How to find an editor for your non-fiction book
You’ve finished writing your non-fiction book, and now you’re looking for an editor to give it a professional polish. But how do you go about searching for one? Where do you look, and how do you make sure your editor is qualified to carry out an edit on your work? Let’s cover exactly what you need to know before you go in search of an editor.
Determine the type of editor you need
Before you look for an editor, decide which type of editor you need. There are three major stages of editing: structural editing (which may also be known as developmental editing or content editing), copyediting, and proofreading. The fact that there are different names for some of these types of edits can be confusing, but it may help to break it down like this:
- Developmental/structural edit – This edit focuses on the book as a whole, covering the broader elements. It looks at the overall structure, organisation, and content. The developmental editor will consider whether the arguments and topics in the book are presented in an effective, understandable way for the reader, and whether it’s suitable for the intended audience. This edit is carried out before any copyediting or proofreading.
- Copyediting – This edit looks at the mechanics of the writing at a sentence-by-sentence level. It’s a technical edit focusing on consistency and correction. For example, it may include editing grammar, spelling, and punctuation, but also deals with repetition, ambiguity, unclear sentences, light fact-checking, and so on. A copyedit also prepares the manuscript for publication by marking up different editorial elements such as headings.
- Proofreading – This is typically the final stage in the editorial process before a book goes to print. It’s a last, deep check of the book to weed out any errors. But it’s far more than spotting typos – a proofreader will also meticulously check for any layout and design problems.
The type of edit you need will largely depend on your goals for the book, and the publication path you’re choosing to go down. If you aren’t sure, the editor will usually be able to advise you based on your goals.
Where to search for an editor for your non-fiction book
There are a variety of very reputable editorial organisations you can use to search for an editor. Many of these allow you to filter by genre or topic, or the type of editing you require.
- The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP): This is a UK-based organisation with a global focus. They are dedicated to excellence in English-language editing, and have a searchable Directory of editors. Many of the editors listed have extensive experience and professional training, and edit both UK and US English.
- The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA): A US-based organisation of editors, with a searchable Member Directory. They have international members, too. Most members are experienced in US English regardless of where they’re based, so it’s a great resource if you’re writing in US English.
- ACES: The Society for Editing: Another US-based professional organisation for editors. They have an Editors for Hire page.
- The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi): ALLi is focused on supporting independent and self-publishing authors with various resources. Members have access to directories of service providers, including editors, cover designers, and more.
- The Publishing Training Centre: A well-known industry training provider – many editors have studied with them. They have a Freelance Finder so you can search for qualified editors who have studied with them.
Outside of organisations, you can also ask other writers who have published books for any recommendations.
What to look for in a book editor
Ideally, if you’re writing a non-fiction book, you want to work with an editor who has some experience working on those types of books. Have a look through their portfolio and see what type of projects they’ve taken on before.
It’s also so important to check that your editor has qualifications and experience. Anyone can set up a website and say they are an editor, but make sure the person you choose to work with can back this up. Have they done any professional editorial training? Have they worked with any reputable publishing houses or businesses?
If you use the editorial organisations above, you usually can’t go wrong in finding an experienced professional editor. There’s also nothing wrong with working with an editor who is newer to the field, so long as you can still ensure they know what they’re doing (for example, if they’ve studied or taken qualifications in editing, even if they still have a fairly empty portfolio).
