Congratulations! You’ve known for years that you needed to write a book about your zone of genius and you finally did it!
Now, it’s time for you to find an editor.
And yes, you need a professional.
Why you need an editor
Your editor is essentially your quality control, which is especially important if you own a business. Consider how much time you’ve spent curating your personal and professional reputations and fulfilling your brand promise to customers.
What is the potential damage a poorly edited, or, worse, an unedited book could do to your personal and professional brands? Would you do business with someone who had the temerity to publish a book riddled with errors?
Types of Editing
Developmental Editing: This is the big-picture edit where your editor focuses on consistency and congruency. As a developmental editor, I dive deep into the structure, organization, and flow of your book, making sure every storyline is followed to a conclusion and that it fulfills the promise you made to your readers.
Content Editing: Content editors focus on the context of your work. There are some technical aspects of their job such as addressing syntax issues, but they also focus on eliminating awkward phrasing and passive verbs, make sure you’re showing and not telling, and that any dialogue is appropriate to the person speaking.
Copy Editing: Content editors focus on the context of your work. There are some technical aspects of their job such as addressing syntax issues, but they also focus on eliminating awkward phrasing and passive verbs, make sure you’re showing and not telling, and that any dialogue is appropriate to the person speaking.
Proofreading: The final polish. Proofreaders catch typos, last-minute spelling errors, misplaced commas, and formatting errors that slipped through earlier edits.
Questions to Ask
Finding the right editor for you book entails some research. Start first by asking members of your network for references and then visit the websites of the Editorial Freelancer Association or the American Copy Editors Society.
When you connect with an editor, ask them the following:
- What is your experience editing nonfiction books?
- Can you provide references or samples of previous work?
- How do you approach feedback and revisions?
- What’s your turnaround time and availability?
- How do you charge – per hour, per word, or a flat rate?
Qualities to Look For
Finding an editor is really about finding someone who aligns with your vision and working style. Consider some of these qualities as you interview potential partners:
Communication: What process, procedures, and platforms does the editor use to create successful partnerships with their authors?
Attention to detail: A good editor has an eagle eye for details without losing sight of the big picture. As a reporter, I ask a lot of questions because I want to know all the things, and I assume your reader does as well.
Supportive and honest: Your editor who is supportive but also provides honest, constructive feedback. I often leave comments in the margin of my authors’s work letting them know when something resonates with me or if they’ve phrased something particularly well.
Trust Your Instincts
Most of time, honestly, your decision comes down to your gut feeling. Does the editor understand your vision? Do they seem genuinely interested in your project? Do you feel connected to their energy?
Trusting your instincts will be key especially because you’re trusting them with your book baby.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right editor for your nonfiction book is a critical step in your publishing journey. The right professional editor helps you create a book that is as error-free as possible and helps you grow your personal brand and your business.
If you have a book ready for editing, please schedule a call with me.