How to Become a Book Editor in 2022: A Complete Guide

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I believe that behind every great author is a great publisher. there’s a reason you often see acknowledgments or dedications to editors on the front. editing a book is hard work. It may not take as long as it took to write, but book publishers work very hard to help novels reach their potential.To become a book publisher, you need a bachelor’s degree, a firm grasp of the word writing and a willingness to pursue relevant job opportunities.Let’s get into essential details about what it takes to become a successful book publisher.

Interested in learning more about being a book editor and how to edit? Check out this page for a complete guide and many more resources.

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what is a book publisher?

A book editor is someone who edits the words, punctuation, general story, or format of a manuscript. they must be good at fact-checking and paying attention to detail. Freelance publishers take jobs they can find online, through networks, or through relationships with book publishers. traditional publishers have a formal role in a traditional publishing house and even have a say in the books that are published. Depending on the type of book publisher, he or she may work with the author from the beginning, making general suggestions for improving the book. Or, they may be the last set of eyes to look at a book before it is published. No wonder so many bestsellers list their publishers on the dedication page or thank you page.A good publisher takes a good concept and helps the author turn it into a good book.A good publisher Books cost different amounts for each project. Below, you can see how much each type of publisher can cost for a novel manuscript.

Development editors cost between $1,000 and $8,000, depending on the length of the manuscript and the experience level of the individual editor.
Line editors cost between $600 and $2,000.
style editors cost between $300 and $1,200.
proofreaders cost between $200 and $1,000.

How do I start a career in book publishing? To start a career in book publishing, you need to determine what type of editor you want to be (development editor, line editor, proofreader). style or proofreader). Next, you need to hone your writing and editing skills. Finally, look into internships, freelance work, and other ways to boost your portfolio.

homework & responsibilities of a book editor

Typical book publisher responsibilities generally require you to:

acquire manuscripts to edit
keep up with deadlines
modify content so it is error-free and easy to read for the intended audience
check the facts used in the book
work with the author to develop the story, prose, dialogue, writing style, voice, etc.
verify that final formatting looks clean and professional (if proofreading)
maintain good working relationships with authors, editorial assistants, marketing staff, graphic designers, etc.
maintain a publisher website and online presence (especially if you are self-employed)
sign up for seminars to stay up to date with the latest language trends and standards

typical salary for a book editor

How Much Does a Book Publisher Make? A book publisher can earn a living wage of $30,000-$60,000, even when starting out. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median salary for newspaper, periodical, and book publishers at $57,030/year. (2019 statistics were most recent available as of March 2021). also includes these stats for the more general career field publisher (which includes publishers and associate publishers for online purposes, not just books):

Top 10% Annual Salary: $122,280
Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $32,620

It’s worth noting that many publishing jobs are located in New York City, the publishing hub of the Western Hemisphere. Since the cost of living is pretty high there, I bet if you get a job as an editor anywhere else in the US. In the US, you’d pay less than the median salary, especially if you’re just starting out.

education and qualifications for book editor

What qualifications do you need to be a book editor? To become a book editor, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study (English, journalism, etc.) and a business understanding of the English language. Previous publishing experience, relevant internships, and a strong portfolio also enhance your qualifications. you can become an editor even if you have no experience, by:

earn a relevant bachelor’s degree
hone your writing skills
get an internship or entry-level position
build industry relationships </li
build your resume

what makes a great book publisher?

What makes a great book editor is years of experience in the world of writing and publishing, a willingness to put their ego aside, and good communication skills (honesty, openness, etc.).just because you did well in your high school English class doesn’t mean you’d make a good editor. There are a lot of good writers who would make terrible editors. (The same can be said for publishers who want to write.) writing and editing are different disciplines. both can be learned through practice and determination. Here are some common traits of good editors to help you decide if this is the job you want to do.

self-control

A good editor is committed to improving an author’s book, without twisting the editor’s own words. This requires a unique combination of self-control and empathy. self-control to read another person’s work and criticize it without interfering with it. good editors have the unique ability to correct or modify writing while protecting the author’s voice. It is much more complex than it seems, believe me. there are plenty of horror stories about bad editors: people who completely strip away the distinctive style of an author’s work and insert their own as a replacement. these aren’t real publishers, but frustrated writers taking their lack of success out on someone else.

