In the process of hiring an editor, many writers, publishers, and businesses request to see an editor’s prior work with “before and after” views, so they can assess the editor’s capabilities. Others expect a sample edit instead, aka a test. There is much debate about which of the two options works for all involved. I have experienced both processes as an editor and writer, and I am a huge fan of the sample edit.
Here’s why:
1. The sample edit gives the writer a realistic view of the editor’s capabilities, process, and personality based on the writer’s actual work and style guide.
Once the editor receives a writing sample along with directions on what style guides to follow (Chicago, AP, etc.), and any in-house style sheets if available, they have everything they need to complete a successful sample edit.
This allows the writer a true assessment of the editor’s experience as well their overall project management skills; their timeliness and communication style, what they notice, how they query, what they revise, and why. In addition, it allows the writer to get a feel for the editor’s work ethic, process, experience, and my all-time favorite – their kindness and professionalism. It surprises many that editors can be incisive with their revisions and be kind all at the same time, but assuredly, it can be done!
2. Both the writer and editor can assess if they are a good fit.
Be it a 500-word alert or an 80,000-word manuscript, the ideal relationship between the writer and the editor should be an easy one of mutual respect. This is a basic requirement for a successful project as you may need to have difficult conversations together about why certain things should be changed, and why certain things need to remain exactly as they are. The sample edit process, from start to finish, will give both the writer and the editor a clear understanding of each other’s expectations and communication styles.
3. The element of surprise (not the fun kind) is eliminated for both the writer and the editor.
In my experience, the work on a project is a partnership between the writer and editor, as such, there is an element of “give and take” woven in. I have specific conversations about additional pages/revisions with editors at the sample edit phase to understand their flexibility of schedule, additional costs, and overall process of managing any additional needs.
In the editor’s world, a project that came through as a request for a copy edit may slowly evolve to include line editing over time i.e., the dreaded “scope creep.” This can be largely avoided as the sample edit will give the editor an understanding of the current state of the project. For example, a line editor will be able to assess if the project has already been through a developmental editor prior to being passed. Similarly, a proofreader will be able to evaluate if the project has been reviewed by a development editor, a line editor, and a copy editor.
It’s best to have a conversation upfront with the writer, giving examples of any work that could include an additional service, and what that would mean for cost and timeline.
As the writer, the sample edit provided to the editor should be a realistic example of the entire work. This eliminates the need for the always painful, mid-project conversations around more time or added fees. The writer can always be upfront with the editor to note if any larger revisions are forthcoming, and both the writer and editor can land on a mutually beneficial agreement.
4. The editor can make a realistic assessment of the depth, time, and cost of the project.
To avoid “scope creep” and quote a fair and reasonable timeline and price, the sample edit is the editor’s friend. The editor will review the sample for the depth of editing required along with the style guides and/or word lists provided and be able to assess the realities of the project against their schedule, offering a fair quote and ensuring they protect the focused time needed for the project.
For a manuscript, it’s best to pass the editor a sample from the “middle” of the writer’s work. For business editing or website editing anything from 500 to 1000 words would help an overall assessment. (Websites are a wonderful resource for an editor to understand the overall tone, voice, and expectations of the author or organization.)
In the absence of an internal style guide or word list, a copy editor or proofreader will usually be open to providing one. These tools maintain consistency in tone, voice, and message throughout the novel, website, or business communication.
5. Free sample edit or not?
Whether sample edits are complementary or fee-based is entirely the editor’s business decision. Some editors charge a flat fee, or invoice by the hour, while others offer complimentary sample edits. There is no “right or wrong,” or “better or worse” scenario here. The focus should remain on the quality of editing and the ease of communication. My company offers a complimentary sample edit simply because I feel it’s part of the service and is a mutually beneficial first step in a professional relationship.
There remains a concern that the “free sample” structure can be taken advantage of, but I have yet to experience this, and it is absolutely the editor’s prerogative which path to take – always ensuring the writer’s work remains in focus while keeping to well thought out business decisions.
The sample edit is the first transparent step in a process that results in mutual benefit to both the writer and the editor. I have found it results in successful projects and lasting relationships.
Additional note: Various organizations and nonfiction writers have editors sign non-disclosure agreements before sending sample edits or projects. This automatically reduces the viability of an editor sharing past work. On a personal note, I wouldn’t be open to having my writing shared as an “example edit” and therefore, have set up my company to only offer sample edits.
If you have any questions about setting up a project for editing or proofreading, please feel free to contact Kerning Editorial via: contact@kerningediorial.com or any of our social media accounts listed on our contact page and throughout our website. We are happy to help in any way we can.