Editors often bang on about the importance of sample edits. But once you’ve got one (or three), how do you evaluate them?
Truth is, if you’re too close to your work or your knowledge of grammar isn’t top-notch, it can be difficult. Plus, editors are a wildly different bunch and each sample can look different.
So how do you work out if they’ve done a good job or not (and whether they’re the right editor for you)? Well, there are some tell-tale signs. But before I delve into that, let’s clarify what a sample edit is.
What is a sample edit?
A sample edit is a short edit that gives you an idea of an editor’s expertise, approach and style. It’s also a great way for an editor to gauge how heavy an edit will be so they can quote accordingly.
Sample edits are usually requested as part of the hiring process or at the start of an edit. Not only does this give you a taste of what’s to come, but your feedback can also guide the edit, saving time and misunderstanding.
(Note: I rarely work on a project unless I’ve provided a sample edit first. Even if I’m working with a publisher, who usually doesn’t require a sample edit, I still provide a sample edit for the author.)
Typically, editors ask for a sample from the middle of the book. That’s because the introduction or first chapter isn’t always indicative of the whole. In fact, authors tend to polish those early chapters, which can make the manuscript look more polished than it is.
What’s included in a sample edit?
A sample edit covers everything an editor would provide in a full edit. The only difference is that it applies to a short excerpt. This can be anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 words, depending on the book and the editor’s preference. Here’s what it may include:
review of the editor’s brief
correcting grammar, punctuation and spelling errors
removing repetition, redundancies and wordiness
recasting sentences to improve flow and clarity
ensuring US, UK or Australian usage and spelling
correcting formatting issues (e.g. heading hierarchies, lists)
explaining corrections and requesting clarifications
highlighting clichés, non-inclusive language or bias
checking facts, names, places and links
letting you know what’s working well
applying a style or brand guide.
As you can see, a sample edit isn’t a teaser or a partial edit – it's substantial. What you see in the sample edit is what you’ll see in the final copyedit. (The only thing we exclude is a style sheet, which can only be supplied after the edit is complete.)
Should you pay for a sample edit?
Some editors charge a small fee for sample edits; others provide them for free. There’s no right or wrong – just what works for the editor’s business model.
I used to do short edits for free (because I thought they’d win me the job), but they used to take up a lot of time. And I mean a lot. These days, I charge A$50 for 1,000-word edits, but it’s a small investment that gets deducted from the total if we end up working together.
What to look for in a sample edit
Most edits are done in Word using Track Changes or in Google Docs using the Suggesting tool. (For more on how these two programs compare, see Word or Google Docs: Which is better for editing?)
The quality of a sample edit all comes down to the editor’s experience and training. So here’s what a not-so-great edit may look like:
❌ changes with an agenda (theirs!)
❌ rude or insensitive inline comments
❌ no rationale for larger edits
❌ no positive feedback
❌ little or no engagement with the content
❌ changes in your voice or tone
❌ errors that are missed or introduced
❌ too many or not enough edits.
And here’s what a great edit looks like:
✅ changes that serve the story or argument
✅ friendly and empathic inline comments
✅ explanations for larger edits
✅ positive feedback
✅ observations about the content
✅ respect for your voice and tone
✅ edits that correct errors and don’t introduce new ones
✅ enough edits to address errors.
What if you can’t choose?
If you get a sample that ticks all the right boxes, then you’ve hit the jackpot! But if you’re finding it hard to choose between two or three great sample edits, then you need to look at some other factors. For example:
Do you like the editor’s personality? Are they playful or serious? Inquisitive or reserved? Rule-breakers or grammar overlords?
Does the editor suggest solutions to problems? If so, do they resonate with you?
Have the editor’s comments given you writing insights you can implement in the future?
When you read the sample without markup, does it sound like a tighter, smoother version of you?
Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be in a better position to choose the right editor for your book. The editorial relationship is a personal one, and it’s important to find someone who's not only experienced but also flexible and easy to work with.
What if you get feedback you don’t agree with?
If this happens, don’t rule out the editor straight away. It’s easy to panic when you see all those red or blue marks on your work. Instead, sit with the edits for a while and see if they improve the clarity and flow of your writing. Remember, you can always reinstate something if you feel strongly about it. After all, it’s your book.
Final thoughts: How to evaluate a sample edit
Sample edits are a great way to find the best editor for your book, especially if you’re planning to self-publish. But distinguishing a good sample edit from a bad one isn’t always easy. You need to go beyond markup and look at other factors, like friendly inline comments, clear explanations, positive feedback and respect for your voice. Once you’ve assessed these factors, you’ll be in a good position to choose the right editor for your book!
Looking for a non-fiction editor to sharpen your writing and remove niggly errors? Send me an email or request a sample edit.
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