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Transcription (may contain errors): As you begin your publishing journey, you may have questions about what an editor does and how they can help you. An editor is a language expert specializing in how to improve your manuscript with developmental, content, and technical editorial feedback. They will refine and improve your manuscript in order to get it ready for publication. Remember that your editor should have a deep knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style, which is the publishing industry standard style guide.

The post Elite Answers: What is an editor? appeared first on Elite Authors.

It’s one of the most exciting moments in an author’s life. You’ve completed your book and you’re ready to publish! Not many writers make it this far, so you should be proud. Before your book makes it out into the world, however, it probably needs to go through a full editing process. Never fear, though—editors aren’t scary, judgmental people wielding giant red pens. (Most of the time, that is!) A good book editor wants to make your book better and ensure its success. Discovering how to find a good editor for your book is an important process. Read on to learn how to find the right editor for you.

What to consider before hiring a book editor

Before you hire a book editor, there are many things to consider. First, you need to understand what different types of editors do and the nuances of a book editor role. For example, a developmental editor is very different from a copyeditor.

It’s also important to understand what your manuscript really needs, because every book is different. Additionally, you need to consider the cost of an editor.

How can the form and content of your writing influence what you need from an editor?

Let’s start with what kind of book you’ve written. Is it an educational textbook? A research monograph? A fictional work? Perhaps a torrid romance novel, or even a children’s book?

It is likely that a professional book editor works on all of these different types of books. However, some editors specialize in different types of books or genres.

If you wrote a textbook or nonfiction work, you’ll probably benefit most from a full developmental edit. A developmental editor reads your book top to bottom, commenting on structural issues, missing pieces, areas to flesh out, appropriateness for the audience, and overall tone and flow. The developmental edit can be followed by line edit or copyedit layers.

If you wrote a work of fiction or a less complex book and you feel confident about the content, the most economical path may be going straight to a copyedit. A copyeditor focuses on grammatical, spelling, and punctuation issues, making sure your book is clean, error free, and consistent.

How can you determine what you need from a book editor before you hire one?

Before you hire a book editor, it’s crucial to know what sort of service you really need. Is your manuscript still in rough shape? Do you need advice on what direction to ultimately take it? If so, a professional book editor offering a developmental editing service is probably what you need.

If you’re just looking for general feedback, you may want to bring in a beta reader. While a beta reader won’t give your book a full edit, they do offer feedback on the book overall. You can use their notes to go back and rework the plot as needed. Many beta readers even work for free or in exchange for some small gift, like a free copy of your finished book.

Once the book nears publication, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of fine-tuning your work. This is when you many need a line editor, copyeditor, or proofreader. These types of editors are there to help you clean up and finalize your masterpiece!

How much can you expect to pay a book editor?

Different editors charge different rates, and may have entirely different pricing models. Editors may charge

• by the hour,
• by the page, or
• by the word.

Regardless, you should confirm their rate up front. If the editor charges hourly, you may want to ask about imposing a cap on the total number of hours you want them to spend on your project.

If you’ve signed with a publishing house, the cost of an editor may already be covered in your contract. Be sure to double-check!

Qualifications to look for in an experienced book editor

How do you know if an editor has what it takes to do your book justice? There are many different qualifications you can look for in an experienced book editor. Be sure to focus on the requirements that are the most important to you!

What track record should an experienced book editor have?

An experienced editor should have from five to ten years of experience (or more) in publishing. He or she should be able to show you a list of titles they’ve worked on that are actually in print. Perhaps they even work for a reputable publishing house on a regular basis.

Ideally, he or she should also give you a list of references upon request. Referrals are worth their weight in gold. If you’re able to ask other authors who they’ve worked with in the past, you’re likely to get some very strong recommendations (as well as information on who to avoid).

What soft skills does a good book editor need?

A good book editor is not just a spelling and grammar whiz. Editors have a lot of important soft skills as well.

Most importantly, a good editor is collaborative. He or she should be willing to work with you to produce the best possible outcome—not just lecture you about what you’ve done wrong.

An editor’s tact and tone are very important. Any questions to you should be phrased clearly and politely. Comments should feel encouraging, not belittling. Good editors are also good listeners and critical thinkers. They tend to be detail oriented and impeccably organized.

It doesn’t hurt to love reading, either! A passion for literature and the English language are hallmarks of almost every great editor.