A good editor strives to understand each author’s individual goals and offers comprehensive suggestions in the context of those goals.

humility

publishers are not looking to boost their ego. a good editor is humble in giving feedback, but also in reading the author’s responses. It’s hard to give feedback humbly, but the best editors find a way to do it. in my opinion, the secret is to recognize that editing and writing are two completely different jobs. the writer’s job is to get his ideas down on paper as best he can. the editor’s job is to help the author communicate those ideas more clearly. Creating compelling prose is a team effort, not a competition.

communication skills

Good editors aren’t afraid to give honest feedback, but they do so respectfully. this requires good communication skills, such as openness, honesty, tact, respect, commitment and maturity. a publisher must help a book reach its full potential. For this reason, editors must be able to provide honest and direct feedback. That said, some authors (especially new authors) aren’t keen on honest, direct feedback. editors need to be prepared for that. A good editor knows how to compromise, when to back down to avoid conflict, how to respect the perpetrator without hurting their feelings and when to tactfully push for needed change. a book is the product of passionate love and a lot of hard work. but a little friction can be healthy in creative work. a good editor needs to be able to communicate to avoid as much friction as possible and when to ultimately back down. if you’re going to be an editor, make sure every suggestion is contextualized within the big picture: making this the best book it can be.

writing skills

Editors must master the written language. a good editor doesn’t have to be a great book writer, but they do have to be a great writer in other ways. editors are obsessed with grammar and syntax. you have to be a fan of spelling and punctuation and are hawk-eyed for passive voice and repetitive word use. your emails and social media posts should look flawless. These crucial members of a writer’s team are the last line of defense between author and reader. attention to detail is a must. if errors escape the publisher, they are exposed to the world, undermining the credibility and success of an entire book. Fingers crossed that there are no typos in this article!

the 4 types of book publishers

If you’re thinking about becoming a publisher, it’s critical to know what kind of publisher you’re trying to be. you may want to focus on a single edit field. or you can choose to offer services at various stages of the editing process. the 4 most common types of editors are:

build editors
line editors
style editors
proofreaders

I have listed them in the chronological order an author would hire them. Let’s talk about what each different type of editor actually does.

1. development editors

Development editors look for plot gaps, missing characters, logical inconsistencies, and ways to improve an author’s overall manuscript. they also identify structural deficiencies, weak arguments, and unsupported claims in nonfiction books. development editors are the most expensive type of editor. Depending on the length of the book, these publishers can earn many thousands of dollars on a single manuscript. according to some sources, true developmental editing begins before the author begins writing a manuscript. the editor works alongside the author throughout the writing process, pointing out potential improvements every step of the way. in reality, most fiction authors simply hire a development editor once the manuscript is complete.

Often, development editors do some of the work of line editors. combined, this is called a “substantive edition”.

2. line editors

Contrary to the name, online publishers don’t look at your book line by line. instead, they take a more general approach to editing their book. This is the least common type of editor because line editing is very similar to copy editing, only it has a bigger picture. if an author is looking for general image editing, they will probably only hire a development editor. note: in the uk, line editors are synonymous with proofreaders. in the US, they are an incremental step between development editors and style editors.

3. style checkers

style editors focus on the style and tone of a manuscript. correct errors in spelling, grammar, syntax, dialog formatting, and use of punctuation. they make sure the book is clear and consistent and that it transitions smoothly from sentence to sentence, paragraph to paragraph, chapter to chapter. a style editor is probably what most people think of when they think of book editors.

4. correctors

Proofreaders are the last step in the editing process. they make sure a book has proper grammar, is free of spelling errors, and has correct sentence structure. many of these editors also review the final format. they let an author or publisher know if a book is ready for print and publication. proofreaders often cost less than any editor. however, the time they spend on each manuscript is less than any other publisher, so it’s definitely fair. Ideally, authors would use proofreading software like Grammarly or ProWritingAid to catch more typical grammatical and spelling errors before hiring a human proofreader. An author’s job is to do their best to deliver as complete and high-quality a book to their publishers as possible. That said, software shouldn’t replace a human for book review.

how to get started as a traditional book publisher

Standalone editing may seem like the easiest option. However, getting an internship at a traditional publisher is not difficult for college students and emerging publishers. The relationships you build during that internship can easily lead to a traditional book editor position — it’s all about who you know. alternatively, search for book publisher jobs in your area. Even if you’re not going to apply right away, it’s helpful to know what various publishers expect in terms of portfolios, years of experience, references, etc. And remember, there are more publishing positions available than just book publishing. would you be happier editing short-form content or website copy? agencies and small businesses are constantly looking for web publishers for these positions. Next, we’ll talk about the basic guidelines for getting started as a template editor at a publishing house. we will talk about the independent edition later. here are 6 steps you can take on your journey to becoming a book publisher:

