How to Write Non-Fiction: How to find and work with a professional editor or proofreader
If you want your book to be the best it can be, then working with a professional editor is the next step after your self-edit.
An editor’s job is to take your manuscript and help you improve it through structural changes and chapter flow, line edits, suggestions for new material or sentence refinement, and so much more. Different editors can help you in different ways, from constructing the overarching narrative to eliminating typos.
In my experience, good professional editors are well worth the investment as they help improve the book and your overall craft, especially in the initial stages of your writing journey. Editors have read so many early stage manuscripts that they understand the most common problems and know how to help you fix them.
Some experienced authors only use proofreaders for their books, but personally, I still work with a professional editor on every book. I learn something every time, and I remain a super-fan of editors!
Do you need to hire an editor if you are traditionally publishing?
If you already have a book deal, then the publisher will assign you an editor, so you don’t need to hire one on your own.
But if you don’t yet have a book deal, then an editor can help wrangle your book proposal and sample chapters into the best state for pitching.
Some writers prefer to get editing help from friends or fellow writers, but personally, I prefer to work with professionals who specialise in the genre and whose job it is to improve a manuscript.
How to find a professional editor
Consolidation in the traditional publishing industry over the last decade has resulted in many more editors working as freelancers, so authors have a wealth of professionals available for hire in every genre.
You can find lists of approved editors through author organisations. The Alliance of Independent Authors has a list of Partner Members, many of whom are editors.
You can also use the Reedsy marketplace, which has vetted editors and other professionals who work with authors.
Many editors use content marketing to find clients — for example, writing articles about editing tips, writing books on editing, or appearing on podcasts.
You can find an interview with my editor, Kristen Tate, at:
www.thecreativepenn.com/kindsofediting
Most authors credit their editors and proofreaders in the acknowledgments of their books, and many authors happily share recommendations on social media in various author communities. If you enjoy a certain book in your niche, it might be worth reaching out to that editor, as you know they are a specialist in the genre.
Check out my list of editors at:
www.TheCreativePenn.com/editors
What kind of editor do you need?
There are different kinds of editors — for example, those specialising in manuscript appraisals or structural edits, and those who will line edit every sentence. There are also specialist editors for particular genres, like academic science writing.
There are other related editing tasks like fact-checking, researching image permissions, or sensitivity reading, which you can find specific people to help with as well.
How to assess whether an editor is right for you
I frequently get emails from writers asking me to recommend an editor for their book.
But finding an editor is like dating.
You have to do it for yourself, and it’s likely that you will try a few before finding your perfect match. You may also change editors over your writing life as your craft develops and your needs shift, and that’s completely normal too.
Make sure the editor has experience in and enjoys books in your niche. You don’t want an editor who specialises in historical textbooks working on your addiction recovery memoir. Different books require varying skills, so spend some time making sure you’re working with the right editor.
Ensure that they have testimonials from happy clients and check directly with a named author if you have doubts.
Some editors will offer a sample edit for one chapter. This helps both parties decide whether working together is appropriate. The editor can assess what level your manuscript is at, and you can decide whether their editorial style is right for you.
How to work with an editor
When you engage an editor, you will receive a contract with a timeline and a price for the work.
You agree to deliver the manuscript on a particular date and you will usually pay a deposit, especially if this is the first time you’re working together. The editor agrees to deliver the edits back on a certain date and also to keep your manuscript in confidence.
You can avoid issues later by communicating expectations up front, so if you have questions about the editing process, ask before you sign a contract.
Many editors are booked months in advance, so once you know your schedule, contact them early and book a slot. Update them if your timings change. Most allow minor slippage, but since editors plan their work around contractual dates, it’s important to be timely with delivery.
Submit your manuscript and, once the edit is complete, you will receive whatever has been agreed. That might be a structural report, line edit, or proofread manuscript, along with a style sheet. It’s usually in the form of an MS Word document by email.
Some editors may offer a call to discuss, but I’ve never spoken to an editor as part of my process. It’s never been necessary since it’s all about the words on the page. If you want a call and it’s not specified, then include it in the contract up front along with anything else you’re concerned about.
I consider my editors to be an important part of my team. They help me turn my manuscripts into books that readers love, and I rely on them as part of my business.
This is a two-way relationship, and you need to behave as professionally as the editor should. If you find an editor you love working with, pay them quickly and respect their time, and you will hopefully have a long-term business relationship that benefits you both.
How does it feel to go through an edit?
It’s probably going to hurt, especially in the beginning, when your craft is in its early stages. You need fresh eyes on your work, especially at the beginning of your author career. You need feedback to improve.
I know this is hard! Even after many years and many books and multiple rounds of editorial feedback, I still don’t open emails from my editor until I’m mentally ready to face criticism.
Because that’s what it feels like.
It’s not the editor’s job to pat you on the back and say, ‘Well done, this is perfect.’
Their job is to help you make it the best book it can be. They are experts and have honed their advice over many manuscripts, so they can spot an issue a mile off.
When you receive that email from your editor, particularly if it’s your first book, make sure you’re well rested and in a positive frame of mind. Set aside a good amount of time and read through the comments and the manuscript as a whole.
If you have an emotional reaction, do not email back immediately!
Let the feedback sit with you for a few days, and you will find it easier to see what might need to change.
Once you’re ready, go through the manuscript and work through each change.
Don’t just click Accept All on the Track Changes version for a line edit.
