I believe behind almost every great author is a great editor.

There’s a reason so many authors thank their editors in the acknowledgments. A good editor can help take a messy, uneven, almost-there manuscript and turn it into something much stronger. They spot the problems the author can’t see anymore, ask the hard questions, and help the book become the best version of itself.

But editing a book is not the same thing as enjoying books, being good at grammar, or catching typos in other people’s emails. Those things can help, sure, but professional editing requires a specific set of skills. You need to understand language, structure, reader expectations, author voice, deadlines, and how to give feedback without taking over someone else’s work.

If you want to become a book editor, the path you take will depend on the kind of editing you want to do. Staff editing jobs usually expect a bachelor’s degree in a related field, along with writing or publishing experience. Freelance editors have more flexibility, but they still need to prove they can do the work through samples, training, testimonials, and a strong portfolio.

In this article, we’ll look at what book editors do, how much they make, the different types of editing, what qualifications help, and how to start building a career as either a traditional or freelance book editor.

What is a Book Editor?

A book editor is someone who edits the words, punctuation, overall story, and/or formatting in a manuscript. They need to be good at fact-checking and paying attention to details.

Freelance editors take on work they can find online, via networking, or through relationships with book publishing houses. Traditional editors hold a formal role in a traditional publishing house and even have a say in which books get published.

Depending on the type of book editor, he or she might work alongside the author from the very beginning, making big picture suggestions to improve the book.

Or they may be the final set of eyes to look at a book before it is published.

It’s no wonder that many bestsellers list their editors on the dedication page or the Thank You page.

A good editor takes a good concept and helps the author turn it into a good book.

A book editor costs different amounts for every project, and rates vary based on manuscript length, genre, the type of edit, and the editor’s experience level. The Editorial Freelancers Association lists fiction editing rates by word, which can give authors a more realistic starting point.

For an 80,000-word fiction manuscript, a rough estimate would be:

• Developmental editing: about $2,400–$2,800
• Line editing: about $2,160–$2,800
• Copyediting: about $1,600–$2,160
• Proofreading: about $960–$1,600

These are not fixed prices. Some editors charge less, some charge much more, and nonfiction or specialized editing may cost differently. But for a full-length book, it’s safer to think in terms of per-word pricing rather than a flat “typical” cost.

How do I start a career in book editing? To start a book editing career, you need to determine which type of editor you want to be (developmental editor, line editor, copy editor, or proofreader). Then, you need to hone your writing skills and editing abilities. Finally, look for internships, freelance work, and other ways to boost your portfolio.

Duties & Responsibilities of a Book Editor

The typical book editor’s responsibilities generally require that they:

• Acquire manuscripts to edit
• Keep up with deadlines
• Tweak content so that it is error-free and easy to read for the intended audience
• Verify facts used in the book
• Work alongside the author to develop the story, prose, dialogue, writing style, voice, etc.
• Check final formatting looks clean and professional (if you’re a proofreader)
• Sustain good working relationships with authors, editorial assistants, marketing personnel, graphic designers, etc.
• Maintain an editor website and online presence (especially if you’re a freelancer)
• Sign up for seminars to keep up to date with the latest trends and linguistic standards

Typical Book Editor Salary

How much does a book editor make? A book editor can make a living wage of $30,000-$80,000, even when starting out.

As of May 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median salary of editors as $75,260/year.

It also includes these statistics for the broader career field of “Editor,” which includes more than just book editors:

• Top 10% annual salary: more than $140,840
• Bottom 10% annual salary: less than $36,200

It’s worth noting that many traditional publishing jobs are based in New York City, where the cost of living is high and salaries may not stretch as far as they would elsewhere. Pay can also vary a lot depending on whether you’re working for a major publisher, a smaller press, a media company, or as a freelancer.

Education and Qualifications for Book Editor

What qualifications do you need to be a book editor? To become a book editor, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, such as English, communications, or journalism, along with strong writing and proofreading experience. Prior experience in publishing, relevant internships, and a strong portfolio can also help. That said, candidates from other backgrounds may still find editing work if they can prove they have strong writing and editing skills.

