Editing is one of the most important parts of the book publishing process. Whether it's finding a developmental editor who can assess your work based on the actual content of your manuscript (plot, characterization, etc.) or an editor who will proofread your work for stylistic and grammar missteps, it's important to find the right fit for your work. If you're currently looking to work with an editor and don't know where to start, here are 10 online outlets that are experts in pairing writers with editing professionals.
Reedsy offers writers a multitude of services: developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, editorial assessments and query letter review. Their online site allows you to find editors in your area from their vast network of professionals so you can work with someone locally or abroad.
Editorial Freelancers Association
The Editorial Freelancers Association provides writers with an easy way to find editors as you're able to post job listings that freelancers can apply to. In addition, the site provides users with a directory of their editorial freelancers that allows you to search by editorial skill, style guide, genre, language, etc. so you can pick someone who will be perfect for your book.
Whether it's book editing, cover design or formatting, Ebook Launch does it all. This service offers a free 750-word sample to determine whether or not their dedicated editor is the right fit for your manuscript. They make it easy with four steps to getting your book fully edited and out the door. The company also gives curious writers a free quote on their manuscript before paying so you know exactly what you'll be getting.
This group of professional editors offers editing services as well as insight into the publishing process and overall project oversight. These freelance editors are based in New York City and have all held senior-level positions in major publishing houses in their careers, giving you the reassurance that your manuscript is in the right hands.
If you're looking for a freelance editor rather than a service that hires out their editors, Freelance Writers Den is a great place to start. With a job board and forums for professionals looking for jobs, it's a great place to connect with an editor who is in need of work and aligns with your writing style.
While Kirkus Reviews is known for their book reviews, what some may not know is that they also provide editorial services. Working with editors who have worked on books published by top publishers in the United States, these editors are highly-vetted and provide clients with consistent quality work. Kirkus offers basic copyediting, collaborative editing or a professional editing package.
Bibliocrunch is a great source for meeting and working with publishing professionals. With services in editing, marketing, publishing guidance and design, this company allows you to share your project with their community of experts. You can use their services for free to snag a freelance editor or upgrade to a pro membership to take advantage of training in everything from social media to SEO and more.
The Blue Garret promises that they can make their clients' publishing dreams a reality with their services in content editing, copyediting, proofreading and book formatting. While focusing on book edits, this company's team of professionals provides their clients with edits as well as the reasoning behind those edits so the author can be fully in the know when it comes to why changes were made.
Upwork is a popular community for freelance workers in all different fields. In particular, this site also offers writers the option to hire editors on an hourly basis. If you're interested in picking your editor by hand, this site allows you to see reviews and feedback from writers who have hired them in the past.
Scribendi is a great service for writers who have novels, manuscripts, plays or ebooks that need some editing help. Having hired a team of professional editors who can take your work to the next level, they offer a free sample of edits made to your manuscript so you can decide whether or not a specific editor would be a good fit for your project. This service has quick turnaround times for authors in a hurry.
Reedsy is a platform that I've recently been introduced to and I've been going back and forth about joining it! It seems like a really great community. I'm also familiar with Upwork. I'll be keeping in mind all of these other awesome suggestions! Thanks so much for sharing them!