The internet is bursting with offers of freelance editorial. But finding a good one ain't easy. A diploma on the wall doesn't mean experience under the belt. Take a look at the recommendations in the Preditors [sic] and Editors website.
Of course, there are various levels of editing from mere copy-editing through to full development editing, so your friend will have to take sound advice on exactly what kind of editing he needs. And quality ain't to be found in the bargain basement.
I've been in the game for coming-up forty-five years and my editorial team is likewise experienced, but we don't accept many freelance commissions, and right now we're too busy to even consider them. But for a few home truths, get your friend to read the wartsn-n-all 'Freelancing' section of our website (
http://www.bewrite.net) where 'the worst ad in the world' is actually intended to dissuade inexperienced authors from approaching us. Valuable info for a developing author, though. Our 'For Authors' section, too, will explain some of the main pitfalls in presenting a manuscript.
Likewise, warn your friend about online 'agencies' and 'publishers'. Dem dar waters are swarming with sharks on a feeding frenzy and whose only interest in books lies in authors' check books. Again, the Preditors and Editors (
http://www.pred-ed.com) site is an invaluable resource. And the black hats are also named and shamed at the excellent AbsoluteWrite's Water Cooler forums (
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/).
Good luck to your pal and very best wishes. Neil