Different Types of Book Editors and When to Work with One
Writing a book is a labor of love, but the journey to publication doesn't end with the final sentence—it's just the beginning. There comes a time in the writing process when inviting professional editors into the process becomes a crucial step. We’ve all become accustomed to hearing about an “editor” as an all-encompassing word wizard that polishes books right before publication. The key here is that not all editors are the same, and knowing when to engage with each type can significantly impact the success of your book. Let’s explore the various types of book editors and when it's the right time for authors to collaborate with them.
Key Takeaways:
Not all editors focus on the same areas.
There are five different types of editors to be aware of.
Working with the right editor is critical to your writing success.
Questions to ask an editor before working with them.
Types of Book Editors
Here is a breakdown of the different types of book editors and when to work with them throughout your book-writing process.
1. Developmental Editors (DE):
Developmental editors focus on the big-picture elements of your manuscript. They help set the foundation and shape the overall structure, plot, character development, pacing, and themes. This is where plot holes will be closed, characters become loveable or hated, and dialogue begins to flow naturally. A developmental editor will provide an editorial letter and in-manuscript comments highlighting the key areas that will elevate your reader’s experience.
When to Work with a Developmental Editor: This is the first step along any editing journey for both fiction and non-fiction books. Engage with a developmental editor when you've completed a draft and want to check the boxes to ensure the structure of your book meets reader expectations for your genre. If significant restructuring is needed or foundational aspects need to be reworked, it’s important to make those changes before moving on to copy edits. This foundational step is key for creating the most engaging and page-turning reader experience.
2. Line Editors:
Line editors are the next stop along the editing journey. This is where sentence-level improvements take place. This includes clarifying sentences or removing sentences, along with style, grammar, syntax, and consistency. Line editors help build upon the foundational work the development editor did by ensuring how ideas and stories are presented match the intention of the author. The best line editors can stay true to the author's voice and tone while boosting the impact of each sentence.
When to Work with a Line Editor: Working with a line editor comes after the developmental editing process. It is best to work with a line editor once you're satisfied with your manuscript's structure but need help polishing the prose and ensuring it reads smoothly.
3. Copy Editors:
Copy editors are what most people think of when they hear “book editor.” Copy editors focus on the technical aspects of your manuscript. They correct errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and ensure adherence to style guides such as The Chicago Manual of Style for non-fiction books.
When to Work with Copy Editors: While it can be tempting to jump to this step in the editing process, it is important to work with a developmental editor and line editor first. The best time to bring in a copy editor is when your manuscript is nearly finalized and it’s time to ensure that all the i’s are dotting and t’s are crossed. This step is critical to ensuring books are ready for submission and publication.
4. Proofreaders:
This is the final stop in the editing process. Proofreaders perform a final check for any lingering errors or typos. They review the formatted manuscript to catch any mistakes that may have been missed during earlier editing stages. This is a great opportunity to get fresh eyes on the book before publication.
When to Work with a Proofreader: Collaborate with a proofreader as the last step before publication, after all other editing processes are complete.
5. Sensitivity Editors and Readers:
Not all books require this stop along the editing journey but it is a very valuable one to mention here. Sensitivity editors provide feedback on cultural, ethnic, or marginalized representations within your manuscript. They ensure authenticity, accuracy, and sensitivity in portrayals.
When to Work with Sensitivity Editors: Consider hiring sensitivity readers if your manuscript features characters or themes outside of your own experiences, particularly if you're writing about marginalized communities.
While some editors may offer a number of these services it is important to find the right partner for you and your book and not to rush each stage. They each hold their own value in making your book the biggest success it can be. After all, if the reader experience isn’t meeting expectations, it doesn’t matter how much marketing you do, your book
If you’re curious about rates for each type of editor and other roles within the publishing industry, please refer to this rate chart created by the Editor’s Freelance Association developed from their industry research and polling.
Questions to Ask a Potential Book Editor
Finding the right editor and partner for you is critical to making the editing process as smooth and engaging as possible. Here are five key questions to ask a potential book editor to help ensure they’re the right fit for you:
1. What experience do you have with my genre or type of book?
This helps you understand if the editor has expertise in the genre's unique conventions and reader expectations.
2. Can you describe your editing style and approach?
Some editors are more hands-on with suggestions, while others might focus on preserving the writer’s voice. Knowing this will give insight into how well their style aligns with your needs.
3. What are your expectations of me as the author during the editing process?
This sets clear expectations around communication, feedback, and revisions and gives you a sense of their collaboration style.
4. How do you handle feedback or disagreements?
Since editing can be subjective, it’s helpful to know how the editor approaches differing opinions to ensure respectful and constructive collaboration.
5. Can you provide examples of previous work or client testimonials?
Seeing examples or hearing from previous clients can offer assurance about their editing skills, professionalism, and ability to deliver on expectations.
You’ve done the hard work of writing a book and editing should feel like a supportive and exciting part of the book publishing journey. Understanding the different types of editors and when to engage with them can make the process smoother and more effective. Whether you need structural guidance, prose polishing, technical corrections, or sensitivity insights, there's an editor suited to your needs.
By collaborating with the right professionals at the right times, you can elevate your manuscript to its fullest potential, which increases its chances of success in the world of publishing and builds a devoted reader base. Looking for an editor? Visit our recommended editors list here.