This takes time, but it’s well worth it because you will learn with every step and you’ll be able to spot common issues in the future, and hopefully fix them next time. You also need to examine every suggestion to see if you want to make the change.
Do you need to make every change that an editor suggests?
No, you don’t.
You are the author, so your creative vision is the most important thing. But try to get some distance and assess whether the change truly serves the book, or if you’re just having an emotional response.
Consider each editorial suggestion on its own merit. Does it help take the book in the direction you want it to go? Will it improve the reader’s experience?
What if my editor wants me to change everything?
Perhaps they are not the right editor for you.
The editor should not fundamentally change your book or alter your creative vision. Their job is to help you shape your manuscript into a better version of itself, and retain your voice and ideas while at the same time improving it for the reader. This is a skilful balancing act, which is why experienced editors are so highly sought after.
How long will the editing process take?
The answer will depend on the editor you work with and the length of your manuscript. Some editors will need two weeks for the work, while others might need a month or six weeks or longer. Ask about turnaround time as you are vetting editors, and then set your deadline and schedule editing time accordingly.
For a first manuscript in particular, you may want to wait to book a professional editor until you’ve been through your self-editing process, as it may take longer than you think.
How much does an editor cost?
This depends on the type of edit, your genre and word count, how skilled you are as a writer, and how much experience the editor has.
Editors usually quote a range on their website and you can also email and ask for a more detailed quote based on your manuscript length and sample. The Editorial Freelancers Association provides a sample rate chart based on surveys of their members that can give you a sense of the typical range.
The money I’ve spent on editing over the years has been worth it as an investment in my writing craft and the quality of my finished books, and I continue to use an editor for every book.
Do I need a proofreader as well as an editor?
While an editor focuses on improving the structure, flow, and readability of your manuscript, a proofreader does the final read before publication. They can catch any issues that happen after editing, and also formatting inconsistencies if they proofread the layout of the print pages.
Investing in a proofreader can enhance your book’s professional appearance and credibility, but you can also use editing software like ProWritingAid pre-publication, and then work through the print formatting yourself. I order a proof copy of my printed book and usually find a few updates to make before final approval.
What are beta readers, do I need them, and where can I find them?
Beta readers are non-professional, usually unpaid, readers who provide feedback on your manuscript from a reader’s perspective. They are from your target market and can help you identify sections that are unclear, too full of jargon, boring, or missing necessary information or resources. They might also be experts in a niche.
You certainly don’t need beta readers. While I did use a couple for my first non-fiction book, Career Change, and also some for a few of my early books for writers, I don’t use them for non-fiction anymore. I prefer to work with a professional editor and would also consider hiring a topic expert if I wrote a book that required specific feedback.
When I did originally use beta readers, they were business friends of mine or other writers, essentially the target market for the books. You can find beta readers through writing communities, genre-specific forums, or by asking your email list or social media followers, if you have them.
Provide questions or some kind of guidance on what you want them to consider. Make sure to tell them that they are not responsible for editing and don’t need to provide comments on writing style, typos, or attempt line edits. They should rather assess the book as a whole and comment as a reader might.
If you do work with beta readers, don’t use too many, and be wary of writing by committee. If your creative vision isn’t strong enough, you might find yourself derailed by other people’s opinions, and they will never agree with each other, anyway!
What if you have a tight budget?
When I started out as a writer, I had a day job and I saved up for the editorial process. It was an investment in my craft and my future creative career.
If you already have or intend to set up a business as a writer, then you can offset the cost of editors against any profits. But when you’re starting out, you can’t necessarily see that far ahead.
If you’re on a tight budget, then find or set up a writer’s group with others in your niche and work through one another’s manuscripts. You might also have other skills you can barter for editing services, but remember that bartering is subject to tax in many jurisdictions, so don’t assume that it is ‘free.’
What if my editor steals my ideas or my manuscript?
This is a common concern of new writers who think that editors might run away with their book and make millions with their idea.
But don’t worry, editors are professionals. They work within a contractual framework that protects both parties. So make sure you are happy with the contract before you sign it.
If you’re really worried, you can register your copyright before you send the manuscript to anyone else. While it is not legally necessary to register copyright — it exists the moment the work is created — there are registration companies in every country that can provide peace of mind. Just search for ‘copyright registration’ within your territory.
Will I need different editors when I’m further along in my writing journey?
Yes, as your craft and experience improve, you will probably work with different editors. You might also choose to use a new editor for a different genre, or work with recommended professionals to take your craft to the next level.
Questions:
• What type of editor do you need for your book?
• How will you find a professional editor and validate that they are the right one for you?
• How will you work with your editor so you are both happy with the process and the result?
• How can you prepare yourself mentally for receiving feedback and line edits? How can you reframe the experience as positive and learn for next time?
Resources:
• My list of recommended editors — www.TheCreativePenn.com/editors
• Alliance of Independent Authors Partner Member List — selfpublishingadvice.org/alli-self-publishing-services-directory
• Reedsy marketplace for editors and other service providers — www.TheCreativePenn.com/reedsy
• Different Kinds of Editing, and How to Find An Editor with Kristen Tate — www.TheCreativePenn.com/kindsofediting
• The following editing associations offer directories and job posting services: The Editorial Freelancers Association (US), the Chartered Institute for Editing and Proofreading (UK), the Institute for Professional Editors (Australia and New Zealand), and Editors Canada.
• Editorial Freelancers Association rates — www.the-efa.org/rates
