Evaluating a Recommended Online Academic Editor

It is good to have a checklist of what you plan to check when identifying a suitable academic editor. But where do you even start finding the right editor.
Referral If you are really lucky, you will receive a recommendation or a referral to an editor.
A referral is worth gold if from a reliable source.
In fact, you are more than half way there with a referral. A trusted recommendation So who is a good source? You want someone who has experienced good editing. This could be a fellow student who has used an editor or an instructor /adviser/chair who has experienced the benefit of good editing and a caring company or editor.
Wise instructors or advisers/chairs know that a good edit makes their work much simpler. It allows the faculty member to concentrate on the content while the editor sorts out the language and style and formatting concerns.

If a person has your good interest at heart, he or she will recommend a good editor. When to avoid a recommendation What kind of referral should you think about twice? First, anyone who is simply a friend to the referee.
True the person could be proficient, but up to you need to check really carefully.
Second, if the referrer expects the editor to do all the work. Writing of any kind is a process, and not a product. Beware the advice of anyone who does not take responsibility for their own writing. Finally, if you know the person is receiving some kind of big reward for referring you, they certainly do not have your interests at heart.

Now use the checklist Even with a referral, use your checklist to see if the person fits all your criteria.

But a checklist is just a guide, so be ready to modify it if needed.

Trust your intuition as well.
You need to feel comfortable with your choice of editor.
You need to trust your choice.

Go with what works for you.