Working with an editor can feel like a big step—whether you’re a small business polishing your marketing copy or an indie author preparing your manuscript for publication. The right editor is more than a proofreader; they’re a partner who helps you communicate clearly, refine your message, and connect with your audience. That means your relationship with your editor matters.

So, how can you and your editor build a productive relationship? Get started with these practical tips.

Set Clear Goals from the Beginning

Build a strong foundation for your editorial partnership by setting clear goals and sharing them with your editor. We’re more able to help you when we know what result you’re looking for.

Identify Your Priorities

Do you need help with conscious language, reading levels, or a style guide? Are citations or formatting tripping you up? Maybe your focus is on grammar, word choice, and punctuation. When your editor knows what’s important to you, they can narrow the scope of an edit. That keeps the revisions focused on your priorities and saves time.

Share Deadlines and Deliverables

Let your editor know what you need and by when. A big, multipart project may have multiple deadlines. Be clear about the timeline and whether the schedule has wiggle room.

Clarify Your Expectations

Be up front about what success looks like for you—whether that’s a polished manuscript or a consistent brand voice across materials. Actively engage with your style sheet too. If there’s a style guideline you want to bend consistently or variant spelling you want to use, tell your editor.

Having a clear road map like this keeps both you and your editor on the same page.

Provide Context and Background

Editors work best when we understand the big picture. Before starting a project, share this information with your editor:

Your Target Audience and Goals

Who your target reader is affects the reading level, sentence structure, and word choices in your writing. The goal of a writing project influences the content too. Is the piece purely informational? Or is it marketing material that should include a call to action?

When your editor has that information, they can tailor their feedback and revisions to better fit your audience and goals.

Style Guides or Internal Preferences

If you know which style guide you want to use, tell us. How about your house style sheet? Do you already have one, or do you need help setting it up?

Your communication preferences also matter. Maybe you want weekly updates on the copyedit of your manuscript. Do you prefer phone calls or emails? How do you want to share files? Over email or through Dropbox uploads? Let us know up front about what you need and expect during our partnership.

Past Materials, Drafts, or Examples of Your Voice

Your writing should sound like you, not your editor. Context allows your editor to refine your work without diluting your message. This could mean sharing the full manuscript with a potential editor when requesting a sample edit. Or you could share past blog posts that you’re proud of so your editor can get a better idea of your tone. We’re here to help clarify and polish your message, not erase your style or voice.

“I had a chance to review the sample edit and I love it. I appreciate the detailed explanations for suggested changes. My voice is still my voice, only better. I have the highest regard for good editing, and I have confidence in Holly. Thank you so much!”
—N.G., author and BulletProof Writing Services client

Give Constructive Feedback

A good editor values your perspective. If there’s a section in your draft that isn’t working, flag it and be clear about your concerns when you send it to your editor. I’ve had clients request help with verb tenses, tone, and conscious language for specific passages in their drafts. As an editor, I appreciate that because I can narrow my focus when I reach that part of the draft.

But what if your editor sends back revisions, and some of them don’t quite capture your voice or style? Share feedback that’s specific and actionable, like this:

• “This section feels too formal for our audience.”
• “Can we simplify the jargon in this paragraph?”
• “I’d like more focus on our service’s benefits here.”

Constructive communication helps your editor adapt their approach, making revisions more efficient and aligned with your needs.

Build Trust Through Open Communication

Trust is the foundation of a strong editor-client partnership. Stay open to suggestions and be willing to discuss edits rather than viewing them as criticisms. Reviewing revisions is a form of professional development. If there’s a comment or edit you don’t understand and want to discuss, ask about it. Your editor should be transparent about their reasoning and willing to explain their choices. To me, editing is a teaching opportunity, and I’m happy to share knowledge with my clients. I’m here to support your goals and growth, and clear, compassionate editing is part of that.

“I learn so much from the detailed editorial report you provide each month. You help develop my editing and writing skills, and your suggestions and gentle guidance elevate our publication to the next level.”
—K.C., editor and BulletProof Writing Services client

Open communication like this fosters collaboration, which strengthens your content.

Long-Term Benefits of a Positive Partnership

When you view your editor as a partner, not just a service provider, the benefits extend well beyond a single project:

• Consistency across projects: Your editor will learn your style and voice, saving time and revisions later. As members of your content team change, your editor will ensure brand and editorial consistency.
• Improved content quality: A trusted relationship means smoother workflows and more effective messaging. It’s like having an extra layer of protection to make sure your content is professional and on brand.
• Less stress for you: With editing outsourced, you can focus on strategy, creativity, and connecting with your audience. Ongoing partnerships mean you don’t need to search for and vet editors with each new project, saving you time and hassle.

Outsourcing to a trusted editor like me isn’t just about catching typos—it’s about building confidence in your content. That’s why over 70 percent of my business is from ongoing relationships with authors, editors, and publishers. We’ve built trust and value our partnerships.

Ready for a Collaborative Editorial Relationship?

Whether you’re a business leader managing marketing campaigns or an indie author ready to share your story, a productive relationship with your editor can make the difference between content that’s merely good and content that truly connects.

Are you aiming to sharpen your marketing materials or prepare your manuscript? I’d love to help. Partnering with an editor means more than just fixing grammar; it means gaining a collaborator who understands your goals, refines your message, and strengthens your voice.

Let’s work together to create clear, polished content that connects with your audience and builds your confidence. Contact me today to start your next writing or editing project—and let’s make your words bulletproof!