If you have a love for literature and a keen eye for detail, becoming a book editor could be perfect for you. Here’s how to do it.
As an editor of novels, you get to work closely with authors, refine manuscripts and help bring stories to life. Book editing offers a fulfilling way to combine your passion for reading with a professional skill set. And perhaps best of all, you get to do it on your own terms …
How to become a novel editor
Step 1. Choose the kind of book editor you want to be
Book editors are essential in the publishing process. Generally, commissioning editors (the ones who pick books for publication) work in publishing houses, but if you want to work directly with words, your best bet is to set yourself up as a freelance editor.
There are lots of skills you can provide as a freelancer, from developmental editing, which involves big-picture changes, to copy-editing, which focuses on the sentences. Learn more about the different types of editors.
Step 2. Make sure you have the education and skills required
To become a successful novel editor, you need the right education, experience and skills:
- Educational background: While many publishing houses ask you to have a degree in literature, publishing or a related field, you don’t need a degree to become a freelance book editor. Instead, you just need to make sure you’ve completed enough training specific to the type of editing you want to offer. Liminal Pages online courses provide comprehensive foundational training that will teach you what you need to know about book editing so you can competently offer your services.
- Attention to detail: One of the most important skills for a book editor is a sharp eye for detail. Editors spot grammatical errors, inconsistencies and stylistic issues in a manuscript; or plot holes, point of view slips and inadequate character motivation – depending on the type of editing you want to do.
- Creativity and imagination: Novel editors often need to provide suggestions to the author to demonstrate how they might solve an issue in their manuscript. Depending on the type of editing, this could be something like a more effective word in a sentence or a more impactful character arc.
- Strong communication skills: Book editors need to communicate effectively with authors, providing constructive feedback and suggestions that can improve the work – without accidentally discouraging the writer. It’s also imperative to set professional boundaries and expectations with clients, to make work go smoothly.
- Love of reading: A passion for reading and a broad knowledge of different genres and styles of writing are essential for any novel editor. Better yet, you should be an analytical and engaged reader – someone interested in the mechanics of storytelling. And if you want to edit a specific genre, immerse yourself in that genre. Understanding conventions will help you provide more effective feedback.
- Entrepreneurial mindset: Freelance editors need to take charge of their own careers by finding clients, managing projects and handling the business side of their work. These skills can be learned, but you need to be willing and ready to be your own boss! (Yes, you can work only during school hours or take the day off to take your cat to the vet – without needing anyone else’s permission.)
Step 3. Build your website
A website is pretty much essential for freelance editors. A good website builds trust and credibility with potential clients while also allowing you to be found through search engines. Additionally, a website provides a central location for essential business information, such as contact details, pricing and service descriptions, streamlining communication with clients. Learn how to create a website for your editing business.
Step 4. Gain relevant experience and build a portfolio
While education lays the groundwork, practical experience is also needed to become a successful novel editor. Aspiring editors should seek opportunities to practice their skills while building their portfolio. You could:
- Offer discounted services: Start by offering editing services at a reduced rate, perhaps to people you already know. This helps build a portfolio and gain testimonials.
- Provide free sample edits: Short free sample edits allow new editors to showcase their skills to potential clients, who can test the waters with a new editor without risk. These samples are not only good practice for fledgling editors, but often lead to paid work. As you gain a reputation, you can decide to start charging for these (or not offer them at all).
- Network: Joining professional associations, attending industry events and getting involved in the editing community (online or in person) allows you to connect with established professionals who can offer mentorship, advice and referrals.
Why choose Liminal Pages online training courses to become a book editor?
Here’s the good news. The courses here at Liminal Pages are designed to give you all the foundational knowledge you need to get you up and running as a freelance book editor. You’ll get:
1. Expert instruction
Courses are taught by me, Sophie Playle, a seasoned editor with years of experience in the industry who brings real-world insights and practical knowledge to the table.
2. Comprehensive curriculum
Each course aims to be as complete but also as streamlined as possible, giving you all the information you need to get going.
3. Flexible learning
The courses are designed to fit your schedule. Study at your own pace with 24/7 access to course materials, with no expiry. Whether you’re currently a full-time professional, a student or a parent with your hands full, you can learn how to become a book editor without disrupting your daily routine.
4. Certificates
Upon completion of an editing course, you will receive a downloadable certificate to show you’ve gone through the training. (Note: This doesn’t apply to webinars, which are supplementary learning tools, or courses designed to help you with your business skills.)
5. Reputation
Liminal Pages has been offering editing courses for over a decade and has built a good reputation in the industry. The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading recognises the value of Liminal Pages courses by assigning them points in their membership upgrade system.
And there you have it! Follow this roadmap, and you’ll soon be building your new career as a freelance book editor.
