If you enjoy reading and writing, you might want to consider a career as a freelance book editor.
If you decide to pursue this career path, you can choose from various book editing positions. This job will need you to complete similar educational and professional requirements. We’ll go over the different types of book editors and the steps you can take to become one in this article.
What is the role of a book editor?
Authors submit manuscripts to book editors. Editors work with them to improve the text’s style, voice, mechanics, and organization. In some cases, editors collaborate with assistants to review manuscripts and decide which ones have the best chance of being published. Many publishing houses have freelance editors. They review books at various stages of development.
Here are a few examples of different types of editors:
1. Editors-in-chief
Line editors look at manuscripts to see how well authors develop their ideas and how they do so. They ask questions about a book’s organization from the perspective of the intended audience. This will improve a writer’s argument, story, or research presentation.
If necessary, the line editor brings any inconsistencies or issues to the author’s attention to resolve them.
To begin finalizing a book’s format, some line editors draft style sheets.
2. Editors in charge of development
Developmental editors examine the overview of a book.
Sometimes developmental editors collaborate with authors who are starting to think about subject matter or structure and haven’t written much yet.
In this case, developmental editors may be able to help authors by conducting research on a topic, providing feedback on a subject’s market viability based on industry trends, or recommending effective outlines for the author’s work.
3. Editors of copy
Copy editors are experts at preserving an author’s prose style. They make sure to write the manuscript in a consistent style and tone to keep readers interested. Copy editors’ responsibilities often overlap with those of line editors, as both are looking for ways to improve consistency. If a book includes informative or artistic visuals, copy editors double-check that all references are correct and match the text.
4. Proofreaders
Proofreaders look for errors in an author’s writing mechanics or the formatting of a manuscript.
This task usually entails looking for grammatical or spelling errors and double-checking to cite all outside sources.
Proofreaders ensure that the text follows typesetting specifications throughout the book as the final design. Every page is free of formatting issues.
How do you become a book editor?
Being a good reader and a good writer are required skills for becoming a book editor.
The following are the steps to getting the education and experience you’ll need to work as a book editor:
1. Get a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Consider getting an English degree to learn the skills of book editing.
In majors like journalism and communications, drafting, revising, and publishing skills can be learned.
If you want to edit books on specific topics, such as biology or history, you can get your bachelor’s degree and then minor in a writing-related field.
2. Look for opportunities in editorial and publishing.
In literary magazines, school newspapers, or internships, journalism colleges provide students with opportunities to develop editorial and publishing skills. Taking leverage of these opportunities can help you become more familiar with editorial work while improving your portfolio.
Internships allow you to network within publishing houses where you might later apply for work.
If you already have a degree, look into online literary magazines, as they frequently hire editors to review submissions.
3. Enroll in additional training programs
Associations like the American Copy Editing Society offer online courses that can help you understand the relationship between editors and real-world clients in a relatively short amount of time.
For completing similar online learning sessions, some universities award certificates in editing.
Whether you’re considering freelance work or a salaried position, such credentials can help you stand out. If you’re not familiar with book editing software, look into what other computer programs you might want to learn.
4. Expand your professional portfolio
Before editing complete novels or nonfiction books, aspiring book editors build a portfolio of smaller projects. Because entry-level book editing jobs are frequently competitive, consider building a portfolio that includes a variety of editorial projects. You could start by creating a personal website to highlight your qualifications and then look for freelance opportunities.
You could also volunteer to proofread various texts. Nonprofit organizations frequently seek volunteers to review their text-based materials and communications.
5. Apply for a position as an editorial assistant.
Apprenticeships in book editing are expected, with assistants working alongside a more experienced book editor who can teach them about their new role and the more extensive publishing process. Many publishers expect you to devote a few years to learning how books progress from unwritten concepts or manuscripts to finished products.
Editorial assistant positions are available at publishing houses, academic, literary, and trade presses. You can also look for jobs on general job search platforms or websites dedicated to editing and writing.
6. Obtain a position as a book editor.
Consider what type of book editor you want to be and your area of interest once you’ve gained industry experience. Cookbooks, children’s books, and fiction are among the many books that publishing houses specialize in.
To improve your chances of landing a full-time editor position, try to work on projects that reflect your interests.
Book Editing Advice
A commitment to reading and writing and the development of technical skills are required to become a book editor.
Here are some pointers on how to be a strong candidate:
1. Read a lot of books.
Although you may have a favorite book genre, it is also important to read outside of your comfort zone. Editors who follow market trends and are familiar with successful titles in the industry are sought by publishers.
2. Write regularly.
Potential errors are highlighted, and book editors suggest alternatives.
Consider taking on copywriting assignments as you develop your credentials, or find a forum where you can practice writing, such as a blog or an online writing community.
3. Make online connections.
Many social media platforms and online forums host professional discussions.
Participate in these communities as a member to learn from others and learn about job or development opportunities.
4. Make in-person connections.
You might be able to attend one of the publishing industry’s conferences or conventions.
Bringing business cards linked to your online portfolio could help you land more job opportunities.
To Conclude
It won’t be long before you can land better-paying employment and command more outstanding salaries. Don’t forget, though, to keep working on your résumé! Updating your portfolio with the most recent tasks you believe are relevant to your professional aspirations. Put another way, give examples of your work that you’d want to see others consider. Only those customers who are a good fit will contact you in this approach.
