I wrote a blog post covering the basics of this topic almost a year ago. People liked it. You liked it, right? Anyway, it’s just the basics of doing business with anyone, but that doesn’t really cover the kind of relationship you should have with your editor.

When you’re working with an editor, you’re paying someone for the opportunity to read your novel before it hits the shelves and help you make it better. But that comes with the risk of sharing an important part of yourself and it being stepped on callously by the wrong person. You have the make sure the *vibes* are right to get the best version of your story. Here’s how to vibe check while still sounding professional:

What Is Your Vision of My Story?

This one is especially important if you’re looking for a developmental edit but can also be useful for other types of content editing. When you’re working with someone that’s going to suggest structural changes to your story, you want to feel certain, confident, and excited by the things they want for your story (especially for how much it can cost). A developmental editor is going to give you suggestions for cuts, edits, and additions. All of those can be difficult, but especially additions can if your visions don’t align. So, ask first.

One of the best ways to set yourself up for success with this question is to work with the editor on a small-scale project before you take on a larger one like development or line edits. For me, this often looks like a beta read, and I’ll even credit the money spent there toward a bigger project if clients want to upgrade after the fact. Why? Because it gives me an opportunity to ensure I’m the right person for the job before making promises to my clients about what I can do for them.

Do You Think This Editing Service is the Right Choice for Me?

Being an indie author means that you’re in control over which services you want to pay for expert advice in and which you want to DIY. But that doesn’t mean that you should forego all guidance.

If you’re really considering working with an editor, proofreader, illustrator, or anything else, they should be someone you can trust. And if you trust them, why not ask them where your strengths lay? It’s good to have a perspective outside of your own, and these people see a lot of copy being sent out for querying and can give you a sense of where you stand against the competition.

Also, this question can be a good litmus test for you to see if this is the right person for you to work with. Are they listening to your concerns about your story, or are they pointing you to their most expensive services blindly? What is their reasoning? It can tell you a lot about them quick!

What Can You Offer Me That Others Can’t?

This question was asked of me in an initial meeting about a year ago, and it really surprised me. When you’re considering a high-dollar service, you want to be sure you’re getting the quality you expect and deserve. But editorial services aren’t like a steak that you can prod and view from all angles before buying. You’re not totally going to get a full picture until after it’s paid for. But questions like this can help you feel confident and make your selection easier. And if you’re looking for a particular kind of insight, the answer to this question will let you know if that’s possible.

Some of this question hinges upon who your others are, so be sure to give context. Are you well connected with a few published authors? Do you have a degree in English or creative writing? Who are your critique partners? The answers to these considerations and more will give an editor insight into the community you have and will allow them to help address any blind spots they missed while thoughtfully considering the feedback you've already received.

What Will Payment Look Like?

Not only do you deserve full transparency in costs and payments, but you also deserve a chance to advocate for what is best for you with your editor. Make sure that your editorial experience is well understood first, but always make sure you feel confident in how payment will work before sending your pages to them.

A great editor should be professional and understanding about your circumstances when it comes to payment. For me, this looks like having payment plans available as well as being able to get started with an issue invoiced before it is paid in full. And some editors might even have some tips for how you can cut costs on your editorial services and more.

Can I Get a Sample Edit?

No ifs, ands, or buts. The answer to this question should be a resounding YES. Transparency in editorial services is paramount, and you deserve to know what you’re paying for. In some cases, this may look like a sample page or two of your own work with the edits shown (most often used for line edits or proofreading). In others, it could be a past client’s analysis, a list of common questions, or a template for analysis to show their process for services like beta reading or developmental edits. Though diverse, each of these samples will give you a better sense of what to expect from your own service and may inspire more questions you have before you’re ready to pull out the red pen.

You worked hard on your book, and you deserve the best counsel for your authorial career. That means finding someone who will listen and take the time to answer your questions thoughtfully in addition to knowing how the hell commas work. So, take the time to ask questions that will give you a sense not only of what an editor can do but also how they’ll work with you moving forward. You deserve it.