What are the best degrees to get to become a book editor?

Editors come from many different backgrounds. You may be surprised at how many book editors majored in medicine or science, law or architecture! But generally speaking, editors tend to have degrees in the following:

• English
• Communications
• Journalism

Most of these subjects are writing heavy, so the editors are well trained in writing themselves and are used to evaluating others’ work.

Some universities even often graduate degrees specifically in editing or publishing. But don’t discount an editor if they don’t have a higher degree! Great editors learn best on the job, not in the classroom.

Questions to ask a potential book editor

If you are hiring a book editor on your own, there are many questions you may want to ask your candidates. Here are some important things to focus on:

• A schedule and timeline in which the editor can complete your book
• The editor’s overall experience
• References or information about the editor’s previous work

What questions should you ask about the timeline before you hire a book editor?

One of the most important things to establish up front is your timeline for editing. If your manuscript is complete and ready to roll, the editor can assess the length and complexity of the project and give you a pretty good estimate, factoring in other projects they may be working on at the same time. If you need to deliver chapters in batches, it’s good to look ahead several months to see what the editor’s availability looks like.

Ask the editor how many pages they can get through each day or each week. Some tasks, like a developmental edit, may take longer chunks of time than copyediting.

If you are working with a publishing house, a person with a managing editor job will coordinate the editing for you. You’ll be in close contact with the staff of the agency regarding timelines and delivery of your edited files.

What questions should you ask a potential editor about their style and skills?

Though an editor’s style may not necessarily be more important than their ability to catch typos, it is an important factor when choosing the right editor for you. You need to find the right balance between style and substance. Here are some questions you can ask a book editor:

• What editing training do you have?
• What computer programs do you work in?
• Do you prefer to make changes outright, or will you query me first?
• Will you provide a style sheet?
• Do you have regular “office hours” during which I can contact you?
• Would you prefer contact over the phone or email?

The editor should be willing to send you a sample edit as well, perhaps on the first chapter or two of your book. This should give you a sense of how they work and what types of comments you should expect to see—and if the editor is doing a thorough-enough job.

What questions should you ask a potential book editor about their previous work?

You definitely want to ask a potential editor about his or her previous work. It helps to view samples of their editing and to check if the editor has worked on any books you admire.

Ask if the freelance editor prefers any genres or subject matters over others. Perhaps they have a degree in the same field that your book discusses. Any knowledge they have about your topic is certainly an asset.

If the editor is an expert in a particular writing style, it may help to know that too. Chicago style is a mainstay for most editors, but if your book contains medical material, you may want an editor with experience in AMA style. If you want a more journalistic tone, you’ll need an editor with experience in AP style.

Where to hire the best editor for your book

If you’re looking to hire a quality editor, many websites and agencies, such as Elite Authors, can help you check that out. Do your research carefully; you need to fully trust that you’re putting your book in good hands!

How can Elite Authors help you with your editing needs?

Elite Authors offers a wide range of editing services, from developmental editing to proofreading. We’ll do a full assessment of your book and recommend a package of editing services that best fits your needs and your budget.

If you’re an indie author looking to self-publish your book, Elite Authors can assist you every step of the way, from a manuscript critique to the design and layout of your book.

What resources are available to help authors find editors?

A quick web search turns up countless editing sites, but that doesn’t mean all of them are worth your time. Start with a reputable site, like the Editorial Freelancers Association. Members can post their résumés here so you can search for an editor who matches your particular requirements.

Local universities or libraries can also be good resources to help open the lines of communication with a professional editor. You can also post your editing job on gig sites like Upwork.

In addition, editors are sometimes listed on a book’s acknowledgments page or on the copyright page—or even on its Amazon sales page. Check out books by your favorite writers to see if they name-drop their editors. Perhaps he or she has a website that you can look up.

How can you meet qualified editors for your book?

One of the best ways to meet a qualified editor for your book is to use a reputable editing agency. All editors working for the agency are fully tested and vetted, so no matter who you’re matched with, you’ll get great quality. Editing agencies are also responsible for checking the editor’s work, so you’ll get a layer of quality control built into the process as well.

And if you have a literary agent, perhaps he or she can recommend someone who is a good match.

Find a great editor today with Elite Authors.