Get a bachelor’s degree
Hone your writing skills
Learn the newest publishing and editing software
Find internships
register for seminars
build your resume

step 1: get a bachelor’s degree

Most editors have a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study. Most English or communications degrees will work well, including journalism, publishing, and creative writing. a master’s degree should give you an added edge over the steep competition. A business or marketing degree can also qualify you to become an editor, but you’ll need to practice and show good writing. this education provides potential editors with the foundational skills necessary to be professional editors. It shows future employers or freelance clients that you know what you’re talking about and that you’re capable of keeping up with long and challenging commitments. a degree is basically necessary, but it is not a golden ticket to get a job. Becoming a publisher is a competitive industry, even if you’re self-employed and don’t need to apply for a job at a prestigious publisher.

step 2: hone your writing skills

All editors need to constantly hone their writing skills, especially when starting out. To be a good editor, you must be able to write. That doesn’t mean you have to have the imagination of a fantasy author, but you do have to be able to write creatively and correctly. this will affect your ability to correct texts when necessary. One way to refine your writing skills is to start a blog. many publishers also write books themselves, a sure way to practice good writing.

Step 3: Learn the latest publishing and editing software

Any editor should know how to use the newest publishing and editing software. in this way, you can choose the best option for you and your clients. learning the most popular software can be daunting, but these are the tools of your trade. it is a valuable investment in your career path. many online courses can walk you through the basics. udemy has a great selection of publishing and editing tools courses to get you started.

step 4: look for internships

Are you serious about becoming a book publisher? look for internships in publishing houses. you’ll get an up close and personal look at the life of an editor. it’s one of the best ways to learn the tricks of the trade and build valuable relationships. The experience and relationships you gain from internships can lead to a full-time staff editing position.

step 5: sign up for seminars

A publisher should sign up for book publishing seminars or conferences from time to time. These are typically one-day workshops that help update an editor’s knowledge and skills as well as teach them about the latest publishing industry standards.

step 6: create your resume

get out in the real world and find experience. Hopefully, you landed an internship, which looks great on a resume. Now keep building that all-important resume. Hone your skills with small jobs. If you didn’t find a full-time position right out of college, you may benefit from starting out with some freelance work. upwork and fiverr are great places to find editing work. however, expect rates to be terribly low. Many people on these sites will choose the editor with the cheapest rate, even though the end product will make it obvious how much they spent on editing. but offering your services at a lower rate for a (very short) time résumé. Important Note: Offering a rate lower than its worth can be an effective temporary strategy to hone your skills and build your résumé . however, I am not advocating underestimating yourself. don’t compromise your courage just to find a job. the skills of an editor are worth a lot. your skills are worth a lot.

how to get started as a freelance book publisher

If you want to get started as an independent full-book publisher, you must:

establish an online presence
sharpen your networking skills
strengthen your language skills to show you’re a good editor
be reasonable rates for your work
use binding contracts with your clients

These skills are in addition to most of the steps required to become a traditional book publisher. Many professional book publishers leave traditional publishers and migrate to independent work. with self-published writers. Unfortunately, self-publishers rarely understand the true value of a professional editor. don’t cut your rates below what you’re worth just to work with ungrateful writers. let them hire the unqualified publisher offering a flat fee of $100 and they will get what they paid for. Instead, you could start as a freelance editor without any traditional publishing experience. but it is better that you can edit before you start working. what is the best way to start your career as a freelance editor? get to work.

step 1: establish an online presence

Show yourself on social media, linkedin, fiverr and upwork. You can also search job sites like indeed.com for freelancing. arouse interest and pour all your effort into these editing jobs, even if they are on a smaller scale. it’s okay. you need to build your portfolio and credentials by finding as many legitimate jobs as possible.

step 2: network and build relationships

While traditional publishers often begin networking as college students and interns, a freelance publisher without an existing network must independently build relationships. and it is a crucial step in establishing an independent publishing business. You can join a publishing association, such as ACE (The Society for Publishing) or EFA (Independent Publishers Association), and certify your experience. relationships with these types of groups show your potential clients that you take your work seriously. I discuss more ideas a bit later (that aren’t just for freelancers), like using social media to network professionally.

step 3: strengthen your editing skills

“freelance” does not mean “poor quality”. As a freelance editor, you’ll need to stay on top of your grammar, spelling, and linguistics. invest in courses through udemy, masterclass or even on youtube. A bachelor’s degree in English or a related field helps build your credibility, but is not required for freelancing. if you don’t have a title related to editing, you’d better make sure your comprehension of the written word is impeccable.

