Which Editor Do You Need?

A Simple Guide for First-Time Nonfiction Authors

Last week, we talked about getting your draft ready for editing using the "One Thing at a Time" method.

In a future article, we'll dive deeper into advanced self-editing techniques.

For now, let's understand the professional editing process and help you choose the right path for your book.

📚 The Editing Journey: Step by Step

Here's the complete editing progression for nonfiction books:

Developmental Editor → Copy Editor (includes line editing) → Format Book → (Fact-Checker if needed) → Beta Readers + Final Proofread

But here's the truth: you might not need every step.

Some authors skip developmental editing if their structure is solid. Others might not need a fact-checker.

However, there are two steps EVERY nonfiction book needs:

1. Copy editing (which includes line editing)

2. A final proofread (which can be done using a combination of tools, fresh eyes, and/or a professional proofreader)

Why copy editing is essential:

• Readers will forgive an imperfect structure

• They won't forgive basic grammar errors

• Poor editing makes your book look unprofessional

• Bad reviews often mention editing issues

If you're on a tight budget:

• Start with thorough self-editing

• Join a writers' group for structural feedback

• Hire a copy editor (they'll handle line editing too)

• Use beta readers to catch content issues

• Do a final proofread using tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid

• Have a detail-oriented friend read the formatted version

Pro Tip: Beta readers give the best feedback when they see your book in its nearly-final form - after copy editing and formatting. They'll experience it just like your future readers will.

Let's break down each step:

1. Developmental Editor

They're like a book architect - they look at your book's big picture:

• Is your structure working?

• Are there content gaps?

• Does it serve your target reader?

You might need one if:

• You're getting feedback that ideas are unclear

• Your chapters feel disconnected

• You're not sure if your organization makes sense

2. Copy Editor

A copy editor is your essential partner in polishing your book. They handle both the mechanics and style of your writing, making sure your ideas shine through clearly. Think of them as your clarity and correctness champion.

Here's what copy editors do:

Making Your Writing Flow:

• Smoothing out awkward sentences

• Ensuring ideas connect logically

• Maintaining consistent voice

• Reducing repetition and wordiness

• Making complex topics clearer

• Improving transitions between ideas

• Suggesting better word choices

• Flagging confusing explanations

Technical Excellence:

• Fixing grammar and punctuation

• Ensuring consistent terminology

• Catching typos and errors

• Checking basic facts

• Following style guide rules

• Formatting citations correctly

• Flagging potential legal issues (like quotes or permissions needed)

You're ready for a copy editor when:

• Your content is complete

• Your structure feels solid

• You've done thorough self-editing

• You want to make your writing shine

Pro Tip: On platforms like Reedsy, copy editors typically include line editing (style and flow) in their service. When researching and contacting editors, look for what their copy editing package includes.

3. Format Your Book

This is when your manuscript becomes a real book. You can either format it yourself using specific tools or hire a professional:

DIY Formatting Options:

• Atticus ($)

• Vellum (Mac only, $)

• Adobe InDesign (requires learning curve, $$)

• Microsoft Word (free if you have it, but limited)

Professional Formatting: Consider hiring a professional if:

• Your book has complex layouts

• You have lots of images or tables

• You want an index

• You'd rather focus on writing

Whether DIY or professional, formatting includes:

• Professional layout

• Chapter styling

• Image placement

• Table formatting

• Headers and footers

Pro Tip: We'll dive deeper into formatting options in a future article. For now, just know that you have choices - you don't have to learn formatting if you don't want to.

4. A Note About Fact-Checking

As a nonfiction author, you're the first line of defense for accuracy:

• Always verify your facts during research

• Keep detailed notes of your sources

• Double-check statistics and quotes

• Consider having multiple sources for important claims

While developmental and copy editors will catch obvious factual errors, some books (like my fun fact books) benefit from dedicated fact-checking.

A fact-checker will:

• Verify every factual claim

• Check sources and citations

• Ensure dates and numbers are accurate

• Flag potential accuracy issues

You might need a dedicated fact-checker if:

• Your book contains lots of specific facts

• You're writing about a technical topic

• Accuracy is vital to your book's success

• You want extra confidence in your research

Remember: No matter who else reviews your work, you're ultimately responsible for the accuracy of your book. Build fact-checking into your writing process from day one.

5. Beta Readers + Final Proofread

Beta Readers

Beta readers experience your formatted book like real readers would and can help you by:

• Flagging confusing explanations

• Spotting gaps in information

• Testing your how-to instructions

• Noting any formatting distractions

• Suggesting additional content

For your final proofread, you have several options:

Professional Proofreader

Best for:

• Complex books

• Technical content

DIY Proofreading

If you're doing it yourself:

1. Get a physical proof copy or PDF of your formatted book

2. Print it out (if you have a PDF) - errors are easier to spot on paper

3. Read it aloud slowly

4. Use a ruler or blank paper to read line by line

5. Check every page number, header, and footer

6. Verify the table of contents matches the chapter pages

7. Have a detail-oriented friend review it

Pro Tip: Tools like Grammarly and ProWritingAid are great for early drafts, but won't work on your formatted book. For the final proofread, you need human eyes on the actual book format.

Now that you understand the editing process and what each type of editor does, let's take some practical steps toward finding your editor.

📌 Your Quick Win Exercise: Research Potential Editors

As you explore, remember that a great editor isn't just about credentials - they need to be the right fit for your book and working style.

Set a 30-minute timer and explore your options:

Browse Editor Profiles (15 minutes)

I typically use Reedsy.com for finding editors (I've worked with several editors there), but feel free to explore other platforms like the Editorial Freelancers Association, for example:

• Create a free account on your chosen platform

• Filter for nonfiction editors in your subject area

• Open 3-4 promising profiles in new tabs

• Note their experience and sample work

• Pay attention to their specialized areas

Compare Services (10 minutes)

• Look at what different editors include

• Note their rates if listed

• Check what other books they've edited

• Save profiles that interest you

Make Your Shortlist (5 minutes)

• Choose 2-3 editors to contact later

• Write down what attracted you to each

• Note any questions you want to ask them

Remember: You don’t need to contact editors yet - you’re just researching for now.

🔍 Resources to Get Started

While we'll dive deeper into working with editors next week, here are some trusted places to begin your search:

Reedsy (www.reedsy.com)

• Professional marketplace with vetted editors

• Each editor has a detailed profile and reviews

• Easy to request and compare quotes

Editorial Freelancers Association (www.the-efa.org)

• Long-standing professional organization

• Searchable directory of editors

• Editors list their specialities and experience

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📝 Next Week: Working with Your Editor

Now that you understand the different types of editors, next week we'll focus on building a successful editing relationship. You'll learn:

• What questions to ask potential editors

• How to prepare your manuscript

• What to expect during the editing process

• How to make the most of your editor's expertise

• Tips for building a great working relationship

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Remember: Every successful book goes through multiple rounds of editing. Your job now is to understand the editing process and find the right editor for your book. A great editor will be both your champion and your guide, helping take your book from good to great.

Until next week, here's to finding your perfect editor!

Warmly,

Marianne