“What type of editor do I need?”

Are you ready to hire an editor so they can help you take your manuscript to the next level? To be ready means you have taken it as far as you can: you have compiled, written, and perhaps rewritten everything you had envisioned when you started. You are satisfied with the overall content and messaging. You may have set it aside and re-read it with a fresh perspective and made adjustments. Or you are aware of the shortcomings and need expert help to overcome those. The kind of expert help you need will decide the type of editor(s) you want to look for.

My previous post focused on what different types of editors do with written text. This post views these from the author's point of view and helps them decide what kind of editor they need. I have, as have most of my editor colleagues, seen authors’ job posts or received requests for editing services on various forums, platforms, marketplaces, etc. Even when the authors are ready to ask for editorial help, they seldom know the different kinds of editor specializations, let alone exactly what type of editing they may need. This is especially true for first-time independent authors. Beyond editing, there are other types of professionals helping with everything about writing and publishing your books: book or writing coaches, ghostwriters, fact-checkers, technical editors, alpha and beta readers. 

Here’s the editing diagram with some more context added, and answering the author's questions about what kind of help they should look for.

Of course, you may not necessarily need all of these, but when needed, they are highly advised in the top-down order. E.g., there is no point in looking for grammar and punctuation mistakes if your content is not complete and locked. Many editors offer or bundle more than one type of services. It all depends on your publishing goals, the state of your manuscript, the editor’s expertise, and process. Most editors offer a free no-obligation consultation to understand what editing help you need; I do. We will discuss your goals, your target readers, your style and shape of manuscript, and then define the scope of work with you. Finding the right fit for a satisfying collaboration is as important to us as it is for you.

So, if you don't know what type of help you need or feel like your needs don't quite fit into one of these buckets, just reach out and ask.