Finding the ideal editor for your manuscript doesn’t have to be like searching for a needle in a haystack. With the help of the internet, you can find professional manuscript editors within the United States in just a few clicks. You can create a free account on any number of proofreading or freelance marketplace websites. The rest is simple, just sit back and relax as bids for your manuscript editor project roll in. Conduct interviews and choose the most talented manuscript editor in the US that fits your genre and your budget.
Hire Expert Manuscript Editors From the United States
Once you finish your manuscript draft then it is time for the real work to begin. No matter how good you may be at weaving stories, every manuscript needs to grace the table of an editor. A developmental editor will help you by ensuring your manuscript captures the bigger picture. They will leave creative notes that will either keep you on track or suggest corrective changes. A good developmental editor will even provide comprehensive suggestions that you can use to correct issues without changing the meat of the story. These types of editors help with prose style, character continuity, plot holes, and more.
When you hire an editor for your manuscript, you are getting the support you need to ensure that your story is not only engaging but also compelling. For first-time authors, working with a skilled manuscript editor is essential. More often than not, newer authors inadvertently make omissions or leave holes in the plot that can ruin an entire manuscript. There is nothing worse than making it all the way to publishing only to find out there are serious developmental issues that need correction. As difficult as editing a manuscript may seem, working with an experienced editor is a breeze. The key is finding the right type of editor within your specific niche to handle your project.
Where Can You Find A Manuscript Editor in the USA
For those looking to hire a developmental editor from the US, all you need to do is hit the internet. With so many freelance platforms in the market, there are thousands of US-based manuscript editors for hire that are available right now. Many have worked with notable names and publishing houses while others have helped self-published authors make their mark. Just search for proofreaders in your area, or you can search for experts who have experience in your niche. You can also look for those that offer services within a certain budget which will allow you more control over your final project cost.
Things to Consider When Hiring a Manuscript Editor
Picking an editor for your manuscript is not difficult, but it does require a bit of planning if you want to succeed. There are many talented manuscript editors for hire online guarantee so you will easily find one that fits your project perfectly. When considering a candidate, it is essential that you know what type of editing you need for your manuscript before finalizing a hire. There are several types of manuscript editing ranges such as developmental edits all the way to final production edits. Once you are sure of what type you need, then you can start to narrow down your choices. Keep in mind that all manuscript editing is not the same, and it is also much different than simple proofreading.
Budget Expectations for a Manuscript Editing Project
Once you have finished your manuscript draft the next step is hiring an editor. Before we jump into the cost, let’s first talk about the different editor types. There are several types, and each has its own tasks and rates when it comes to publishing support. Some of the most common editor types are:
- Line editing
- Evaluation editing
- Content editing
- Proofreading
- Developmental editing
- Copy editing
- Conceptual editing
Simple forms of editing will have a lower rate than more complex forms. For example, copy editing is the most basic and will cost between $800 and $2,800 per manuscript. Alternatively, developmental editing is more complex and will cost between $3,500 and $8,000 for the same project. Of course, these numbers are just used as an example and are not reflective of actual rates. In general, you can expect to pay a professional manuscript editor between $30 and $50 an hour for their services. Most manuscript editors charge either per page or per word. The rate will range from $0.018 per word to $0.9 per word.
How To Choose A Compatible Manuscript Editor
Hiring the right manuscript editor for your project is as important as putting your manuscript through the editing process. To start, take the time to peruse the many manuscript editors available online. Look for an editor who has experience working within your genre and if possible, your specific niche. For example, if you are a fiction novelist, working with a medical textbook editor is not going to be a good fit. However, if you write science-fiction and can pair with a fiction editor who has experience with sci-fi, chances are your collaboration will be more effective.
Check reviews before you hire anyone to edit your manuscript. Editing professionals that have good reviews and are known for being highly communicative are going to be your best bet. It is also important to speak with potential editors about their availability, turnaround times, and payment expectations. Some manuscript editors have long lead times which may not be suitable for your project.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a sample edit. On that note, when you ask several different manuscript editors for a sample edit, make sure you give each of them the same section to review. This will allow you to better compare the edits between each specialist before choosing which one to hire. Editing style and voice are also important. A sample edit will also give you an idea of whether a specific editor’s style matches yours and if their edits change the voice or tone of your work.
