Question 8
Should I pay an editor to go through my MS before I query an agent, or is this something that can be done further down the line as part of a publishing deal?
You can find this mentor, Lani Frank, here!
Should I pay an editor to go through my MS before I query an agent, or is this something that can be done further down the line as part of a publishing deal?
The short answer is: No.
The nuanced answer is: It depends.
Ultimately, it boils down to why you might hire an editor. So let’s look at a few reasons that commonly crop up.
1. My MS is in good shape, but I want to ensure it has the best chance of success
Fair. If you have the money to spare (a good edit usually won’t come cheap!) and just want a set of sharp, well-practiced eyes to give it a thorough once-over before querying, knock yourself out.
2. My MS is longer than it should be, and I don’t have time to cut it to size
Also fair! Line-editing is a time-consuming process, and while IMO it’s best to develop these skills yourself if you hope to pursue a writing career, it can be tempting to outsource the drudge work.
3. I want to learn!
Excellent! Knowing how to edit is crucial for writers, but we all need to learn these skills somewhere. For some, this means paying for an edit, studying it, and applying it to their future MSs. Again, if you have the cash, this can be a great learning tool.
4. But do I have to hire one?
No, especially if the book is hooky enough or has X factor. Editorial agents will help tidy unpolished MSs after signing, and reputable pubs will put the MS through multiple edits before it goes to print—at their expense, not yours.
5. An agent told me I should
Red flag! To be fair, most agents probably know editors that can genuinely help to polish MSs. But if they rec someone specific, be cautious. Are the agent and editor linked in some way? Is the agent getting kickbacks for referrals?
Will the agent only consider your MS if you pay for edits first? Or is this agent perhaps so hands-off that they’ll expect you to shell out for pro editing on every MS after signing rather than putting in the work themselves?
Basically, if you’re considering a pro edit before querying for this reason, pause to think about the reasons behind it. I generally assume good intentions, but any agent who insists on paid editing before you query should be approached with extreme caution.
6. An agent told me I should & offered to do it themselves for a fee
Red flag! Many agents are editorially skilled, but in my opinion, it’s a concern when these professional lines blur. An agent agreeing to read your MS or offering rep shouldn’t hinge on you paying them. Not ever.
7. My book’s not good enough, so I need pro help before querying
Okay, so if you present pro-edited work as indicative of your own baseline ability, what happens when you write your next books? Can you afford to hire an editor for every subsequent MS? Would you want to?
That is, are you setting false expectations of what you’re actually capable of producing? Of course, as above, there’s a difference between paying to have a manuscript of already decent quality polished and a substandard one completely reworked.
8. One last thing
There’s a much longer discussion to be had here about the privilege of being able to pay for editing in an industry that already heavily favours the privileged. But that’s a topic for another time. Just remember, good betas and CPs are also invaluable resources!
