How Do Book Editors Help Writers?
By amy wilson
editor and writing teacher.
For any writer looking to pursue publication, working with book editors is an essential step that can put rocket boosters on your growth. Professional book editors can help make sure your book is as polished and professional as possible before you submit it for potential publication. Book editors are even more crucial if you plan to self-publish, as they can be the last word about your manuscript before it goes out to readers directly.
What Are Book Editors?
Book editors provide a variety of editing services that can help improve the quality of your storytelling and writing. They can make suggestions to improve pacing, characters, or plot, as well as improve sentences so that they flow better and make sure your prose is clear and effective. They can also fix grammar and punctuation mistakes, identify inconsistencies, like missing information or a plot hole, and zero in on areas where more information or explanations are needed. (Or where you have too much!)
Every story is different, but there are many writing errors that happen in project after project. This might be your first rodeo, but not so with book editors with experienced eyes, who can set you on the right course.
Having another person reading 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. Good book editors can help make a manuscript attractive to a traditional publisher, giving you the key to getting your book to a place where it’s as sellable as possible. Don’t worry about any potential shame of using book editors—every published author on the planet uses them. You don’t have to do everything yourself. In fact, in most cases, you can’t!
For self-publishing, working with book editors is still critical. An experienced editor will catch things you never would have caught yourself—because you, the author, are too close to your project. Book editors will help you remedy overlooked issues that could weaken the experience for your readers—especially if you are rushing to execute a rapid release strategy, or similar tactic.
How to Find Book Editors
Referrals are one of the best ways to find good book editors. If you have any trusted writer friends, ask them who they use. You might be surprised by how many people in your circle have gone on the hunt for book editors already. The people they refer may also know other talented editors who specialize in the kind of editing you need. Searching online is another great way to find a book editor.
Ultimately, having book editors review your manuscript before submitting it for publication is a smart investment. It can help make sure your book is as professional as possible and ready to be pitched to literary agents or published on your own. Using book editors is the key to working smarter, not harder, on your way to your publishing dreams.
Elevate Your Writing
Wherever you are in your writing journey—from an initial outline to a draft to pitching your project—the experienced team at Good Story Editing can take your work to the next level.
