When it comes to judging the skill of a freelance developmental editor, there are a few key factors to consider:
Experience: One of the most important things to look for in a developmental editor is experience. How long have they been working as an editor? Do they have experience working in your specific genre or field? While everyone has to start somewhere, experience is a good indicator of someone's abilities as an editor.
Knowledge of the industry: A good developmental editor should have a solid understanding of the publishing industry, including trends, best practices, and what publishers are looking for. This knowledge can help them guide your manuscript in the right direction.
Communication skills: A significant part of a developmental editor's job is providing feedback to the author. As such, they need to have excellent communication skills, including the ability to clearly and diplomatically explain what is working and what could be improved with a particular manuscript.
Sample work: Before hiring a freelance developmental editor, it's a good idea to review their previous work. Ideally, they will have a portfolio or examples of previous projects that they can share with you. Reading through their previous work can give you an idea of their editing style and what they excel at.
Testimonials: If possible, try to find testimonials from previous clients that the editor has worked with. Positive testimonials can indicate that an editor is skilled, professional, and easy to work with.
Overall, when evaluating the skill of a freelance developmental editor, it's essential to consider their experience, knowledge of the industry, communication skills, sample work, and testimonials from previous clients. With these factors in mind, you should be able to make an informed decision about whether a particular editor is a good fit for your project.
