Finding a developmental editor is no easy task. It is easy to be overwhelmed by the huge choice of people on the Internet claiming to be developmental editors. It is therefore understandable why an author might turn to an aggregator platform such as Fiverr. This website presents a plethora of editors all in one place, making it easy to find and compare them. In this article, I will examine the pros and cons of using Fiverr, explain how to compare editors and outline the red flags to watch out for before parting with your money.
If you have not yet read the article, I urge you to read my detailed guide on [how to hire a developmetnal editor].
Is Fiverr a good place to find a developmental editor?
There are two main aggregator websites where developmental editors can list their services: Reedsy and Fiverr.
Reedsy is considered the more expensive option, since the editors there have to be vetted to join. You can learn more about [hwo to use reedsy to hire devleopmetn editors] in this article.
Fiverr is considered a more cost-effective option, since editors do not undergo any kind of vetting and anyone can list their services. Many people consider Fiverr to be more of a Wild West option.
There’s a really good Reddit post about using Fiveer to hire editors.
The comments are, well, enlightening…
I’ve used multiple on Fiverr. 90% are scammers. I found one good proofreader but actual editing was either riddled with errors or they used AI.
I have used editors on Fiverr dozens of times. I recommend going for a Pro Vetted profile with at least 100 reviews, averaging 4.9 or 5.
Fiverr is too risky now with scammers and AI.
So, with this in mind, why would you even consider using Fiverr?
I think the main answer to this question is cost. Editors on Fiverr tend to be less experienced or lack marketing channels, so they tend to charge less.
If you are considering this route, I suggest you read my article about how to hire a cheap book editor to get a better insight.
But the bottom line is that if you lack the budget to afford a high-end editor, you may be forced into looking for a cheaper alternative.
How to find and assess an editor
The steps to finding an editor on Fiverr are pretty straightforward.
You should start by searching for a ‘developmental editor’. You need to ensure that you are not assessing copy editors, line editors, proofreaders, beta readers or people offering manuscript assessments.
You also need to ensure they are experienced in your book’s genre and, ideally, sub-genre. Be wary of ‘edit everything’ editors unless they have substantial, proven industry experience.
The next step is to check their relevant experience. Don’t be scared to ask for evidence of their previous work and testimonials from clients. Good editors will be happy to provide this on request.
Once you have started shortlisting, it’s time to go to the reviews section and read it carefully. One of the biggest advantages of sites such as Fiverr is that you have access to editors who have real reviews. Ideally, you are looking for a large number of reviews with an average of about four.
By this point, you will have pared down your list. I would suggest you land on three potential editors. This is a good number of options and will allow you to assess them fairly. This next step is essential: get a free sample edit. If they refuse, take them off your list and find a new potential editor. ALL good editors will be happy to provide free sample edits. I have been editing books for more than twenty years, and I never take on a new client without first carrying out a free sample edit.
The edits are going to tell you a lot about the editor. At this point, you are looking for clear, actionable feedback and an editor you feel you can work with on your book.
One last tip: ask for a quick chat before you hand over any cash. A face-to-face video call will tell you a lot you can’t deduce via email.
How much should you pay?
The short answer to this question is that it depends. I have a very detailed article that examines teh cost of developmetnal editing. I’d suggest you give that a read.
In brief, high-end editors will charge about $30 per 1,000 words. So that’s $1,800 for a 60,000-word book.
I would expect editors on Fiverr to charge less than this.
You will get a variety of quotes. It is important that you are comparing like for like. For example, is it just developmental editing or line editing as well? How many revisions are included, and what experience are they bringing to the table?
It is always worth asking for a list of what will be included, ideally in writing. In fact, in an ideal world, you will be given a written contract.
I would say here that picking the option that is much cheaper than the others is probably not the answer. A novel typically takes about a calendar month to edit, so you need to keep this in mind when assessing your editor. If they are quoting you $500, then you need to wonder why they are prepared to work at such low rates.
What to ask before ordering
So, you’ve picked your editor, and you are happy with the service and price. What next?
The first thing to ask is what you will receive. Will it be a report, manuscript comments or both? Will line editing be included?
The next question is whether they use AI and, if they do, how. If the editor is using AI, then you should know upfront and be comfortable with their process. It is possible that they may be using AI to help compile reports or organise notes. This is a very different thing from throwing your book into ChatGPT and asking it for an editorial report.
You should also ask for a clear deadline for the edit to be returned. You might not be able to set something in stone, but you should have a rough idea of how long you will be waiting.
You also need to make sure that the post-edit support has been agreed. Will there be any post-edit meetings? Will you be able to ask questions? Will they look at revisions and, if so, how many times?
Finally, you need to get all this in writing plus the total agreed price.
Red flags to watch for
I have a whole, insanely detailed article about how to spot red flags when hiring an editor. I keep this bad boy constantly updated, so I suggest it’s essential reading.
That said, here are a few red flags that are a bit more specific to Fiverr.
Vague promises: Watch out for editors who are not giving very clear details about what they will assess and how it will be communicated to you, the author. This is bread and butter for an editor, and they should be able to explain their process with ease. Unclear deliverables: An editor should be able to clearly outline exactly what you will get back post-edit. If they can’t do this or, ideally, show you an example, it’s a huge red flag. Implausibly low prices: This is a problem that is common on Fiverr. There are many wannabe editors desperate for work who are happy to just take your money. If the price is too good to be true, then run. Fast turnaround times: Another huge red flag. It takes weeks to edit a novel. Good editors are reading the book twice. If you are getting a turnaround time of days, not weeks, then you’ve found yourself a scammy editor. Generic samples and unverifiable experience: Good editors produce happy writers. I have found over the years that the authors I have edited are more than happy to vouch for me and my services. If you are thinking about working with an editor who can’t provide a convincing sample or proof of experience, it’s a bad sign. Pressure to order: Experienced editors know that authors are often nervous about spending money on an edit and will need time to find the correct editor for their book. It can take months for a writer to pull the trigger. If your chosen editor is applying pressure for you to buy, then it’s time to ditch them.
What to do when your edit arrives
Let us assume you’ve pulled the trigger and the editor you found on Fiverr has done the job and returned the edit. What next?
The first thing to do is to check that the agreed work has been delivered. Go back to your initial conversation and make sure they have done everything they promised. If there is anything missing, now is the time to raise the issue.
If you are not happy with the edit, then the first port of call should be to clearly outline what was agreed, explain what was not delivered and ask them how they plan to resolve the problem. Be kind and respectful. Give them seven days to respond. If, after that period, you are not happy, then you might have to consider seeking a partial refund and approaching Fiverr. In this case, outline clearly what you want to happen and what you will do if they don’t comply. Again, be respectful and calm. Give them three days to respond. If, after this time, you are not happy, then escalate to Fiverr.
As a side note, I’d always suggest you use a credit card to pay for an edit, since it is easier to get the money back and allows the card company to fight the case internally with Fiverr.
Assuming you are happy, the next step is to read your feedback carefully. This might be an emotional experience, so you want to avoid jumping into rewriting. Instead, try to give it a day or two to sink in and then reread the feedback.
If you have any questions, now is the time to ask the editor. Try to be clear about what you don’t understand. If possible, try to get a face-to-face meeting to get some clarity.
Once you are happy about what the problems are, it’s time to turn this into a clear revision plan. Try to address one issue at a time, limiting rewrites to small sections.