You can become an editor even if you have no experience, by:

• Getting a relevant bachelor’s degree
• Honing your writing skills
• Landing an internship or entry-level position
• Establishing industry relationships
• Building your resume

What Makes a Great Book Editor?

What makes a great book editor are years of experience in the writing and publishing worlds, willingness to set aside their ego, and good communication skills (honesty, directness, etc.).

Just because you did well in your high school English class doesn't mean you'd make a good editor. There are a lot of good writers out there who would make horrible editors. (The same can be said for editors who want to write.)

Writing and editing are distinct disciplines. Both can be learned through practice and determination.

Here are a few common traits of good editors to help you decide if this is work you want to pursue.

Self-Control

A good editor is committed to making an author’s book better, not twisting the voice into the editor’s own words. This requires a unique mixture of self-control and empathy.

It takes a great deal of self-control to read another person’s work and critique it without interjecting yourself into it. Good editors have the singular ability to correct or modify writing while protecting the author's voice. It's much more complex than it seems, trust me.

There are plenty of horror stories about bad editors: people who completely strip an author’s work of its distinct style and insert their own as a replacement.

These are not actual editors but instead frustrated writers who take their lack of success out on somebody else.

A good editor works hard to understand each author's individual goals and offers comprehensive suggestions in the context of these goals.

Humility

Editors aren't in it for an ego boost. A good editor is humble while giving feedback but also when reading responses from the author.
It's difficult to give feedback with humility — but the best editors find a way to do it.

In my opinion, the secret is recognizing that editing and writing are two completely different jobs. The writer's job is to get their ideas onto paper as best they can. The editor's job is to help the author communicate those ideas more clearly.

The creation of engaging prose is a team effort, not a competition.

Communication Skills

Good editors aren't afraid to give honest feedback, but they do so respectfully. This takes good communication skills, such as candor, honesty, tact, respect, compromise, and maturity.

An editor should help a book reach its full potential. For this reason, editors need to be able to give honest, direct feedback.

That said, some authors (especially new authors) aren't thrilled about honest, direct feedback. Editors need to be prepared for that.

A good editor knows how to compromise, when to back down to avoid conflict, how to respect the author without hurting his/her feelings, and when to tactfully push for a necessary change.

Writers and editors might butt heads during the editing process because a book is a product of passionate love and so much hard work. But a little friction can be healthy in creative work.

A good editor should be able to communicate to avoid as much friction as possible and when to ultimately back down.

If you’re going to be an editor, make sure every suggestion is contextualized within the big picture: making this the best book it can be.

Writing Skills

Editors should be masters of the written language. A good editor doesn’t have to be a great book writer, but they do have to be a great writer in other ways.

Editors are obsessed with grammar and syntax. You need to be a sucker for spelling and punctuation and have hawk eyes for passive voice and repetitive word usage. Your emails and social media posts should look immaculate.

These crucial members of a writer’s team are the last line of defense between the author and the reader. Attention to detail is a must.

If mistakes slip past the editor, they're exposed to the world, undermining an entire book’s credibility and success.

Fingers crossed there aren’t any typos in this article!

The 4 Types of Book Editors

If you're thinking about becoming an editor, it is critical to know which type of editor you’re trying to be. You may want to focus on just one field of editing. Or you may choose to offer services at multiple stages of the editing process.

The 4 most common types of editors are:

1. Developmental editors
2. Line editors
3. Copy editors
4. Proofreaders

I’ve listed them in the chronological order that an author would hire them.

Let’s talk about what each different type of editor actually does.

1. Developmental Editors

Developmental editors look for plot holes, dropped characters, logical inconsistencies, and ways to improve an author’s overall manuscript.

They identify structural deficiencies, weak arguments, and unsupported claims in nonfiction books as well.

Developmental editors are the most expensive type of editor. Depending on the book’s length, these editors can make many thousands of dollars on a single manuscript.

According to some sources, true developmental editing begins before an author starts to write a manuscript. The editor works alongside the author during the entire writing process, pointing out potential improvements every step of the way.