Are you ready to begin editing your book while working with a group of professional writers and editors? Elite Authors offers a full range of editing services to meet your needs and budget.

Getting a quote is free and easy. Reach out today!

The post How to Find a Good Editor for Your Book appeared first on Elite Authors.

You did it! You completed your book, and you’re on the verge of becoming a published author. But is your manuscript good enough to publish? Is it the best it can be? Are there any errors left? Odds are, before you publish, the next step is editing your book. Some authors try this themselves, but many find that getting fresh eyes on their manuscript is invaluable. A professional editor should catch and question things that you may not even consider. He or she can also help you prepare the book for publication according to industry standards. If you’re ready to proceed in your writing journey and you want to learn how to hire a book editor, read on.

When to hire a book editor

If you don’t think you’ll be making any more substantive changes to your book, it’s probably time to move forward with hiring an editor. Depending on the manuscript’s state, there are several options available. Let’s look closely at book editor roles.

If you feel like you need help fine-tuning the plot of the book, checking factual information, or refining the structure, you may want to hire a developmental editor. A developmental editor with experience can help a writer make their book into a masterpiece.

If you need a line-by-line read of your book to find typos, grammatical errors, potentially offensive material, or factual issues, a copyeditor may be your best bet. Copyeditors read your text to make it tight, clear, and error-free.

If your book is already in good shape, you may opt for a proofreader instead of an editor. Proofreading involves checks for spelling or punctuation errors and that the formatting is clean. This is usually the last step before a book’s publication.

When is the right time to hire a book editor? 

Typically, it’s time to hire a book editor after you’ve signed a contract with a publisher and you’re entering the home stretch before getting your book out to the world. Many publishers offer editing services as part of their author contracts. Others may require you to edit it on your own dime. 

Regardless, it’s always a good idea to have your book professionally edited well before pitching it to publishers. You can use a book editing service or a freelance editor. Regardless, you want to make a good impression. A tight, clean manuscript is more likely to impress an interested publisher.

How long does the book editing process typically take? 

The book editing process can take anywhere from a week to several months, depending on several factors:

• The length of your book
• Availability of the right editor
• How many rounds of revisions your book undergoes
• Your publisher’s production schedule and when they wish to begin author promotion

It’s important to have realistic expectations about the editing process. A good editor takes their time to do their best possible work. Make sure you are clear on the timeline for editing your book.

What should you do before you hire a book editor?

Before you hire a book editor, there are several things to do:

• Make sure your book is in good shape. If you’ve left notes to yourself throughout your document, be sure to resolve these and clean them up. They could confuse the editor.
• Have some close friends, colleagues, or family members read your book. They can help address any overarching issues before you start paying a professional book editor for their time.
• Do your research and investigate editing services. Finding the right professional editor is a very important process.
• Determine a price point. Editing is not something you want to skimp on, but you don’t want to overpay either.

Considerations when hiring a book editor

Hiring the right book editor is a weighty decision. Ideally, you’ll work with someone who understands your vision for the book and who wants to preserve your voice and tone. Sometimes, though, scheduling is the more important matter, and you need to find someone who can get the job done by your deadline. Other times, price is the most important factor when hiring an editor.

What makes a good book editor? 

A good book editor is not only a wizard with spelling and grammar. They probably possess other important qualities as well.

Experience is key. An editor with experience on multiple books in your subject matter or genre will understand what message you’re trying to get across. They’ll also be more likely to find factual errors.

Many writers fear an editor’s “red pen,” but a good editor is also a good communicator. He or she will collaborate with you on the work instead of simply telling you what you’ve done wrong. 

An editor who is a good fit will take as light or as heavy a touch as you want. If you need a full rewrite, let your developmental editor know, and agree on pricing up front. If you want to have your voice, tone, and style preserved, just speak up. The editor will fix the copy and address obvious spelling errors but should respect your wishes.

And most importantly, if the editor has any questions, they should speak up! Editing is a collaborative process, and the main goal is to deliver a high-quality publication to the printer.

What are some of the questions an author should ask an editor to make sure they are a good fit?

When you are hiring an editor, there are several questions you should ask:

• How many years’ experience do you have?
• Have you worked on books in this subject/genre before?
• Who are some of your past clients?
• Do you price work by the page/word/hour?
• What is your availability?

What should you avoid in a book editor?

