I often blog about practical ways indie authors can save money throughout the publishing process — especially through effective self-editing strategies. In this article, however, I want to focus on a specific (and often overlooked) opportunity for cost savings: how you submit your manuscript to a prospective editor. Small choices at the inquiry stage — including clarity, formatting, and preparation — can directly influence how an editor assesses the scope of work and, ultimately, how they price the project.

Start Your Search Early

Finding a good book editor can be difficult. And finding a good book editor with availability is even harder. Be sure to begin your search a few months in advance of when you anticipate having your manuscript ready for editing.

Review the Editor’s Website First
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​Try to review the editor’s website before contacting them. If the site is comprehensive, you’ll find the answers to most of your questions before needing to contact them. When you have a good idea of whether you’d like to work with that person, it’s a great time to inquire about their interest in working with you, their prices, and availability. Many editors schedule projects weeks or even months in advance and often require a deposit, which can range from a few hundred dollars to 50% of the project total, to reserve time on their calendar.