Becoming an editor is a great way to get into the publishing industry and make a name for yourself. Here are some tips on how to become a book editor:
- Get your degree:
You will need to have studied English or creative writing in order to become an editor. This can take between 4-5 years of study at university, depending on the type of degree you choose. A bachelor’s degree is usually enough for entry-level positions, but many editors have postgraduate degrees in their field.
- Do internships:
An internship is a great way to build experience in the publishing industry without committing full time or taking on a long-term contract. You must be able to work full-time hours during your internship, so if you have other commitments you may struggle with this option. If possible, try and find an internship that includes training and mentoring from an experienced editor so that you can learn as much as possible during your time there.
- Find out about jobs from friends/family:
If you know someone who works as an editor or knows someone who does then ask them about job openings at their company! They might help you get your foot.
How To Become An Book Editor
If you love reading and writing, you may be interested in becoming a book editor. You can choose from a few different types of book editing roles if you decide to explore this career path, all of which involve completing similar educational and professional steps. In this article, we discuss the various types of book editors and review the steps you can take if you want to become one.
Related: Reading Books for a Job
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What does a book editor do?
Book editors review manuscripts from authors and work with them to improve the style, voice, mechanics and organization of the text. Editors often work with authors who are already published or are under contract for multiple books with a publishing house. In other cases, editors work with assistants to review manuscripts and determine which have the most publishing potential. Many publishing houses have editors specifically assigned to review books at different stages of development. Here are some of the common types of editors:
Line editors
Line editors review manuscripts to consider how clearly and logically authors develop their content. They take the perspective of the intended audience and ask questions about a book’s organization to improve a writer’s argument, story or presentation of research. If needed, the line editor presents any contradictions or issues to the author to resolve them. Some line editors draft style sheets to begin finalizing a book’s format.
Developmental editors
Developmental editors review the overall structure of a book project. Sometimes, developmental editors work with authors who are just beginning to make decisions about subject matter or organization and have little actually written. In this case, developmental editors may assist authors by providing research on a topic, giving feedback about a subject’s viability in the market based on industry trends or suggesting effective outlines for the author’s work.
Copy editors
Copy editors specialize in maintaining the style of an author’s prose. They ensure the manuscript has consistent style and tone that can keep readers engaged. The responsibilities of copy editors sometimes overlap with those of line editors, as they also look for ways to improve consistency. If a book contains visuals, informative or artistic, copy editors ensure all references are correct and correspond to the text.
Related: What Does a Copy Editor Do?
Proofreaders
Proofreaders look for mistakes in the mechanics of an author’s writing or in the formatting of a manuscript. This typically means identifying any grammatical or spelling errors and confirming proper citation of all outside sources. As a book’s design is finalized, proofreaders double-check that the text follows typesetting specifications, such as font styles and sizes, throughout and that every page is free from formatting issues.
How to become an editor for books
Becoming an editor for books requires being a well-versed reader and an able writer. Here are the steps for gaining the education and work experience that you likely need to be a book editor:
1. Earn a degree in a related field
To learn the skills of book editing, consider getting a degree in English. Majors such as journalism and communications can also provide training in drafting, revising and publishing. If you’re interested in editing books on specific topics, such as biology or history, you could get your degree in that field, then minor in a writing-focused area.
Related: How To Read Critically (With Tips)
2. Seek editorial and publishing opportunities
Most colleges that offer English or journalism provide students with opportunities to develop editorial and publishing skills in literary magazines, school newspapers or internships. Taking advantage of these experiences can familiarize you with editorial work and improve your resume. Internships, in particular, allow you to network within the publishing houses you might later apply to for work. If you’ve already graduated, research online literary magazines, as they routinely recruit editors to review submissions.
3. Take additional training courses
Associations such as the American Copy Editing Society offer relatively quick training via online courses to help you understand the relationship between editors and real-world clients. Some universities grant certificates in editing for completing similar online learning sessions. Such credentials can boost your candidacy, whether you’re looking for freelance work or a salaried position. If you are unfamiliar with book editing software, research the additional computer programs you could benefit from learning.
4. Develop your portfolio
Before editing full novels or nonfiction titles, prospective book editors usually develop a portfolio consisting of smaller assignments. Entry-level book editing jobs are often competitive, so consider establishing a portfolio that includes multiple editorial assignments. You could develop an online presence with a personal website so you can highlight your qualifications, then seek freelance opportunities. You could also volunteer to edit different texts. Nonprofit organizations, for example, often look for volunteers to review their text-based materials and communications.
Related: How To Build an Online Resume Website
5. Apply for editorial assistant positions
Careers in book editing tend to follow an apprenticeship model, where assistants work alongside a more experienced book editor who can train them on their new role and also the larger publishing process. Many publishers expect you to spend at least a few years developing an understanding of how books go from unwritten ideas or manuscripts to final products. You can search for editorial assistant roles at publishing houses and academic, literary and trade presses. You can also look for roles on general job search platforms or editing- and writing-related websites.
6. Earn promotion to book editor
Once you have some industry experience, think about what type of book editor you want to be and your area of interest. Publishing houses often specialize in certain types of books, such as cookbooks, children’s books or fiction. Try to work on projects that reflect your interests to better position yourself for a full editor position.
Tips for editing books
The path to becoming a book editor requires a commitment to reading and writing while developing technical skills at the same time. Here are tips for becoming a strong candidate:
- Read widely. You may have a genre of book that you personally enjoy most, but it is also important to read beyond your own preferences. Publishers seek editors who follow market trends and remain familiar with successful titles in the industry.
- Write frequently. Book editors highlight potential errors and make suggestions for alternatives. As you build your credentials, consider taking on copywriting assignments or find a forum, such as a blog or online writing community, where you can practice writing.
- Network online. Many social networks and online forums host discussions based on professional interest. Participate as a member of these communities to gain insight from others and learn about opportunities for work or development.
- Network in person. The publishing industry holds several conferences and conventions that you may be able to attend. Bringing business cards that have a link to your online portfolio could be helpful in earning opportunities in the field.
