Some people think of editing as checking spelling and fixing punctuation. Others see it as fixing everything that’s not working. Some people assume editors will check facts and references. Some expect editors to know precisely what will make their manuscript appealing to their intended audience.

These are all things that editors can help with, but not every editor offers all of these services. Some specialize in fine-tuning at the end, while others are great at the big-picture issues. And, most of the time, they won’t do everything at once. (There’s little value in spending a lot of time fixing commas when the structure of the manuscript is still in flux.)

Personally, I love line editing and heavy copyediting, which involves checking grammar and style, but also making sure everything makes sense and flows nicely. However, I also can help with substantive or developmental editing once a writer has their initial ideas down, and I’m a skilled proofreader.

When hiring a freelance editor, it’s important to think through where your manuscript is in its development and what specific things you want your editor to help with. The more clearly you understand and can communicate what you’re looking for, the easier your hiring process will be for both you and your prospective editors.

Many editors will ask to see your manuscript (or an excerpt) so they can determine whether their specific skills match what you’re looking for and what they think your manuscript needs.

They may even offer a sample edit (sometimes for a fee) so you can get a sense of whether their style works for you. Not every editor is equally skilled in all areas, so this process can help both you and your potential editor.