work?

Today, I’m answering some of the most common questions I get about working with a professional editor, so you can decide whether it’s something you want to do. Here are the questions I’ll be covering:

• Should you just get feedback from family and friends?

• Do you need to work with a professional editor prior to querying literary agents?

• Can you send your first draft to an editor?

• Is it a good idea to work with more than one editor?

• Do you typically need multiple rounds of developmental editing?

• What if you don’t agree with the editor’s feedback?

Of course, as a developmental editor myself, I do have a bias when it comes to this topic — but the truth is there is no one-size-fits-all approach as to when and whether to work with an editor, and the answers below take that into account!

---

Should you just get feedback from family and friends?

If you want to craft the strongest possible version of your story, I firmly believe in getting outside feedback, because you are too deep in it to see certain issues or see how things could be improved. A fresh, external pair of eyes is critical.

Many authors turn to family members or friends as their first readers — after all, they’re right there! — but before doing this, you should make sure you set clear expectations, both for yourself and for them. Their feedback may certainly be helpful, but you always have to take what they say about your manuscript with a grain of salt. In most cases, they will make an effort to not hurt your feelings, which means they might not always say what they really mean.

If they just read your work and say that it's good or give you a pat on the back, that's not going to help you become a better writer or tell this story in the most effective way possible. Make sure that they understand the expectations from the beginning and that you are truly seeking their honest critique.

Keep in mind, too, that they might not have the experience or the background to give you constructive feedback that is helpful. Do they read other books in the genre you’re writing in? Do they have any experience in writing, editing, or literature?

Too often, I see authors give their books to family and friends, only to be disappointed when the feedback they get back feels superficial, dishonest, or unhelpful. Remember that the quality of your feedback will only be as good as the quality of the source.

Do you need to work with a professional editor prior to querying literary agents?