In truth, most fiction authors just hire a developmental editor after the manuscript is complete.

Often, developmental editors perform some of the work of line editors. Combined, this is called “substantive editing.”

2. Line Editors

Line editors focus on the writing at the sentence and paragraph level. They look at flow, rhythm, clarity, word choice, repetition, transitions, and whether the prose is doing what it needs to do.

Line editing is different from developmental editing because it usually doesn’t focus on big-picture structure, plot, or argument. It’s also different from copyediting because the goal is not just correctness, but improving how the writing reads.

Some editors and publishers define these services a little differently, so authors should always look closely at what an editor includes before hiring them.

3. Copy Editors

Copy editors focus on correctness, clarity, and consistency. They correct errors in spelling, grammar, syntax, dialogue formatting, punctuation, and usage. They may also check consistency in style, names, timelines, capitalization, and other details that need to stay uniform throughout the manuscript.

A copy editor is probably who most people envision when they think of book editors.

4. Proofreaders

Proofreaders are the last step of the editing process. They make sure a book has proper grammar, no misspellings, and correct sentence structure.

Many of these editors also proofread finalized formatting. They let an author or publisher know if a book is ready to go to printing and publishing.

Proofreaders often cost the least of any editor. However, the time they spend on each manuscript is less than any other editor, so it’s definitely fair.

Ideally, authors would use proofreading software such as Grammarly or ProWritingAid to catch more typical grammatical and spelling errors before hiring a human proofreader. An author’s job is to do their best to hand their editors as complete and high-quality a book as possible.

That said, software should not replace a human being for book proofreading.

How to Get Started as a Traditional Book Editor

Freelance editing might sound like the easier option. However, internships at traditional publishing houses can be a strong way for college students and new editors to get experience. These opportunities can be competitive, but the relationships you build during an internship may help lead to an entry-level publishing or editorial position.

Alternatively, look up book editor jobs in your area. Even if you’re not going to apply right away, it’s helpful to learn what various publishing companies expect in terms of portfolios, years of experience, references, etc.

And remember, there are more editing positions available than just book editing. Would you be happier editing short-form content or website copy? Agencies and small businesses are constantly on the lookout for web copy editors for these positions.

Below, we’ll talk about basic guidelines for getting started as a staff editor at a publishing house. We'll discuss freelance editing further down.

Here are 6 steps you can take on your journey to becoming a book editor:

1. Get a bachelor’s degree
2. Refine your writing skills
3. Learn the newest publishing and editing software
4. Seek out internships
5. Sign up for seminars
6. Build up your resume

Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree

Most editors have a bachelor’s degree in a related field of study. Most English or Communications degrees will do just fine, including journalism, publishing, and creative writing. A master’s degree should give you a further edge over the steep competition.

A Business or Marketing degree may also qualify you to become an editor, but you'll need to practice and display good writing.

This education provides potential editors with the fundamental skills needed to be professional editors. It proves to future employers or freelance clients that you know what you’re talking about and are able to follow through with long and challenging commitments.

A degree is often expected for staff editing jobs, but it’s not a golden ticket. Becoming an editor is competitive, and freelance editors still need to prove they can do the work through samples, experience, testimonials, training, or a strong portfolio.

Step 2: Refine Your Writing Skills

Every editor needs to constantly refine their writing skills, especially when starting out.

You need to be able to write to be a good editor. That doesn't mean you should have a fantasy author's imagination, but you should be able to write creatively and correctly. This will affect your ability to correct copy when needed.

One way to refine your writing skills is to start a blog. Many editors also write books themselves, a surefire way to practice good writing.

Step 3: Learn the Newest Publishing and Editing Software

Any editor should know how to use the newest publishing and editing software. This way, you can choose the best option for you and your clients.

Learning the most popular software can be daunting, but these are the tools of your trade. It’s a valuable investment into your career path.

Many online courses can help guide you through the basics. Udemy has a great selection of courses on publishing and editing tools to get you started.

Step 4: Seek Out Internships

Serious about becoming a book editor? Seek out internships at publishing houses.

