How Do I Find an Editor?
- Jerrica Black
- Jul 2
- 6 min read
We’ve done a lot of talk about preparing yourself to find an editor. We’ve talked about figuring out what type of editing you need and what sort of goals and expectations you have going into the search process but… where do you actually find an editor?
Online has a variety of avenues for you to explore, and they each hold their own benefits and downsides. But first, let’s discuss what you should be searching for. In theory, you could search “editor for hire” and you’d get loads of results. The problem with that is the results pulled will be extremely broad. We’ve done all this talking about your goals, and we’re not using any of the keywords!
So, what kind of keywords can you use to narrow the search and make it a little less overwhelming? The first is the type of editing you’re looking for! Adding copy editor, developmental editor or substantive editor will narrow the field considerably. The next most important, in my opinion, is the genre and style of writing. Some examples could be horror short story, medical academic paper, or personal essay. Many editors choose (or fall into) a niche and market themselves within it. This can really help find the right editor who will give you the best results.
Of course, it’s always possible that a super niche search won’t yield results, but I really think starting with a narrow scope, and getting broader if you don’t find what you’re looking for, is the best way to go.
But where should you actually be searching to find an editor?
Search Engines
Like Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo
The obvious answer is a search engine like Google. This is where most people’s online searching begins, and it’s a great option. The search function is set up to use keywords to find the best (and sponsored) sites available. And maybe that is its biggest downside: the sponsored sites. While sometimes these search results are the perfect match, it’s more likely they are just noise.
The other note to make, is that you don’t necessarily get the most important information from a cursory glance. You will likely have to click on sites and dig through the pages to find answers to questions regarding services and prices. This isn’t bad, you’re going to have to put in a little work no matter what, it’s just something to note.
Social Media Sites
like X, Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook
Everyone and their dog (or, at this point, maybe even more likely their dog!) is on social media. This includes professionals (read: editors) who are marketing themselves! While the search functions might not be as efficient as a search engine, you have the added benefit of using hashtags in your search. Things like #FreelanceEditor and #EditorForHire can help you find an editor that is clearly searching for work and likely has their niche right there in the post leaving that digging issue behind.
Another thing that is really fun and helpful about social media is you can get an idea for the person behind the service. This might not matter to everyone, but in some cases you might want to look for an editor that holds the same values or experiences you do (like if your novel 's main character is a Black woman you may want an editor who is a Black woman to avoid having to explain obvious-to-you things.) It can also be helpful to understand their communication style! Both of these things can really make or break an editor-writer relationship.
In recent years, adding “reddit” to search engine queries has become a bit of a meme, but also really helpful. But why not cut out the middleman and just go straight to the source? There are whole subreddits just for hiring editors! I suggest checking out r/HireAnEditor and r/FreelanceEditors
One of the most interesting parts of this method is that you can go about it passively, to some degree, if you so choose. (I don’t suggest being entirely passive, but it’s a busy world!) What I mean is, many of these subreddits allow you to post a [hiring] post and editors will come to you! This is another great place to be using all those keywords, it will save you and prospective editors time in the search.
In addition to posting your own “help wanted,” you can browse through posts of editors looking for work as well. If they’ve done a good job, a quick glance at their post should tell you if they’re offering what you’re looking for, and if it doesn’t, well… I hate to say, but they probably won’t be great at communicating anyway!
The biggest struggle here will be wading through the slop. Unfortunately, not every person on there is going to be a quality candidate, and not every post you click on will be helpful. Using the Reddit search function may help you, but I have found that it isn’t always the easiest to find quality posts (not just for editing but in general!)
Marketplaces
Like Reedsy, Fiverr and Upwork
Marketplaces provide a curated search destination. All the search results are, in theory, professionals looking for work. (Of course, we must be wary of scams and AI, but that is nothing specific to marketplaces.) Depending on the marketplace, they may even vet the professionals on their platform. For example, Reedsy requires editors go through an application process to show up in their directory. Fiverr on the other hand, pretty much just lets anyone join.
The biggest struggle with marketplaces comes from specific marketplaces. Like the "anyone can join" of Fiverr problem other platforms have their own issues. For example, some are a bit more predatory with how they deal with the financial side. This shouldn't affect you, the client, so much, but you may consider the ethics of working with something like Upwork which is set up as pay-to-win on the editor’s side.
Editing Associations
Editors Canada or The American Copy Editors Association (ACES)
Where better to look than an official association of editors? I will say, most of these directories caution you that their editors aren’t vetted, and you should do that yourself. But on the flip side, these editors generally have to pay a membership fee, so they’re certainly more serious about it than many found in marketplace directories like Fiverr.
With these memberships comes perks like continued education through the organization, so it is likely these editors are taking advantage of these supports. In addition, these organizations provide certifications, so that is a seal of approval that you can look for in the editors’ profiles. Both Editors Canada and ACES directories have a robust profile for editors to fill out making it easy for you to find an editor who specializes in what you’re looking for. I personally think Editors Canada’s search engine is better, but both provide keyword searches and filters to narrow your search.
This might be the most palatable search option. However, I’d suspect that you may pay for it budget-wise. That isn’t to say these editors don’t deserve the money they’re asking for (they absolutely do,) but they tend to have more experience and charge for it. You’re more likely to find more inexperienced, up-and-coming (but still skilled) editors with a regular search, on Reddit or filling online marketplaces (with Reedsy being an exception since their standards are high!) So if budget is a concern, this may not be right for you. There’s no harm in asking for a quote though!
Ask your friends who they used
The most underrated option. Ask your friends!
Many of us have writer friends. Many of them have used editors. So why not ask them who they worked with? This is a super reliable way to get an editor that will work for you, because you have the inside scoop into how they work, and if they do a good job!
Getting a referral from a friend takes out all the guesswork. You don’t need to spend time wading through search results or finding the perfect keywords; you just need to send an email.
Now, of course, it’s possible they are booked and can’t take you on as a client right now. Guess what?
They have editor friends! Ask them for a referral!
The only downsides to this method of finding an editor are your colleagues not having a suggestion, and having to talk to someone instead of quietly searching. Is that really so bad?
Summary
Search Engines
Keyword optimized search
Have to click through to get a good idea about the editor and service
Contend with sponsored results versus quality results
Social Media Sites
Less optimized for search, but opportunity to use hashtags
Easier to vet personality and communication style of editor
Opportunity to be passive with a “help wanted” post
A bit more dirt to dig through to find a gem
Marketplaces
Curated directories which may or may not vet their posters
More likely to be budget friendly, but also more likely to be less skilled or experienced (marketplace dependent)
Editing Associations
Serious professionals with memberships which offer further education and certifications
Likely to be higher budget, but also likely higher skills and experience
Ask Your Friends
No wading through endless results, you have a trusted referral
They may be booked, but you can ask THEM for a referral!
Finding an editor is only the beginning. You need to make sure they’re the right editor for you. And while we made sure we had our keywords straight, there’s a few more things to consider before hiring an editor.
Stay tuned for Five Things to Ask Your Editor Before You Hire Them!
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