Every best-selling book starts with a gripping storyline and compelling writing, right? Of course! But if there’s anything more important than how a book is written, it’s the editing stage. If you are at that phase in the writing process, you may be wondering how to find a book editor and why you should try.
As a first-time author, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the editing process. If you’ve read and re-read your book but still think it’s missing something, it may be time to hire a professional book editor.
A professional book editor will review and revise your story by breaking down every single page, word for word. They’ll review elements such as grammar, style, and structure to ensure your book is ready to share with the world.
Here at The Unapologetic Voice House, we aspire to help every unspoken voice be seen, heard, and witnessed, and the first step after writing is editing.
The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Book Editor
Perfects Your Writing
Even if you’re an amazing writer, it’s essential to improve your craft. A professional book editor is objective and unbiased, which means they’ll be able to critique your work with fresh eyes.
They’ll search for incorrectly spelled words, reorganize paragraphs, advise you on different word usages, and make constructive remarks on your structure and style.
An experienced book editor not only fixes mistakes but helps you perfect your writing. Since they have years of experience, you can rest assured that your book will come back to you better than it was before.
Progresses Your Project
Working with a professional book editor helps more than your writing. It also progresses your project so it goes from a completed manuscript to a published book in a shorter amount of time.
A book editor has expertise with fine-tuning an author’s writing. They also understand the publishing process and can guide you beyond editing your book so it meets industry standards.
Additionally, an experienced book editor has connections in the publishing industry, which means they may introduce you to professionals who can distribute and market your book to more readers than you can imagine.
Saves You Time
It goes without saying that the editing process can be time-consuming. It can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to edit your book, or even longer if you keep re-reading it!
By hiring a professional book editor, you can save hours, maybe even days, of your precious time. Instead of reading your book for the fourth, fifth, or even tenth time, you can either move onto another project or take a much-needed break.
Helps You Avoid Publishing Less Than Perfect Work
No one wants to publish a less-than-perfect book. As an author, your reputation is dependent on the quality of your writing. If your book has any style issues or grammatical errors, it can keep your work from getting the recognition it deserves.
Even if you opt for digital publishing, it can be complicated to make edits or changes after your book is published. If you choose traditional publishing, it’s basically impossible without a reprint.
A professional book editor will review and revise your book until it’s free of any grammatical or style errors and it’s ready for publication.
Sets You Apart from the Rest
While it may be tempting to entrust your family and friends with editing your book, they may not provide the critique you may need to hear.
If you want a book that stands out from other books in your genre, a professional book editor can help you do just that.
How to Find a Book Editor
Now that you understand the benefits of hiring a professional book editor, how exactly do you find a book editor who can review and revise your story so it’s absolutely perfect?
Where Should You Begin in Your Search for a Book Editor?
In today’s world, there are several ways you can go about finding a book editor. While Google can be a good place to start, it can also be very overwhelming.
Instead of perusing search engines and databases, try exploring forums and websites that specialize in helping you find professional book editors. You can also visit online writing communities like Writers Cafe to find recommendations from other writers or check out publishing houses like The Unapologetic Voice House that offer editing services.
Regardless of the avenue you choose, you’ll be able to find literally thousands of book editors with various specialties and experience levels.
What Should You Look for in a Book Editor?
Not every manuscript or author is suited for every book editor. Editing styles vary as much as writing styles do, which means you need to consider what exactly you’re looking for in a professional book editor.
You should seek an editor that not only has years of experience in their field, but also specializes in your niche or genre. You should also consider what type of editing you’re looking for, whether it be developmental editing, copy editing, or proofreading.
Most importantly, you should choose a book editor that you feel absolutely comfortable receiving feedback from.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Book Editor?
Unfortunately, there isn’t any set fee for hiring a professional book editor. Every book editor has different rates and fees, which depends on their specialties and experience levels.
The cost of hiring a book editor will also depend on the type of editing you require, how long your book is, and how experienced you are as an author.
Share Your Story With Us
Still not sure how to find a book editor? Well, look no further. As an independent book publishing house, The Unapologetic Voice House offers a blend of traditional and self-publishing services, as well as developmental editing and proofreading to provide you with flexibility. Our editors are experienced working with both fiction and nonfiction works.
To learn how we can help bring your book to life, submit a query letter today!