There are so many emotions that come along with being a writer for new authors, especially working on your first draft, which is an emotional journey filled with twists, turns, and several holes you dug yourself into. But once you type the last word and take a break, you’ll start a new journey: editing. This time, the journey starts from the middle of the labyrinth. You’ve slain the Minotaur, but there is never just one trial in a hero’s journey, is there?

Suddenly, it’s not just your world anymore; you’re handing it over to someone else. Will they get your worldbuilding? Will they understand your characters? Will they care about your book the way you do? Fret not; that’s where this guide comes in. I’ll walk you through the exact questions to ask so you can find a freelance editor who gets your vision and helps your story shine.

Why Choosing the Right Editor Matters?

First things first, you need to understand that an editor is so much more than a “typo-fixer”; they’re your creative partner. In fantasy especially, you need someone who knows how to handle intricate worlds, complex plots, genre-specific pacing, and understands how language can affect the reading experience.

Choosing the right editor will help bring out the very best in your story. The wrong one? They might unintentionally strip away your unique voice or miss key opportunities to strengthen the book. This is why asking the right questions matters.

Read Also: Plot Holes & Magic Portals: Editing Tips for Fantasy Authors

9 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Freelance Editor

Before you sign anything, take a moment to make sure this editor really gets you and your book. These questions aren’t just for the sake of asking something; they’ll help you see if their style and approach match what you’re looking for, so you can feel confident you’ve found the right person to support you and your story through this next phase.

1. Do They Have Experience Editing Fantasy Novels?

Fantasy is a genre all its own, packed with magic systems, invented cultures, and long character arcs. An editor who’s worked on fantasy before will understand how to keep the pacing engaging, while still giving readers time to soak in the details of your world.

When you ask about our experience, listen closely to how we talk about it. Someone with real expertise will naturally dive into the intricacies of the genre, discussing how worldbuilding impacts plot flow or how character arcs need to mesh with the rules of magic. The depth of our response will tell you a lot about our experience.

2. What Types of Editing Services Do They Offer?

Editing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Do you need a big-picture developmental edit (to note character, plot, and story issues), a sentence-level line edit (looking at style, clarity, flow, and impact of each sentence), a detailed copyedit (technical correctness, consistency, and formatting), or just a final proofread (surface level to catch any last-minute misses)? Knowing exactly what your freelance editor offers will help you choose the right service for where your manuscript is right now, and avoid paying for work you don’t need or might need to redo.

3. Can They Provide Samples, a Portfolio, or Do a Sample Edit?

Seeing is believing. Ask to see samples of our past work, so you can get a sense of how we handle language and structure. Look for editors who can improve flow and clarity without flattening the author’s voice, because your story should still feel like yours.

A sample edit is like a test drive for your book. It shows you how we’ll approach your work, and if our style matches what you’re looking for. Ask how long the sample will be, if it’s free or paid, and if the editor will explain why they suggest certain changes. This can be the deciding factor in whether you want to move forward.

4. How Do You Handle Feedback and Revisions?

Editing can feel deeply personal. After all, you’re trusting someone with a story you’ve poured your heart into. You want an editor who will be honest with you when something isn’t working, while also respecting your vision for the book. The best collaborations happen when feedback is constructive, not crushing. 

Ask us how they handle disagreements or situations where our suggestions differ from your ideas. Do we explain our reasoning? Are we willing to listen and adapt? An editor who values open discussion will make you feel like we’re working with you, just the way it needs to be.

5. What Is Their Turnaround Time?

If you’re aiming for a release date, contest deadline, or have a self-publishing timeline, then timing matters. You don’t want to be left wondering when you’ll get your manuscript back. Ask for a clear start date, an estimated delivery date, and how we’ll keep you updated along the way. This way, you can plan your launch, marketing, or contest submission without last-minute stress. 

And remember, speed isn’t everything. Rushing can mean missing important fixes, so a thorough edit that takes a little longer is usually worth the wait.

6. How Do They Structure Their Pricing?

Money talk can be awkward, but it’s important. Find out if your editor charges per word (very common for editing, especially line and proofreading), per page, or offers a flat project fee. Ask exactly what’s included, like how many rounds of revisions or follow-up calls, and if there are extra costs for additional work. This will help you plan your budget and avoid surprise invoices.

7. Are You Familiar With Industry Standards and Market Trends?

Trends in fantasy shift over time, and you want someone who knows what today’s readers love. Ask how we stay up-to-date, if we read current fantasy releases, follow publishing news, attend writing events, or are active on BookTok or Bookstagram. An editor in touch with the market can help you position your book for success.

Just keep in mind that we work and live in this space, and as is the problem of every good reader, there aren’t enough hours in the day to shrink our TBR, so we may be well versed in one thing over another. I know nothing about werewolves. 

8. What Editing Tools and Processes Do They Use?

Whether it’s Track Changes in Word, comments in Google Docs, or a specific style guide, you’ll want to be comfortable with the tools your editor uses. Ask how we’ll deliver your edits, if we provide an editorial letter, and how you’ll communicate during the process. Clear systems make for smoother collaboration.

9. Can You Share Testimonials or References?

The easiest way to know what it’s like to work with a freelance editor is to hear from authors who’ve worked with them before. Ask for testimonials or references from past clients, and pay attention to what those authors say about their communication style, professionalism, and the quality of the final manuscript. Feedback from people who’ve been in your shoes can give you a clear idea of what to expect. If an editor isn’t bound by an NDA, which is increasingly popular to protect the intellectual property of a work before it’s published, we should be able to point you in the right direction.

But What If I Still Can’t Tell If an Editor is Right for Me?

Feeling unsure is normal, especially if it’s your first time working with a freelance editor. The good news? A great editor won’t just help improve your book; we’ll make you feel supported every step of the way. 

At Once Upon A Manuscript, you’ll find a fantasy editor who understands the challenges (and joys!) of being a new author. From detailed developmental feedback to line edits that keep your voice intact, you’ll get expert guidance tailored to your story.

Ready to take the next step? Let’s make your book unforgettable.