Ask Midge: Hiring an editor

Q: How do you know when you need an outside editor for your work, and what's the best way to go about finding one? — K.S., San Diego

A: The first part of this question depends on several things: your goals as a writer, the shape your project's in, and whether you have access to classes and/or writing colleagues. If you are able to participate in a writing class, fantastic — here, you will meet an instructor (who may also be an editor, or can probably help you find one), and you'll also meet...