You'll get an up-close and personal look into the life of an editor. It's one of the best ways to learn the tricks of the trade and form valuable relationships.

The experience and relationships you earn from internships may lead to a full-time staff editing position.

Step 5: Sign Up For Seminars

An editor should sign up for seminars or lectures on book editing from time to time.

These are ordinarily one-day workshops that help refresh an editor’s knowledge and skill on top of teaching them the newest publishing industry standards.

Step 6: Build Up Your Resume

Get out into the real world and find experience. Hopefully, you landed an internship, which looks great on a resume. Now keep building up that all-important resume.

Hone your skills with small jobs. If you didn’t find a full-time position right out of college, then you may benefit from starting with a little bit of freelance work.

Upwork and Fiverr are great places to find editing work. However, expect the rates to be horrendously low. Many people on these sites will take the editor with the cheapest rate, even though the final product will make it obvious how much they spent on editing.

But offering your services at a lower rate for a (very short) time can help build up your resume.

Important Note: Offering a lower rate than your worth can be an effective temporary strategy to hone your skills and build your resume. However, I am not advocating for underselling yourself. Don’t compromise your value just to find work. An editor’s skills are worth a lot. Your skills are worth a lot.

How to Get Started as a Freelance Book Editor

If you want to get started as a freelance editor for full-length books, you should:

1. Establish an online presence
2. Sharpen your knack for networking
3. Strengthen your linguistic skills to prove you’re a good editor
4. Set reasonable rates for your work
5. Use binding contracts with your clients

These skills are on top of the majority of steps required to become a traditional book editor.

Many professional book editors start from traditional publishing houses and migrate towards freelance work.

Pro tip: Freelance editors often work with writers who are self-publishing. Unfortunately, self-publishers seldom understand the true value of a professional editor. Don’t reduce your rates below what you’re worth just to work with ungrateful writers. Let them hire the unqualified editor offering a $100 flat rate, and they’ll get what they paid for.

You could instead start out as a freelance editor without any traditional publisher experience. But you better be able to edit before you take on work.

The best way to start your freelance editing career? Get to work.

Step 1: Establish an Online Presence

Put yourself out there on social media, LinkedIn, Fiverr, and Upwork. You may also search job sites like Indeed.com for freelance work.

Drum up interest and pour all your effort into these editing jobs, even if they’re smaller-scale. That's okay. You need to build your portfolio and credentials by finding as many legit jobs as possible.

Step 2: Network and Build Relationships

Whereas traditional editors often begin networking as college students and interns, a freelance editor without an existing network must build relationships independently. And it’s a crucial step to establishing a freelance editing business.

You can join an editing association — such as ACES (The Society for Editing) or EFA (Editorial Freelancers Association) — to build connections, learn from other editors, and show potential clients that you take the work seriously. Just keep in mind that there is no single formal editing certification standard in the U.S., although programs like the Poynter ACES Certificates in Editing can help demonstrate training.

I discuss more ideas a little later below (that aren’t just for freelancers), such as using social media to network professionally.

Step 3: Strengthen Your Editing Skills

“Freelance” does not mean “poor quality.” As a freelance editor, you’ll need to be on top of your grammar, spelling, and linguistics.

Invest in courses through Udemy, Masterclass, or even on YouTube.

A bachelor’s degree in English or a related field helps build your credibility, but it is not necessary for freelance work. If you don’t have a degree related to editing, you better make darn sure your grasp of the written word is faultless.

Step 4: Set Reasonable Rates and Clear Service Offerings

Finding clients is a big part of getting started in freelance editing, but it's not the only concern. You also want to decide what services you'll provide and your rate for each of those services.

Check out our list of book editors to better understand what services established editors are offering and what their pricing is.

Important Note: I said it for getting started as a traditional editor, and I’ll say it here. Offering a lower rate can be an effective temporary strategy to hone your skills and build your resume. But I do not advocate for underselling yourself. A freelance editor’s skills are worth a lot. Your skills are worth a lot.

