An editor can only improve what they are given. A manuscript that is complete, consistently formatted and honestly described gets a better edit, usually faster.
Finish the draft first
Send a complete manuscript. Editing a partial draft means the editor cannot judge structure or catch contradictions between early and late chapters.
Do a clean self-pass
You do not need a perfect file, only one without obvious noise.
- Run the spelling and grammar checker once, and accept only changes you agree with.
- Search for your own habit words and trim them.
- Use one font, one paragraph style and real indents, not tab characters or spaces.
- Turn on track changes only if you have an earlier version to compare.
Tell the editor what they cannot see
Genre, target reader, word count, what worries you most, and any rules you have chosen on purpose, such as British spelling or an unusual structure. A short note saves a long guess.
Keep a backup of the original
Always hold on to an untouched copy. Edited files are for comparing and accepting changes, and an original lets you step back at any point.