You should also consider a few things to avoid when hiring a book editor. Obviously, if a person gets poor reviews or feedback, they may not be your best option.

If you know the editor has a lot of competing priorities, this can be a double-edged sword. If the person is busy, it probably means they are very good. But if you want someone to devote a lot of time to your work immediately, you’ll need to factor in their schedule.

Cost of hiring a book editor

There’s no doubt about it: Money often rules the day. And good editors can be very expensive. Still, the investment is worth it, if it prevents costly mistakes from slipping through in your book. Publishers are more likely to promote a high-quality product, and readers trust authors more when they aren’t tripping over spelling and grammatical mistakes on the page. The editing process is very important to sharpen your manuscript.

What is the typical cost of hiring a book editor?

The costs of hiring a book editor can, of course, vary. Hiring an editor on your own may be more expensive than taking advantage of the services offered by your publisher. Check to see what’s included in your contract.

What factors can affect the cost of hiring a book editor?

Some editors offer a per-word or per-page editing rate. So if you know your book’s length, it should be fairly easy to control the editing costs. Other editors charge an hourly rate. In this case, you may be able to negotiate a hard cap on the number of hours you will pay for. Make sure you know the editor’s pricing up front. 

Of course, there are a lot of other factors that play into the price of editing your book. A newer editor with less experience may be willing to give you a better deal. A very talented and established editor will probably give you better results but at a higher price point.

The level of editing you request is also a factor. Full, top-to-bottom developmental editing comes at a higher cost than copyediting. Simple proofreading for typos is much cheaper.

Additionally, you should factor in how many rounds of editing you need. If this is the first time your book is undergoing the editing process, the editor will probably have a lot of markups and lots of questions for you. It may be advantageous to pay the editor for two reviews—one initial edit, followed by a round of cleanup after you’ve had a chance to resolve the editor’s questions. Some authors even opt for a third round to ensure the book is extra clean.

How can you save money on hiring a book editor?

Fortunately, there are several ways you may be able to save money on hiring a book editor.

One way is to avoid surprise costs. If you pay an editor by the word count, and you know your manuscript is fifty thousand words long, there ‘s no way you’ll be charged for seventy thousand words. If you impose a time cap on an hourly rate, make sure you understand the ramifications if the editor cannot finish within the established time frame.

Posting a job on gig sites is another good option to control costs. You can set your exact fee, and interested editors can take it or leave it. Bear in mind, though, that these freelancers may not be of the highest quality. If possible, vet them beforehand and check their references.

Purchasing an editing package may also be a good option. Some editing services will bundle together the costs of your editing services for you. They will hire the editor, check the quality of their work, and more. You can be as hands on as you wish, and the price is established ahead of time.

Where to find quality book editors

If all of this sounds good and you’re ready to move forward with editing, it’s now time to ask where you can find a quality book editor to make your book camera ready.

What are the best ways to find a good book editor?

One of the best ways to find a good professional editor or editing service is to ask other authors who they’ve used. If you are signed with a publisher, other authors signed there may be willing to share their experiences with you. Your acquisitions editor or project manager may also be able to make recommendations.

If you are self-publishing, use your personal network to your advantage. You may be able to find a freelance book editor via social media. There are also many reputable agencies available that specialize in book editing. Your local library can also be a helpful resource.

What resources exist for authors seeking editors?

If you are hunting for an editor, there are lots of online resources available. The Editorial Freelancers Association has a great website. Members can post their credentials for potential clients so you can search for an editor who fits the bill and factor in your budgeting.

You could also look into student groups, where college students are willing to edit your book in order to build their résumés. If there is a university press in your hometown, ask around there!

Check out Amazon sales pages for different books too. Sometimes the editor is listed here. Find a book by your favorite writer, and check to see if their editor is named on the page. It can’t hurt to reach out to them!

How can Elite Authors help you with your manuscript?

Elite Authors is a full-service agency committed to helping authors print and sell their books. Elite has a team of experienced editors and writers on hand who will leverage their expertise to edit and prepare your book for publication. 

There are numerous packages available, ranging from simple copyedits to full developmental editing, not to mention book design and cover design services.

Find a quality book editor today with Elite Authors.

Are you ready to begin editing your book while working with a group of professional writers and editors? Elite offers a full range of editing services to meet your needs and budget.

Getting a quote is free and easy. Reach out today!

