Local Editors Still the Best Option for Authors

For a long time, working with a local editor felt like the gold standard for authors. There was something reassuring about meeting face to face sharing coffee over manuscript notes and knowing the person editing your book lived in the same world you did. But with today’s remote tools global talent pools and online collaboration I’ve started wondering are local editors still the best option or is that idea more nostalgia than necessity?
When I began my search I intentionally looked for editors for books near me because I assumed proximity meant better understanding. I thought a local editor would get my audience my tone and the market I was writing for. In some ways that assumption paid off. Having someone familiar with regional trends and able to explain things in real time was incredibly helpful. The editing sessions felt more personal less transactional and I never felt like just another file in someone’s inbox.
That said, I’ve also spoken to authors who found equally strong or even better results working with editors halfway across the world. They argue that genre expertise matters more than geography. A fantasy editor in another country might understand story structure far better than a nearby editor who mainly works on memoirs. In that sense local doesn’t always mean best fit.
What really seems to matter is communication. Some local editors are fantastic collaborators who challenge your thinking and elevate your work. Others may rely too heavily on familiarity and don’t push hard enough. Distance doesn’t automatically equal disconnection anymore. Video calls shared documents and tracked changes have closed that gap significantly.
Still, there’s something uniquely motivating about knowing you can meet your editor in person if needed. For first-time authors especially that relationship can reduce anxiety and build confidence. Local editors often feel more invested in your success because they’re part of the same creative community.
So are local editors still the best option? I think the answer depends less on location and more on alignment. The best editor is the one who understands your genre respects your voice communicates clearly and genuinely wants your book to succeed whether they’re across town or across the globe.