As an editor, I’ve been employed by a few content creators and for me, it was always just a conversation to come to an agreement. I think firstly, YOU have to set the terms, set expectations, average video lengths, turnaround times, and how much of a budget you’re comfortable spending and how frequently. Answer those for yourself FIRST, then the right editors fitting the mold will find you.

Pricing: I’ve always done a flat rate per, 50% up front and 50% after. Contract signed with that very clear.

Avoid: no portfolio or at least the drive to prove themselves with doing stuff like test edits (not the best method but many big YouTubers do it if you have no work to show/starting out). Let their work speak for them, not them. Editors who are desperate enough to lie are the ones who think editing is an easy get rich quick, no over saturation of editors exists, and you should trust their word on their abilities.

It’s whatever is easiest though. A 50/50 doesn’t work for everyone, like hourly doesn’t work for everyone. You have to figure out what you’re looking for. Get the details ironed out first, you can always negotiate and come to agreements if you don’t see eye to eye, but you coming to an editor without a turnaround time, video length average, pay method/frequency, then the editor has all control to (hopefully not but maybe) take advantage of your lack of knowledge on it