I'm interviewing copy editors, what should I request (in terms of credentials)?

Question

I already have a list of names, but I am not sure which editor to chose. Do I ask for "before and after" editing samples?, what kinds of references should I expect? other suggestions?

Answer 1

Interview the candidates, find somebody who can comunicate well in person as well as in writing. Look for college transcripts, especially at the grades in English Composition, journalism and literature classes.

Depending on the type of publishing you are into, a technical background in the field might be helpful. This last bit is a definite must for scientific journals; but even historical novels should be edited by someone who knows history.

Answer 2

A great deal depends on what kind of copy work you want. Is this technical, trade, newspaper, slick magazine, fiction, advertising, etc? Is this a vanity press? A newsletter?

Is this straight copy edit for spelling, grammar, syntax? Do you need a lot of emphasis on style, content and factual accuracy? Will it be hard copy work or computer based:?

Is there a lot of writing involved, such as titles, chapter headings, headlines, selection of type styles, other graphics, design and layout? Is there a lot of interaction with staff, writers and other editors?

----Whatever your need, try to get someone who has worked as an editor or full time staff writer for at least four years for two different employers. Make sure they come with a few samples, of what they consider their best work, and solid on the job references.

Good luck. --

Answer 3

I would like to know who is capable of leaving a writers work pretty much in tack and only correcting spelling / grammar errors. Some editors literally re-write things and that waste time.