The post How to Hire a Book Editor appeared first on Elite Authors.

You’ve finished your manuscript and are excited to begin the publishing process. After lots of hard work on your masterpiece, you can’t wait to show it off to readers around the world! Before you send your book to be published, you have to go through the editing process. 

How long does editing a book take? Well, it depends on a variety of factors—and what types of editing your book needs. 

Types of editing available for a book 

Partnering with a professional editor is a big step in preparing your manuscript for publishing. And editing takes a full team! There are several types of editors involved in turning each manuscript into a book. This can take some time, and it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the process so you know what to expect.  

How many types of book editors are there? 

All books need to go through several phases of editing before they’re ready to be published. There are four main types of book editors: 

• Developmental editor. In this editing phase, the editor reviews the story line, identifies plot holes, and suggests ways to fix them. 
• Line editor. With line editing, the editor reads your manuscript line by line and offers suggestions to help the text read smoothly. 
• Copy editor. Here, the editor makes sure that the grammar and punctuation are all accurate. The copyediting phase also identifies any factual inconsistencies that aren’t caught during the developmental edit. 
• Proofreader. As the last round of editing, proofreading will fix any spelling mistakes or formatting issues. 

Although finding an editor for each phase might sound like a daunting task, it’s easier than you might think. 

If you’re working with a traditional publishing house, chances are they have a full staff of editors to make sure your manuscript is ready to publish. If you’re self-publishing, the company you work with might have a list of editors that they recommend. You can also jump online and look for a freelance editor who specializes in your genre. 

What is the difference between a copy editor and a proofreader? 

Because copy editing and proofreading both happen toward the end of the overall editing process, it’s easy to confuse them. 

Your copy editor gives your book one more pass to ensure that the developmental editing and the line editing stages caught any errors or inconsistencies. They’ll adjust confusing or ambiguous sentences or paragraphs to make your work easy to read. 

Once the copyedit is done, your manuscript can be typeset and formatted so that you have a “proof”—or a sample—of your final book. The proofreader then carefully inspects the typeset manuscript. They look for things like spelling errors, punctuation issues, and improper formatting. 

After the proofread is complete, you can move on to publishing and printing! 

When is each type of book editing most appropriate? 

Regardless of whether you’re self-publishing or working with a publishing house, your manuscript needs to be edited before it’s published. In most cases, the editing process goes from general to specific. It begins with the developmental edit to ensure that your story flows well and that your characters are, well, developed. 

Next comes line editing, which basically helps smooth out the language. Then it’s copyedit time, followed by proofreading. And then you’re ready to publish! 

Some manuscripts require more editing than others. For instance, if you’ve written a children’s picture book with more images than text, you might be able to forego the developmental edit. However, if you’ve written a fiction novel or a nonfiction book with a complex story line and characters, you’ll likely need all four phases of the editing process. Those are just a couple of the things you need to know about the book editing process. 

What you need to know about the book editing process 

Now that you’re familiar with the different types of editing, you can learn about the rest of the book editing process. The process involves several different people who all strive for the same goal: preparing your book for readers everywhere. 

Who is involved in the book editing process? 

As the author, you are a key player in the editing process. You determine when you’ve finished writing your manuscript and when you’re ready for the initial edit. Each editor is, of course, also important. And there are a few other parties that need to be involved too! 

One of these is your publisher. If a publishing house is handling the edits for you, you probably don’t have much work to do unless one of the editors requests some revisions. However, self-publishing companies might not have editors standing by to help you. In that case, you’ll need to find your own editor to prepare your book for your readers. 

Additionally, you should find a beta reader to read your manuscript before you publish. A beta reader might be a friend or family member. Just find a bookworm who will read your manuscript through the lens of a normal reader. Because the story will be completely new to them, they can provide a fresh perspective on how other readers will like your book. 

What are the goals of the book editing process? 

The main goal of the editing process is to prepare your manuscript for the public. Each editor in the process is tasked with finding any possible mistake in your book and suggesting corrections. You’ve been immersed in your story, so you need a few sets of fresh eyes to find the continuity gaps or typos. 

Another goal is to improve your book. Professional editors know the publishing industry inside and out—and they know what many readers want in their books. So don’t just think of hiring an editor as paying someone to find problems with your manuscript. Think of it as an opportunity to fine-tune your work so that readers won’t be able to put it down until they’ve read every word!  

