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Some authors think a book editor’s job is to correct spelling and punctuation, but a book editor does so much more. Yes, part of their job is proofreading a manuscript and correcting spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors; however, a book editor is also a fact checker and a manuscript doctor. In addition, there are different levels and types of book editors.
Copyeditor
Basic copyediting involves reviewing text and correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation. A copyeditor will read your entire manuscript, checking for consistency, redundancy, flow, transition, and the proper use of words. He or she will ensure that the proper tense and tone are maintained throughout the book, and provide suggestions or copywriting to smoothly transition from one thought to the next.
Some copyeditors are asked to fact check statistics and sources within the book for accuracy. The copyeditor is also skilled at eliminating confusion, providing clarity, and making sure the author doesn’t lose the reader’s interest. Skilled copyeditors are proficient in maintaining the author’s style and tone, while polishing the manuscript and improving the copy.
Developmental Editor
While the copyeditor receives the book after it has been written, a developmental editor is involved with the writing process, sometimes before the author has even begun to write the book. Developmental editing involves the entire development and organization of the book, the characters, the storyline, and the pace in which it is told.
The developmental editor often suggests the order in which the chapters are presented, as well as the overall content, flow, and arrangement of text. When the developmental editor is done, the book should be ready to be sent to a copyeditor.
Do you need both? No. Some authors will only need a copyeditor. Depending on their writing skills, some may need different levels of copy editing, from basic to heavy line editing, and even occasional ghostwriting.
Editor charges
Depending on the type of editing desired, what should be a book editor charge? The following book editor rates were suggested by the Editorial Freelancers Association in 2008:
Basic copyediting: $25 to $40 per hour Pace: 5 to 10 pages an hour
Heavy copyediting: $35 to $50 per hour Pace: 2 to 5 pages an hour
Substantive editing: $40 to $65 per hour Pace: 1 to 6 pages per hour
(also called line editing)
Developmental editing: $50 to $80 per hour Pace: 2 to 5 pages per hour
Of course, rates vary from one book editor to another. Some freelance book editors will work for $10 to $20 per hour, but you can expect experienced book editors to charge $25 or more per hour. Expect to pay more for editing technical writing or specialized subject matter, as well.
A book editor is an expense that you should include in the costs to write and publish your book. Their expertise often means the difference between an okay book and an exceptional book. If you want your book to give you credibility, secure the services of an experienced book editor who will polish it and make your book the very best it can be.
As an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of book editing, I can attest to the critical role that a skilled editor plays in shaping the success of a literary work. My extensive experience in the field has allowed me to witness firsthand the transformative power of a proficient editor in elevating a manuscript from mediocrity to excellence.
The assertion that a book editor's duty extends beyond mere correction of spelling and punctuation is not just a claim; it is a well-established fact rooted in the multifaceted nature of the editor's role. Proofreading, while essential, represents only a fraction of the responsibilities shouldered by a competent editor. The evidence lies in the meticulous process undertaken by different types of editors, each specializing in distinct aspects of refining a manuscript.
The article rightly delineates the various roles of a book editor, such as the copyeditor and the developmental editor. The copyeditor, in my informed opinion, is not merely a grammarian but a guardian of consistency, flow, and clarity. Their meticulous review of the entire manuscript ensures that the author's style and tone remain intact, all while addressing issues of redundancy and transition. The added responsibility of fact-checking, including the verification of statistics and sources, demonstrates the editor's commitment to accuracy and credibility.
On the other hand, the developmental editor, as highlighted, is involved in the earlier stages of the writing process. Their influence extends to the very architecture of the book, encompassing the development of characters, storyline, and overall pacing. This involvement is not speculative; it is a testament to the editor's ability to shape the narrative before it even takes its final form.
The distinction between these roles dispels the misconception that all editors serve the same function. The evidence lies in the specialized skill sets required for each type of editing, from the meticulous eye of the copyeditor to the strategic vision of the developmental editor.
The article also touches upon a critical aspect often overlooked by authors: the cost of hiring an editor. The provided rates, backed by the Editorial Freelancers Association, offer a realistic overview of the financial investment involved. The variation in rates, from basic copyediting to developmental editing, reflects the diverse expertise required for different editing stages.
In conclusion, the evidence of a book editor's indispensable contribution is not confined to theory; it is ingrained in the nuanced tasks performed at various stages of the editing process. Authors aspiring to produce exceptional works should recognize that a skilled editor is not just an expense but a valuable investment that can elevate their book from being merely good to being truly outstanding.
