The Truth About 7 Author Red Flags: A Professional Editor’s Perspective

February 25, 2026
The Truth About 7 Author Red Flags: A Professional Editor's Perspective

Yes, Editors Have Author Red Flags

If you’re a romance writer, you’ve probably run across a lot of information about red flags to look for when hiring an editor for your book. But have you ever wondered what might make a book editor concerned about working with you? (Scary, I know.)

Hi, I’m Kaitlin, a professional romance editor. And yep, editors have author red flags, just like authors have editor red flags. But don’t worry! Today we’re talking about mistakes to avoid in your search for a literary editor so you can set yourself up for a great first impression and successful working relationship.

(For a list of things that are NOT warning signs, read until the very end!)

First, a disclaimer

Let me start by saying: Just because we encounter one (or more) of these warning signs from an author doesn’t mean we automatically write you off! These are just things that make us a little more cautious and require some extra communication to make sure we’re on the same page. After all, it’s better to learn up front if someone’s not a good fit, and this goes both ways in an editorial relationship. 

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s dive in!

1. Saying "I'm doing something that's never been done before"

Don’t get me wrong. Unique and original things are happening all the time in the world of writing, but when I hear this phrase I think two things:

One, you want to market your book as a romance without a happily ever after (an important genre convention) and that is going to make readers upset. Hey, I don’t make the rules!

Two, you haven’t read widely enough in the romance genre. I might be bursting your bubble here, but no story is truly 100% original. Your voice is unique and your perspective is unique, yes, but it’s unlikely you are truly doing something that has never been seen before. If you’re not familiar enough with your genre, you may think you’re doing something revolutionary—when you’re not.

Case in point: I received an inquiry from a writer saying they were doing something that had never been done before. Their idea? A why-choose romance. That’s one of the hottest, biggest selling sub-genres of romance right now, but they had no idea.

Not reading widely enough in romance tells me you haven’t done enough research into publishing or writing a book, or even what makes a novel appealing to today’s readers. This isn’t always the most exciting part of being a writer, but it’s a necessary one if you want to create something people will actually want to read. 

2. Expecting your editor to tell you everything

If you’re asking me to hold your hand at every turn, this tells me you may not be ready for my services quite yet. I’m happy to answer your questions, especially if you’re new to publishing, but I can’t take you step-by-step through the entire process. I’m not here to do all your research for you. There are plenty of amazing resources out there, from professional newsletters and blogs (like this one!) to literary clubs and organizations where you can learn a ton from experts in the field before taking the next step in your authorship journey. 

3. Being in a rush to publish

Editing and publishing can be a long process, and rushing will only reduce the quality of your book at the end. If you have your heart set on certain deadlines and are desperate to publish, it can feel like you’re more interested in getting your work in print than actually producing something truly worth reading. Doing a bit of research on typical editorial timelines can help you manage your expectations here.

4. Asking for work outside an editor’s expertise

Sometimes asking for things way outside the scope of the requested service signals a lack of understanding of editing in general. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it does mean I need to spend more time educating you before sending over a contract—like the time I received a project submission where an author asked for proofreading AND for me to change her book from first person to third person.

As a professional, I offer certain services and not others, so I only say yes to work that’s within my expertise and the agreed-upon scope of services. This means you get a quality service, and I won’t lose my mind juggling endless favors and extra work. Win-win!

5. Haggling over rates

Editing is a professional career requiring training and expertise, and we don’t haggle. When an editor tells you their rate, that’s their rate. Full stop. If you ask me to change my prices to fit your budget, I am going to (politely) tell you to look for someone else within your price range. 

6. Using generative AI (or being cagey about it)

Most editors will not work with someone who has used generative AI in the creation of their book. If you have used artificial intelligence to write your manuscript, you need to disclose this to your editor from the get-go. Most have a section in their contract outlining what forms of AI usage they allow or don’t allow, so be sure to read that carefully if it applies to you. 

7. Leaving out content warnings

Content warnings (sometimes called triggers or trigger warnings) are important to disclose in as much detail as possible when hiring an editor. Many editors have specific content or triggers they choose not to work with, and failing to disclose these things could put you both in an uncomfortable situation. Especially as a freelance editor, I am the only one protecting myself, so I need to know all the content warnings before starting a project so I know if I want to move forward. 

Keep in mind: Some editors state in their contract that if all content warnings are not disclosed and they encounter one during the project, the contract is canceled with no refunds given. This means it’s in your best interest to disclose content warnings before signing a contract! 

Things that are NOT author red flags

(In other words, things you might be hesitant about but are not an issue at all.) 

*Being new to publishing. Everyone has to start somewhere, and it’s totally okay if this is your first rodeo! 

*Not being sure about the different stages of editing. Again, if you’re a newer author, you might be a little hazy on the exact steps and timelines to expect, and that’s totally understandable. Each editor may also have their own schedules and preferences and should be happy to walk you through their specific process. 

*Asking questions. While you should complete your own research as much as possible, it’s normal to still have some questions. Most editors are happy to answer things you haven’t been able to find through other channels. As long as you aren’t expecting your editor to do al your research for you, you’re fine. 

*Getting more than one sample edit. This is actually a smart move. When you’re hunting for an editor that feels like a good fit, reaching out to several of them to request a sample edit will help you compare and narrow down your options. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for doing this!

*Disclosing information about a previous editor that could be helpful to your new editor. It might feel a bit uncomfy, but if it’s relevant information that could clarify or improve your editorial relationship, go for it. 

*Not having used an editor for a previously published book. If your first book (or two or three) weren’t professionally edited, you’re in good company. An editor will understand that can occur for a number of (very common) reasons. We’re just thrilled that you’re taking the next step in your author journey! 

 

Have you ever seen any of these author red flags?

If you’ve ever made one of these mistakes, welcome to the club. But now that you know what to avoid, are you ready to take this relationship to the next level? I’m dying to discover your novel (whether it’s your very first or the latest in a long list). Reach out here to schedule a call and see if we’d make a great team. 

Need help keeping everything organized as you work toward your publish date?

Download my FREE Self-Publishing Planner!
Recently on the Blog:
Scroll to Top