This topic seems to be cyclic, but, NO, you absolutely do not need to have your manuscript professionally edited to query. Here’s my experience/advice: 1/ https://twitter.com/RaulersonWrites/status/1197855634789732352

After I’d gotten my MS in the best shape I could get it in alone, I found critique partners (like @Natalie_Crown, @maiya_ibrahim & @QuinnConnor3!) to look things over and give me honest feedback, for FREE. 2/

There are many places to find critique partners to read your work, but my favorite is @CritiqueCircle, which has a very fair give and take system in place that motivates everyone to both read and submit their work! 3/

After applying my CPs’ changes, I actively looked for critique giveaways online. Both #PitchWars and #Dvpit offer FREE critique giveaways through the year—you just have to keep an eye out. 4/

Further, sometimes established authors will offer FREE critiques of bits of your work. Search “critique giveaway” on Twitter!

S/O to @callmebecks who regularly offers free critiques to those who donate to good causes that uplift marginalized people! Others do this too! 5/

Finally, if you do want professional editorial services, try getting a small piece of your work (first pages/query) edited—often you can apply those notes throughout your MS without paying hundreds of $$$! 6/

Bottom line, paying for editorial services is absolutely optional but not at all* required.

However, if you’re looking for an editorial services rec: @ktzhaoauthor offered amazing notes on my first pages, and at a fair price for someone that didn’t have a huge budget!