Step 5: Use Binding Contracts

As with any freelance work, I encourage you to put everything in black and white — legally binding contracts. You and your clients need to understand one another, which is the best way to establish trust and accountability.

You can use a contract template as a starting point, including services like LegalZoom, but it’s wise to have an attorney review your agreement if you’re relying on it for paid client work. At minimum, your contract should clearly spell out the scope of work, deadlines, payment terms, revision policy, cancellation terms, and what happens if the project changes.

Develop Your Online Presence as an Editor

Today, your online presence is one of the most useful tools you have as a new editor. Whether you're freelancing or trying to land a traditional editor position, you need to develop your online presence as an editor to get ahead.

Establish your own editor website, which will be the primary advertisement of your editing services.

On this website, clearly list what services you offer, your rates, and a call to action to “Get A Quote.” Include a professional headshot and your credentials, such as any degrees you hold or certifications you earned.

Websites are relatively cheap and easy to set up. Make sure it looks clean and professional, or potential clients will scoff and look elsewhere.

Using your editor website, demonstrate your expertise. Provide sample work from your portfolio. You could even write blog posts about topics related to book editing, such as:

• Writing how-to's
• Editing tips
• Publishing tricks
• Software reviews
• Company comparisons
• Personal stories from the editing world

Your editor website won’t be a major hit overnight. But now, when you meet people at a conference or networking event, you can send them to your professional-looking website for more info.

Another way to develop your online presence is through social media. Consistent content and the right hashtags can help you get discovered by the authors you want to work with.

This includes Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn (especially for editors seeking formal editing jobs), Facebook, and even Reddit — depending on your preferred clientele.

How to Network as an Editor

Networking is a huge part of succeeding as a book editor, especially when you're starting out.

There are several methods to networking effectively, both online and face-to-face. Let these tips help you rise above the noise and start getting the attention you deserve.

Online Networking

When it comes to online networking as an editor, social media is your best friend.

Join groups or follow accounts dedicated to writers, authors, and book editing. You may be able to offer your services when the opportunity arises. (Mind you, some groups are very against personal advertisement. Be sure to check each group’s rules and guidelines.)

Platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook are great places to start creating your editing network.

Also, you can get active on publishing or editing forums such as those found on Reddit.

You need an editor website. This is critical to online networking, as well as face-to-face networking. A clean, clear, professional editor website tells people you mean business. A good website gives potential clients a taste of your work and entices them with a call to action.

You could even publish blog posts on your website to drum up interest and name recognition with paid or organic search traffic.

Face-to-Face Networking

Although we live in a digital world, don't overlook the importance of networking in person. Face-to-face networking still works, and it works great. When a potential client or employer networks with you in real life, there is a connection you can’t make over the Internet.

Attend conventions, book fairs, and conferences. This opens up a whole new world of job opportunities. You will meet writers, publishers, and other editors. And many conferences are free or very inexpensive.

In-person events are also an excellent opportunity to show off some sweet new business cards. For more info on creating a killer business card, check out this article.

You need to have an editor website.

I know. I sound like a broken record. But being able to give potential employers and clients whom you meet a business card that directs them to a professional-looking website is invaluable.

What kind of book editor do you want to be?

There are several different paths you can take as a book editor. You might want to work in traditional publishing, build a freelance editing business, specialize in one type of editing, or offer multiple services depending on the author and the project.

The important thing is to know which direction you’re aiming for. A developmental editor needs a different skill set than a proofreader. A freelance editor needs to think about contracts, rates, marketing, and client relationships in a way a staff editor might not. A staff editor, on the other hand, may need to focus more on internships, publishing experience, and building the right industry connections.

No matter which path you choose, becoming a book editor is not something that happens overnight. You need to get good at the work, build proof that you can do it, and create relationships with authors, publishers, or other people in the industry who can help you find the next opportunity.

That may sound like a lot, because it is. But if you love books, enjoy improving writing, and can give honest feedback without making the author feel like you’re trying to hijack their work, editing can be a deeply rewarding career.

The right books at the right time can change the world, and editors play a real role in making those books better. That’s important work, and I have a lot of respect for the people who do it well.