Ready, Steady, Go and Edit

My debut novel is with my editor now. I can’t tell you how excited I am!

Claire, my editor, has already been in contact a few times to discuss final details before she hits the ground running.

Her cheerful and straightforward manner is just refreshing. I’m glad I found her. So, after I visited her website the first time, I had excluded her from my initial selection list.

Before I tell you why this has changed, let’s turn back time.

In December 2025, after I had finished my novel and had done around seven rounds of self-edits, I knew this wasn't enough. I wanted a professional to take a look at my book because I couldn't let it out into the world until it was perfect.

When you look for a professional of any kind, it is vital to consider what your needs and wants are.

For me this were:

1. Availability

2. Pricing

3. Service provision

Obviously, I had to first find editors. So, this was fairly easy. There are plenty out there, which makes it so important to choose the right person.

I met various people, including one who gave me a dead-cheap quote but tried to pressure me into taking the offer instantly.

Never let yourself be pressured! Nor listen to someone trying to artificially charm you. Read between the lines!

Anyway, those experiences and a rather rude email from another editor led me to believe that I would never find the right editor. I’m grateful to them now, because without those encounters, I wouldn’t have extended my selection list and added Claire, plus a fourth point to my consideration.

Work relationship

Another tip:

If you are looking for a professional, check if they give you a demonstration of their craft.

In my case, it was a sample edit. This was a game changer.

I deselected any editor who didn’t offer this.

Claire went a step further. In addition, she sent me a video of her editing my sample. It ended with an invite for a short chat.

I accepted, ignoring all the reasons I had excluded her initially – price and availability.

Once I met Claire, it needed no more than two minutes, and I was sold. There and then, I knew I wanted her to be my editor. It just felt right.

An email which arrived the next morning told me she thought the same.

Finding the right person for whatever reason is important and worth waiting for. So I waited.

I hope that if you are looking for something or someone, you will be lucky too. Also, I would be interested in your experience. Good and bad, but particularly how they have influenced you.

Diana

PS: Claire can be found here https://cherryedits.com/