Why Sample Edits are Essential

When I get an editing request from a new client, the first thing I offer is a sample edit. This crucial step in establishing an author/editor relationship provides valuable insight into not only the manuscript, but also the personalities of both parties—important elements of a successful partnership.

What is a Sample Edit?

A sample edit is an opportunity for an editor to demonstrate how they would edit your work. The author provides a brief portion of the work (500 to 1,000 words, usually) that accurately reflects the manuscript’s tone and form, and the editor showcases their editing skills and style. If the manuscript is in hard copy form, the editor will mark up the hard copy with a pen. Manuscripts in digital form allow the editor to use the Track Changes or Notes functions to communicate potential changes.

Who Benefits from a Sample Edit?

Both the author and editor benefit from a sample edit. Not every editor is fit for every manuscript and the author/editor relationship is precious. Your editor will be passing judgment on your literary baby, so they should be respectful of your work and able to graciously push you out of your comfort zone to make your work the best it can be. A sample edit dips your toes into the relationship to see if the water is warm.

Author Benefits

An author can use the sample edit process to gauge how an editor communicates through the manuscript. Does the editor have a “heavy hand” (lots of changes) or a light one? Are they more likely to make changes within the manuscript or leave notes questioning you about how something might be changed? Are the changes clear? Does the reasoning behind the changes make sense?

Authors should feel free to communicate exactly how you like your work to be edited. If you like to know the exact Chicago Manual of Style rule, say so! If you’d rather the editor just make the change and move on, that’s okay too—just communicate accordingly.

Editor Benefits

An editor values a sample edit because they can see what level of editing a manuscript needs. A new author writing their first novel will most likely need a different level of editing than a seasoned author. A manuscript that has been copyedited and just needs proofreading is another situation that would impact both the time and fee required.

It’s also a chance for the editor to assess the subject matter. While an editor need not necessarily be a subject-matter expert, if the topic is diametrically opposed to the editor’s values or viewpoint, they are not the best editor for the job.   

A sample edit can alleviate apprehension for both authors and editors. When entering a new editing partnership, both parties want to ensure the manuscript undergoes positive, actionable changes that move it toward becoming its best possible version. The sample edit process opens communication lines and sets the stage for authors and editors to work together seamlessly.