How do you know if you have hired the wrong editor?

[WJ]

I hired an editor for my novel. Applied some of their advice to a portion of my story they already read once (which involved adding a lot of material), and was surprised when they criticized me for--apparently--following their advice, because it slowed my opening to a crawl.

Not sure if I just misunderstood them, or this is a sign that this editor might not be a great fit for me.

[Darya Silman]

It doesn't matter if you misunderstood or they gave inappropriate advice. It's like with colleagues: sometimes you get along right from the start, sometimes you don't get along no matter your efforts. If you don't feel 'chemistry,' it's better to back up. You'll lose money (if you have already paid for the service), but you don't already trust this editor, and all his/her recommendation will cause silent protest. The whole situation will be a source of further discomfort and stress

[J.R.]

I would trust my gut. If my gut said this editor is not right for me or for my work, I would be inclined to cut my losses as best I could and hire a new editor.

[Isabelle]

I would advise any writer to be discerning with any advice they receive, take, discard, or store up for a later work. Because editing, like writing, could sometimes be a try-and-try-again situation or a hit-or-miss. And it could become that much more frustrating or testing when you think you’ve moved steps ahead, only to get feedback that sends you back to square one. For that, I’m very sorry you’re going through this, but I’m glad there’s a community like the Beta Reader Group where you could share your concerns.

J.R. and Darya touched on trusting your gut and keeping people on your writing team who you share chemistry and trust with. Those are great and important responses that can’t be stressed enough.

To add to this conversation, let’s compare an editor offering suggestions to a stylist helping someone with a new outfit. The stylist might say, “Ooh, that dress needs something. Maybe a belt.” And then when the belt comes, (1) it might be just what the outfit needed. (2) It might be wrong from what was hoped for and we should try something else. (3) Perhaps a belt is the “right” thing needed, but just not that particular belt. (4) Or maybe seeing what the dress looks like with the belt could actually help everyone appreciate the original outfit for being the best version after all.

Do you see what I mean?

Now, in none of those scenarios should the editor/stylist criticize the writer/client. However, continuing to offer feedback about the work/outfit—in a professional and considerate way—could definitely still happen.

Like you mentioned, it might be the case that your revisions didn’t align with what the editor had in mind. Or maybe you only took part of their suggestions and that created something neither of you would be happy with. Or maybe those suggestions were truly “wrong” for this particular work and now seeing them play out on the page opened the editor’s eyes to how that isn’t the best direction.

I would recommend to talk directly to that editor to see why this has happened. And through that interaction, you might gain the clarity you’re seeking on whether that editor is someone who should be part of your journey and support team.

I hope this helped!

[Harlyn]

I like how Isabelle painted the picture. You should ask your editor what kind of changes they see best fit the story and why what you're currently doing isn't working.

[Lily]

Isabelle wrote: "I would advise any writer to be discerning with any advice they receive, take, discard, or store up for a later work. Because editing, like writing, could sometimes be a try-and-try-again situation..."

^^^

[J.R.]

Great post and advice from Isabelle.

[R.]

Can anyone suggest an editor? Or how you found yours?

[Brooke]

R. wrote: "Can anyone suggest an editor? Or how you found yours?"

Hi R! I am an editor - I offer both proofreading and copy editing. You can visit my website at www.proofreadingbybrooke.com to see my services, pricing, and portfolio.

Please feel free to use the contact form to contact me, or you can find my email on my website!

[Isabelle]

Hi R. and everyone! I'm an editor, reader (beta and authenticity), and consultant who works with publishers, literary agents, and writers at any stage of their journey. I also have a degree/background in Psychology. If anyone is interested in finding out if we'd make a great fit, or if you have a question, please feel more than welcome to DM or email me at IsabelleFelixEdits@gmail.com.