I’m trying to figure out whether hiring a professional editor is truly necessary for my manuscript. Some authors swear it makes a huge difference in clarity, flow, and market readiness, while others feel self-editing or peer feedback is enough. Are there specific types of writing that benefit more from a professional editor? How do you know if the investment will actually improve your book, or if it’s something you can handle on your own? I’d love to hear real experiences from authors who have gone both routes.