Define the editing scope
Noise cleanup.
Mistake removal.
Pacing.
Level balancing.
Music.
Advertisements.
Intro and outro assembly.
Exporting.
Decide how aggressive editing should be
Some shows want natural conversation preserved while others prefer tighter edits. Give the editor examples.
Clarify publishing tasks
Editing and uploading, show notes, chapter markers or distribution are separate responsibilities unless included explicitly.
The cleanest edit is not always the best edit.The goal is a listening experience appropriate to the show.
Establish a repeatable workflow
For ongoing podcasts, consistent file naming, deadlines, feedback and delivery standards save substantial time.