I would suggest writing as many drafts as you can and having something as close to flawless as possible before you pay someone to do anything. Join a writer's group and have friends go over it too.
Only when you and other people are convinced that what you have is publishable should you consider hiring a professional editor.
That is when you start shopping for one.
Positive: 100 %
Answer #2 | 23/12 2013 19:16
I agree with David. Find a writer's group and read in front of them. After you think it's really good, ask the leader of the group if he has any contacts for an editor.
Positive: 100 %
Answer #3 | 23/12 2013 19:00
You don't pay to edit a book. Your publisher pays to edit the book.
Your publisher pays you, too.
If you're paying fees of any kind, you're in the wrong place.
Also: paying an editor from royalties abuses the editor, because (with self-publishing, which is what I think you're talking about) the expected royalties are low. Very, very low..