What else should you know about the book editing process? 

There are a few other things you should know about the book editing process. One is the cost. The price may vary depending on whether you partner with an editing company or hire a freelancer. Overall, you can expect an editor to cost anywhere from thirty to sixty dollars per hour. However, some editors charge by word or by project instead of billing an hourly rate, so just be sure to ask each potential editor about their pricing structure. 

A second thing to keep in mind is the timeline. Longer, more complex books take longer to edit than short ones. However, there are additional factors that affect the time it takes to edit a book. 

Factors that affect the time it takes to edit a book 

By the time you start the editing process, you’re probably very excited to publish your book. So you want the process to go as quickly as possible. Although there are a few factors that can slow down the editing process, there are things you can do—such as self-editing—to speed things back up! 

How long does a developmental edit take? 

Developmental editing is the most labor-intensive round of editing, so it will take the longest. The developmental editor will carefully read your book, taking meticulous notes on each page. They’ll check any historical or geographical facts for both fiction and nonfiction books. 

In general, the developmental edit for an average-length book should take about one month. However, there are things that can slow down the process. 

Which factors slow down the book editing process? 

It might sound obvious, but your manuscript’s length and complexity are two of the biggest factors that can slow down the book editing process. A long novel obviously takes more time to read than a short one. And because there’s a greater chance for typos and grammar errors in a longer manuscript, the editors will need to spend more time on a long work. 

Nonfiction books also tend to take longer to edit than a fiction novel. Your developmental editor needs to research and verify all facts you include. Conversely, as fiction novels take more creative liberty and don’t always need fact-checking, they tend to get through the editing process more quickly than a nonfiction work. 

Finally, the way you publish your book might add some time to the editing process. During the copyediting phase, your manuscript will begin to be formatted and take the shape of a book. If you’re creating both a print book and an e-book, your manuscript will have to be formatted for both print and digital publishing.  

Self-editing your book can speed up the editing process. If you’re able to catch and correct a mistake or two, you’re already taking time and work off your editors’ plates. 

Why is it important to self-edit a book before hiring an editor? 

The more work there is to do, the longer a book edit will take. If you perform a self-edit—or ask a beta reader to help before you hire a professional editor—you can really speed up the process. And since the normal book editor salary is directly tied to how much time they spend editing a manuscript, self-editing can even save you money! 

How much editing is enough? 

Simply put, every book needs a lot of editing. Think about it: You’ve been living and breathing your manuscript since you started writing it. From the developmental edit all the way through the final proofreading, you need help preparing your story for your readers. 

So how much editing is enough? And how do you know when your book is ready for publishing? There are a few factors to help you answer those questions. 

What factors indicate how much editing a book really needs? 

You already know that your manuscript’s length and complexity will largely determine how much editing your book needs, and how long it’ll take. You might not be aware that your experience as a publishing author is also a factor! 

If you’ve been through the editing and publishing process before, you’ve probably honed your skills in performing a self-edit and finding a beta reader to fix some errors before you even send your manuscript to a professional editor. If you’re self-publishing your first book, you might not be as familiar with how things should work. And that’s ok! Just be patient and trust the editing process. 

How can you determine when a book is ready for publishing? 

Once your book has gone through the editing and proofreading process, you should give it one last look. This is your labor of love, and you want to make sure you’re thrilled with the final product! Make sure the formatting is exactly how you want it and that any illustrations match the content on each page. 

It can’t hurt to have a beta reader review your book one final time as well. They can advise you on any last changes before you publish. And if they give their stamp of approval, you know you’re ready to publish! 

When do you know a book has been edited too much? 

You’ll get helpful advice during each round of editing. However, it is possible for a book to be edited too much. If your manuscript no longer sounds like your tone of voice or writing style, your personal touch might have been edited out of it. 

Editing is a crucial step in the book publishing process. And as the writer, you deserve to be happy with the end result. So make sure your talent shines through after the writing process.  

Let Elite experts provide all the editing your book needs. 

Elite Authors wants to help you finish and publish your masterpiece. Whether you need everything from a developmental edit to a proofread or just want a hand with one phase, we’re here to help. 

Visit our website to learn more about our editing services!

The post How Long Does Editing a Book Take?  appeared first on Elite Authors.