step 4: set reasonable rates and clear service offerings

Finding clients is an important part of getting started in freelance publishing, but it’s not the only concern. You also want to decide what services you will provide and your rate for each of those services. Check out our list of book publishers to better understand what services established publishers offer and how much they cost. important note: I said it to start as a traditional editor, and I’ll say it here. Offering a lower rate can be an effective temporary strategy to hone your skills and build your resume. But I’m not advocating underestimating yourself. the skills of a freelance editor are worth a lot. your skills are worth a lot.

step 5: use binding contracts

As with any freelance job, I encourage you to keep everything in black and white: legally binding contracts. you and your clients need to understand each other, which is the best way to establish trust and responsibility. Have your contracts drafted and reviewed by legal professionals like the legalzoom team.

develop your online presence as a publisher

In today’s digital age, the internet is the most essential tool a growing publisher has. Whether you’re freelancing or trying to land a traditional editor position, you need to build your online presence as a publisher to get ahead.Establish your own publisher website, which will be the main advertisement for your editing services. . On this website, clearly list the services you offer, your fees, and a “get a quote” call to action. Include a professional photo and your credentials, such as any degrees you hold or certifications you’ve earned. websites are relatively cheap and easy to set up. make sure it looks clean and professional, or potential clients will scoff and look elsewhere. Using your publisher’s website, demonstrate your expertise. provide a sample work from your portfolio. You could even write blog posts on topics related to book publishing, like:

how to write
editing tips
publishing tricks
software reviews
company comparisons
personal stories from the publishing world

Your publisher’s website won’t be a huge success overnight. But now, when you meet people at a conference or networking event, you can send them to your professional-looking website to learn more. Another way to develop your online presence is through social media. Consistent content and the right hashtags can help you get discovered by the authors you want to work with. this includes instagram, twitter, linkedin (especially for editors looking for formal editing jobs), facebook, and even reddit, depending on your preferred clientele.

how to network as a publisher

Networking is an important part of success as a book publisher, especially when you’re just starting out. There are several methods for networking effectively, both online and face-to-face. Let these tips help you get past the noise and start getting the attention you deserve.

online networking

When it comes to online networking as a publisher, social media is your best friend.Join groups or follow accounts dedicated to writers, authors, and book publishing. you may be able to offer your services when the opportunity arises. (Of course, some groups are very against personal advertising. Be sure to check the rules and guidelines of each group). Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook are great places to start building your editing network. In addition, you can actively participate in forum posting or editing. like the ones found on reddit. you need a website editor. this is critical for online networking as well as face-to-face networking. A clean, clear, and professional publisher website tells people that you mean business. A good website offers potential clients a sample of your work and entices them with a call to action. You could even publish blog posts on your website to generate interest and name recognition with organic or paid search traffic.

face-to-face networking

Although we live in a digital world, don’t overlook the importance of in-person networking. face-to-face networking still works, and it works very well. When a potential client or employer connects with you in real life, there is a connection that you cannot make through the internet. attend conventions, book fairs and conferences. This opens up a whole new world of job opportunities. you will meet writers, editors and other publishers. and many conferences are free or very cheap. In-person events are also a great opportunity to show off new business cards. For more information on how to create an impressive business card, check out this article.You need to have an editing website.I know. I sound like a broken record. but being able to give potential employers and clients you meet a business card that directs them to a professional-looking website is invaluable.

what kind of book editor do you want to be?

There are 4 types of editors, not to mention freelance versus traditional editing jobs. No matter what kind of book publisher you want to be, this article will help you achieve your goals. Becoming a book publisher is not an easy task. But it gets easier as you start building your resume and impressing clients who recommend you to their friends and colleagues. it’s about getting better, then networking, and then completing each job on time and with excellence.

If you’re up for the task, a career as a freelance book editor can be a fulfilling life. Usually, this type of job comes with a much higher degree of flexibility than other jobs. the pay can be surprisingly good as your clientele grows.

Interested in delving deeper into becoming a publisher? There’s a well-reviewed one-hour course on Udemy called “How to Become a Freelance Publisher: Make Money Editing.” It usually costs $79.99, but udemy is known for its regular sales. flat.

Final thought: Much love and respect to all the hardworking editors out there. the right books at the right time can change the world, and publishers are dedicated to making books better. that’s important work, and I’m grateful for people with the skill and dedication to do it.

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