Writers ask two permanent questions: when should I hire an editor, and how do I find a reputable one? This essay tackles the first.
There is no single moment. There are moments matched to needs:
- After the first draft is finished
- After you have edited it yourself
- After beta readers—or before them, depending on goals
- When you want copyediting on a locked story
- When you want final proofreading after polish
Ways to use a professional editor also include a first-five-pages review: hook, flow, capture, line notes—useful for traditional submissions and for testing chemistry with an editor.
The expensive mistake is hiring the wrong stage early. The thrifty mistake is never hiring at all while hoping the market will “see your potential.”
Curated from the original Polar Bear essay. Updated companion: when to hire an editor.
Need the service version? See editing services or the updated guides.