We live in a world where a freelance editor is just a click away. But how do you know which one is right for you? And what should you expect when you hire one? Today, we’re breaking down the different types of freelance editors, what they actually do, and how to choose the one who will make your fiction and nonfiction books the best they can be.
What Do Freelance Editors… Do?
There are several types of editing, but the three most common are developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading.
Developmental editors focus on the big-picture elements of your story. They’ll read your full manuscript and evaluate things like plot holes, characterization, structure, pacing, and dialogue.
A developmental edit can be a one-off critique or part of a longer working relationship where the editor acts as a book coach over several months.
These editors aren’t worried about typos or even line-level writing. Their job is to help you shape your story as a whole, and they’ll typically work with your first or second draft (but they can definitely help you with whatever draft you're working on).
Copy editors step in next. They review your book at the sentence level, tightening phrasing, improving clarity, correcting grammar issues, and making sure your voice is consistent throughout (they might even create a style guide for your book).
Proofreaders come in right at the end. Their main focus is catching typos, missed words, punctuation errors, and formatting slip-ups before your book goes out into the world.
Read more about the three types of editing every writer needs here.
Why Choose a Freelance Editor?
Convenience is a big factor. Thanks to the internet, you can connect with the perfect editor for your book, no matter where they live or what time zone they’re in.
Online tools like Google Docs also make submitting your manuscript and receiving feedback incredibly fast and easy.
But that doesn’t mean the experience is any less personal.
For example, I recently worked with a Write Practice book coach who did a manuscript critique on my fantasy novel, and the entire process was a dream.
I shared my manuscript through Google Docs, and several weeks later we hopped on a Zoom call to talk through her notes. We discussed what was working, what wasn’t, and brainstormed ideas—all without me ever leaving my house.
She then sent back the manuscript with comments throughout the text, so I had real-time feedback I could use to move forward with my third draft.
Who’s the Right Freelance Editor for Me?
Before you pick a freelance editor, here are some questions to think about:
- Do they work with your genre? If they’re not familiar with your genre, they may not be able to give you the insight you need. (Proofreaders are often the exception.)
- What type of editing do they offer? Developmental editing and copy editing require completely different skills. Make sure you’re both clear about the type of edit you're looking for.
- Are they responsive? They might be brilliant, but if you never hear back from them, the process is going to be painful (and not very effective).
- Do they provide constructive and encouraging feedback? At The Write Practice, we swear by the OREO method. A critique should offer both positive and constructive criticism, because writers genuinely need both! An editor who only tells you what’s great won’t help you improve, but feedback that only focuses on the negatives can leave you discouraged (or worse, putting your book aside forever). You want someone who's honest as well as encouraging. And if you can, ask to see a sample chapter they’ve edited—it's the quickest way to gauge their style (and to make sure they maintain your author's voice!).
- What’s included in their service? Will you get a developmental report only, or do they offer a Zoom call as well? Will they leave in-line comments? Clarify what you’re getting from the outset so both of your expectations are the same.
- What’s their turnaround time? Are we talking weeks? Months? Hopefully not years. A clear timeframe keeps everyone’s expectations aligned.
- Do they offer post-edit support? Sometimes a suggestion makes sense… until you sit down to revise and realize you have no idea what you’re supposed to do. Before you begin, ask whether they’re available for follow-up questions and whether that support is included in your original editing package, for an additional charge, or not offered at all.
How Much Do Freelance Editors Cost?
Freelance editing can vary widely depending on the editor’s experience, the type of edit you need, your manuscript length, and your desired turnaround time. You’ll generally get what you pay for, so it’s worth viewing editing as an investment in your book’s success.
Where Do I Find a Freelance Editor?
A quick Google search will bring up thousands of freelance editors ready to work with you, all who will have different skills and experience. Some might have worked with Big 5 publishers, some might be freelance writers as well, some might have a creative writing or English degree (or similar) while others have come from a different educational background entirely.
It can be difficult to vet people from a single profile or social post, so consider looking at platforms specifically designed for authors or sites with review systems to make sure you're choosing someone reliable.
To make the process easier, The Write Practice has a team of certified book coaches and editors we trust (and have trained in The Write Structure framework). That means you can count on receiving professional, knowledgeable, encouraging, and reliable support.
Our editors work across fiction, nonfiction, and a wide range of genres and age categories. Whatever you’re writing, we’ve got someone who can help. Check out our book coaches here.
Or, if you’re unsure who the best fit is, just reach out and we’ll match you with an editor who will give your book the care it deserves.
The Bottom Line
Finding the right professional editing can feel a bit like hunting for a needle in a haystack, but asking the right questions will point you towards someone who understands your vision and makes your words shine. Here’s to getting your book into the right hands (or inbox). Happy editing!
Meet Your Next Editor
Get the right editing for you and your book. Learn about the editing packages we offer and meet your next editor here.
Have you ever received remote editing? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments!
PRACTICE
Today, we're going to do some editing of our own. Using your work-in-progress (or if you're not working on anything at the moment, think about a scene in the last book you read).
Think about the scene like a developmental editor would. What's working (and what's not) with things like the pacing, characterization, and point of view?
Set the timer for fifteen minutes, then write a critique that includes both positive and constructive criticism. When you're finished, post your practice in the Pro Practice Workshop. Don't forget to leave feedback for your fellow writers!
Happy editing!
Elizabeth Nettleton is an author and editor currently based in Oxfordshire, England. An avid reader and writer since childhood, she was once so engrossed in her book that she ran into a lamppost.
There is nothing Elizabeth loves more than magic and getting lost in other worlds (except for her family, friends, and pets, of course!), so she primarily writes fantasy, sci-fi, and horror. When she's not reading or writing, you can find her playing with her kids, daydreaming, or trying not to die in a video game.
You can learn more about Elizabeth's projects on her website, or say hello to her on X here.
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