Why You Should Get a Sample Edit Before Hiring an Editor

In the world of writing and publishing, finding the right editor for your manuscript is crucial. A sample edit is a portion of your manuscript that an editor will edit as they would the entire work. It serves as a preview of what to expect from the editor's approach, feedback, and communication style. In this blog post, I’ll delve into why it’s so important to get a sample edit, why it's essential for authors, and how it can help in making an informed decision when selecting an editor.

What Is a Sample Edit?

Sample edits look different because every editor approaches editing slightly differently. Typically it’s done on a short sample (1,000-2,000-word excerpt of your manuscript) that an editor edits for free. Some editors will ask for a sample from the middle (because the first pages are often the most polished and are not representative of the level of editing the whole book needs). Some will ask for the entire manuscript, so they can dip into bits of the beginning, middle, and end, just to get a good idea of what’s needed and provide a solid, tailored proposal. Some editors may use the opportunity to run macros to alert them of keywords and types of content they may want to avoid (in which case they would likely refer the author to other editors in their network). 

Along with the sample edit, the editor will usually give the author a custom project proposal and quote. The sample edit allows us to gauge how long we think a full edit will take, and thus what sort of timeline is reasonable. 

​Making Sure You’re a Good Fit

The primary purpose of a sample edit is to provide authors with a firsthand look at an editor's editing style, communication skills, and the level of feedback they offer. (It’s also important to note that some editors charge for a sample edit, which is not a red flag, just a different approach. Some may deduct the small cost off the total of a booked project.)

Given the significant effort authors invest in their manuscripts, it’s crucial to ensure the editor understands and aligns with your expectations. Going over a sample edit allows you to gauge the editor's communication, their approach to editing, how much they intervene, and whether you find they respect your voice and vision—​it’s all about getting a taste of the overall vibe before committing to a working relationship.

And it’s okay if there’s not a good fit. Before doing a sample edit for you, a savvy editor will know when it makes sense to refer you to a better-fit colleague. Maybe it’s because they don’t specialize in your genre, or maybe you actually could use a developmental or structural edit and they don’t offer that service. Or maybe you thought you were looking for “just a proofread,” but you are expecting what’s typically included in a line edit, which is a whole different service and takes substantially longer (and thus costs more). 

Overall, don’t feel obliged to work with an editor just because you received a sample edit and proposal. You should feel no pressure to continue if you don’t feel well-aligned. It’s fine! Say thanks and continue your search.

Understanding Types of Editing

Another great thing about getting a sample edit is that it ensures both writer and editor are on the same page regarding the specific editing services to be provided. Seeing a sample helps authors understand the differences between copyediting, line editing, and proofreading, ensuring that their expectations regarding the level of intervention are met. You get a clear picture of what the editor's proposed services mean and how they will be implemented. 

Read more: 3 Levels of Editing Explained

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​Establishing Communication and Feedback

In addition to the style of editing, a sample edit  also allows you to assess the editor’s communication style and feedback. It’s an opportunity to interact with the editor, ask questions, and determine if the communication channels align with your preferences. If you want someone to guide you through all stages of self-publishing, make sure the editor offers that level of guidance; if you want a certain level of feedback, make sure you express that in your initial emails or Zoom discovery call. You’ll also want to make sure they offer enough touchpoints throughout the editing process. Since editing a whole novel can often take up to a month or more depending on length, you’ll want to make sure they check in with you or provide an editorial letter with the sorts of feedback that will help you the most. These initial interactions, with no strings attached, are so important before you decide to hire an editor.
 
Another thing is that most copyeditors provide style sheets along with the marked-up manuscript. So with the sample edit, you’ll also (ideally) receive the beginnings of a style sheet. This will help you see what other value-adds you get by working with a given editor. Style sheets keep track of all sorts of details, like character names, places, and the timeline of major plot points. On top of checking grammar and punctuation, copyeditors will be keeping track of details to ensure continuity across the manuscript.  

Read more: How Editors Read for Continuity

​Making an Informed Decision​

The purpose of a sample edit isn’t just to receive a brief overview of the editing style but also to ensure that the author will be happy with the final edit. It’s all about getting that right fit, choosing an editor who aligns with your vision and takes your manuscript to the next level.
 
Choosing the right editor for your book is one of the most important aspects of indie publishing. One of the best ways to quickly establish that is through the sample edit and (if they offer it) a discovery call via Zoom or a phone chat. However you do it, the idea is to  assess the editor's editing and communication style and how they deliver feedback…before investing in professional editing services. This way you’ll make an informed decision and ensure your manuscript receives all the care and attention in the world. Your editor’s job is to uplift and polish your writing so that you feel confident and excited to publish.

Read more: How and Where to Find a Professional Editor

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Hi! I'm Erika.
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​​I’m a copyeditor who helps speculative fiction authors publish amazing books. 
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