How do you find an editor or proofreader you can trust?

In writing groups and social media circles, I regularly see authors asking questions like:

"Does anyone know a good proofreader?"

"How do you find someone you can actually trust with your manuscript?"

If you're self-publishing, especially for the first time, finding the right editor or proofreader can be daunting. You want someone you can trust – someone who won't just look for typos, but who actually gets your voice, respects your style, and treats your book with care.

So, if you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. But there are great editors and proofreaders out there – you just need to know where to look.

Here are four ways to help you find someone you can really trust with your manuscript.

1. Ask for recommendations

This is often the best place to start. Personal recommendations are priceless because they come from actual experience. Speak to other authors and ask who they've used and loved. Tap into writing communities, social media groups, author forums, or even your local writing circle. They may have already gone through the trial-and-error process and found someone they trust, and you'll find they are usually more than happy to recommend them.

2. Check their qualifications

While editing and proofreading aren't regulated fields in most places, there are professional bodies and training programmes, and a good editor or proofreader will have invested time and money into proper training, demonstrating that they take their craft seriously.

Look for membership or training from organisations such as:

• CIEP (The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading)

• PTC (The Publishing Training Centre)

These show that the editor or proofreader is invested in staying sharp and up to industry standards. It also means they've likely signed up to a code of ethics and best practices.

3. Do they know your genre?

A great editor or proofreader in one genre may not be the best fit for another. Someone who's great with academic research content may not be the best person for your cozy mystery. And that's absolutely fine. A good editor or proofreader will turn down a project if they know they're not the best person. So, don't be shy. Ask potential editors or proofreaders what genres they usually work with.

4. Look at their website and social media platforms

Have a look at their website and see what services they provide. Check if it's clear and professional, listing their services, training, qualifications, and experience. Are there testimonials from other authors? Check out their blog posts – are they helpful?

Look at their social media presence on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn. This doesn't mean you're stalking them, but searching on these platforms will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how they work, what they do, and what kind of person they are. All this gives you a real sense of who they are, helping you decide whether they're the right fit for you.

So, in summary, choosing the right editor or proofreader for you doesn't have to be scary. It just requires a little homework. Start with recommendations, look for training and qualifications, make sure they've worked in your genre, and see how they show up online.

Trusting someone with your manuscript is huge, but the right editor or proofreader will treat your work with the respect and care it deserves. When you find the right one, it'll feel like you're gaining a partner in your publishing journey.

If you're looking for professional proofreading, visit my Services page.