The Editing Checklist
What to Do Before, During, and After Working With an Editor
You’ve made it through the maze of editorial types, figured out when to hire one, and even survived the feedback (without rage-quitting your book). Go you!
But before you ride off into the publishing sunset, let’s get practical. Here's a simple, sanity-saving checklist to help you stay on track at every stage of the editing journey, so nothing slips through the cracks (or eats your launch budget alive).
✅ Before You Hire an Editor
🔲 Know what kind of editing you need
Are you looking for big-picture help or just a final polish? (Check out our previous post on the 4 types of editors!)
🔲 Finish your current draft
Don’t send a half-done book unless you’re hiring for a developmental critique.
🔲 Budget realistically
Editing isn’t cheap, but it’s worth it. Know what you can afford, and save accordingly.
🔲 Research potential editors
Look at testimonials, samples, genres they’ve worked in, and their availability.
🔲 Ask for a sample edit (if offered)
This helps you see if their feedback style works for you.
✍️ During the Edit
🔲 Communicate expectations
Be upfront about timelines, goals, and any areas you’re worried about.
🔲 Send clean files
No weird fonts, no five versions in one doc, no “final_FINAL_Fixed_Maybe” filenames.
🔲 Stay open-minded
Like tough love, tough feedback is a gift. You’re not being attacked. Know instead that you’re being helped.
🔲 Take notes
Jot down recurring suggestions (you’ll probably see patterns).
🔲 Ask questions
If something’s unclear, ask! Most editors would rather clarify than be misunderstood.
🔁 After the Edit
🔲 Let feedback sit
Give it 24–48 hours before diving into revisions. Let your emotions chill.
🔲 Choose what to implement
You don’t have to follow every note, but understand why you’re keeping or rejecting suggestions.
🔲 Schedule revisions
Give yourself enough time to revise (especially if you’re working toward a deadline).
🔲 Consider a second round (if needed)
Especially for developmental or line edits, a follow-up pass helps tighten things even more.
🔲 Thank your editor (and maybe leave a testimonial!)
If you loved their work, spread the word. Editors are the unsung heroes of publishing.
🧠 Bonus: Editing Checklist Chart
💡 Final Thoughts
Hiring an editor helps build a better book. With the right checklist and a clear process, editing doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. It can actually be fun. (Yes, really.) You get to see your story become sharper, stronger, and more you with every pass.
So save this checklist, bookmark it, print it out, whatever works for you. And come back to it every time you finish a new draft.
You’ve got this.
Keep writing,
Winterwolf Press