When it comes to completing a book, no writer should go it alone. A professional book editor can help you develop your ideas and polish your work. Moreover, they can help ensure your finished book is a high-quality, professional product ready for publishing. This guide will show you just how editors can help. Even better, it will help you find a book editor who is the right fit for you.

What Is a Book Editor?

When you’re a writer, opting for professional editing services will help you make your finished book as professional as possible. Professional editors make suggestions to improve things like pacing, characters, or plot. In addition, editors improve sentences so that they flow better, fix errors, and make sure your writing is clear and effective.

What does a book editor do?

The job of every editor is to improve your book and help make it a top-notch finished product. However, different types of book editors work on different aspects of books. The three main types of editors are developmental editors, copy editors, and proofreaders. We’ll describe each of the three types in greater detail below.

Developmental editor

A developmental editor looks at the story on a large scale. They critique structure, plot, character, and global style issues. Developmental editors work on the broad aspects of the book rather than on specific details. They look at the larger issues instead of editing the language sentence by sentence.

Copy editor

On the other hand, copy editors edit the text on a line level, ensuring sound logic, grammatical correctness, and consistent style. They don’t generally address larger issues like plot holes or confusing character motivations. (Of course, they can point out that they exist!) By the time a copy editor is working on your book, a developmental editor should have already addressed those issues.

Proofreader

A good proofreader examines the text on a purely mechanical level. They make sure that words are spelled correctly, that formatting is consistent, and that punctuation is used correctly. Further, they don’t have creative input—their job is simply to correct errors.

Why Hire a Book Editor?

A second pair of eyes on your manuscript can make all the difference, especially if that person is trained to recognize what works and doesn’t work for a certain type of book. However, the editor’s job isn’t to tell the author what to do. Instead, it’s to help the author bring her own vision fully to life. That’s why the best editors are patient and perceptive. They allow your vision to shine through without taking it over or pushing it in a new direction.

It’s difficult to look at your own writing objectively, especially when it’s something you’ve been working on for a long time. Thus, you need an editor to provide expert eyes on developmental, copy-related, and other issues with your manuscript. An experienced editor will catch things you never would have caught yourself—because you, the author, are too close to your project. Your editor will help you remedy overlooked issues that could weaken the experience for your readers.

Improve your manuscript

For traditional publication

Editors usually know how the publishing industry works and what acquisitions editors are looking for. Further, a good editor can help make a manuscript attractive to a traditional publisher. This gives you the key to getting your book to a place where it’s as sellable as possible.

For self-publication

If you are self-publishing your book, working with editors is still critical. When you work with a traditional publisher, they provide editors to work with you throughout the process. Self-publishing, however, means you’re responsible for whipping your book into shape. No writer should send his book to the printing press without a few sets of well-trained eyes to help improve it. And that’s what professional editors are for.

How to Find a Book Editor

When you’re considering how to find a book editor, think about your manuscript, and find someone who specializes in that particular genre. In addition, think about what level of editing your manuscript needs. Do you need someone to edit every sentence? Or are you still looking for someone to help you strengthen your book’s ideas and themes? Find out which of the three types of editors you need. Then follow the tips below.

Ask around.

Referrals are one of the best ways to find a good book editor. If you have any trusted writer friends, ask them for a referral. The people they refer may also know other talented editors who specialize in the kind of editing you need. For example, if you are self-publishing a science fiction novel, try to find an editor who has worked on self-published science fiction books that have gone on to be successful.

Search online.

You can start by googling “book editing services.” Then, narrow things down by looking for an editor with lots of experience and positive testimonials to work on your type of book.

At Elite Authors, we take the guesswork out of the process for you. We offer a full suite of book editing services, from developmental editing and line editing to copyediting and proofreading.

What Does a Book Editor Cost?

How much an editor charges depends on the type of editing you need. The more intensive the editing, the more time an editor spends on your book, which increases the cost. Some editors charge by the job while others charge by the hour or by the word. If you choose to work with us, you’re hiring a collaborative team who will take the guesswork out of the editing process. And we keep our prices easy and transparent so that you know up front how much a service will cost.

With a set of professional eyes helping you make your book the best that it can be, you’ll be ready to pitch your finished book to literary agents or publish it on your own. Behind every great writer is a great editor, so don’t skimp on book editing services. They can make all the difference when it comes to telling the world your story.

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