Book editors do more than just fix typos and comas. A book editor is the unsung hero behind every great book, transforming raw manuscripts into polished masterpieces. Whether you’re an aspiring author or a seasoned writer, understanding the role of a book editor is crucial. The following guide will answer the question what does a book editor as why it matters. Ready to learn how editors shape the books we love? Let’s dive in.
What Does a Book Editor Do and Why It Matters
If you think a book editor is just there to fix a few typos and move commas around, think again. Their job is much bigger than that. Whether you’re writing fiction, non-fiction, or something in between, an editor plays a huge role in shaping your book into something that readers—and publishers—will take seriously.
Why a Book Needs an Editor
You might be a great storyteller, but that doesn’t mean your book is ready to hit the shelves. Even the best writers need a second pair of eyes. A book editor spots things you won’t, from clunky sentences to major plot holes. They make sure your writing is clear, your ideas make sense, and your book actually works for the audience you’re aiming at.
Think about it—if you read a book full of mistakes, odd phrasing, or a story that goes nowhere, you’re not going to be impressed. A good editor makes sure that doesn’t happen to your book.
What a Book Editor Actually Does
A book editor isn’t just there to correct grammar (although they do that too). Their job covers a lot more ground, depending on the type of editing your book needs. Here’s what they handle:
- Big Picture Stuff – Does the story make sense? Are there massive gaps in the plot? Are the characters believable? A developmental editor looks at all of this and helps you tighten up your book.
- Sentence-Level Fixes – Some writing just doesn’t sound right. Editors fix awkward phrasing, repetition, and sentences that don’t flow properly.
- Grammar and Spelling – This is the bit most people think of—getting rid of typos, fixing punctuation, and making sure everything’s correct.
- Consistency Checks – If your main character has blue eyes on page 10 and green eyes on page 200, an editor will catch that. They also check that names, dates, and details don’t randomly change.
- Formatting and Final Polish – Whether your book is going to print or you’re working with ebook publishers UK, an editor helps get it properly formatted so it looks professional.
Can’t You Just Edit Your Own Book?
Short answer: no. Long answer: you can try, but it’s a bad idea.
When you’ve spent months (or years) working on a book, you get too close to it. Your brain automatically fills in missing words and skips over errors. You won’t see what a fresh reader sees.
That’s why professional editing exists. A book editor is trained to spot things that you—and your mates—will miss.
Why Editing Can Make or Break Your Book
Readers expect a polished book. If yours is full of mistakes, they’ll notice, and it won’t take long for bad reviews to pile up. And if you’re going down the traditional publishing route, literary agents and publishers will reject a messy manuscript straight away.
Even if you’re self-publishing, working with a book marketing services team won’t help much if your book is full of errors. Readers talk, and if your book looks amateur, word will spread. A good editor makes sure that doesn’t happen.
Types of Book Editors—Who Does What?
So, we’ve established that what does a book editor do. But here’s the thing: editing isn’t a one-size-fits-all job. Not every editor does the same thing. Depending on where your book is in the process, you might need one, two, or even all of these types of editors.
1. Developmental Editors—The Big-Picture Fixers
Before you start thinking about commas and spelling, there’s the structural stuff to sort out. That’s where a developmental editor comes in. They look at the book as a whole—plot, pacing, character development, and overall structure.
If your story drags in the middle or your characters feel flat, they’ll tell you. If your argument in a non-fiction book feels weak or disorganised, they’ll point that out, too. This is where you get the heavy lifting done—fixing major issues before moving on to the finer details. If you’re self-publishing or aiming for traditional publishing, this stage can make or break your book.
2. Line Editors—Making Sentences Sound Right
Once the big-picture problems are sorted, it’s time to fine-tune the writing itself. A line editor focuses on how your book reads at the sentence level. They’ll check for awkward phrasing, repetitive wording, and anything that makes the writing feel clunky.
A good line editor will make sure your book flows naturally (without turning it into something that sounds nothing like you). They’re not here to rewrite your work, but they will make sure every sentence earns its place. If your writing is too wordy or lacks clarity, they’ll fix that.
3. Copy Editors—The Detail-Oriented Perfectionists
Now, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty. A copy editor is the one who makes sure everything is technically correct. Spelling? Grammar? Punctuation? That’s their domain. But they also check for consistency—making sure character names, dates, and facts don’t change halfway through the book.
If your book says one thing in Chapter 3 and contradicts itself in Chapter 12, a copy editor will catch it. They’ll also make sure your writing follows a style guide, which is especially important if you’re working with traditional publishers or professional ebook publishers UK.
Why Hire a Book Editor?
Now that you know what does a book editor do and the different types, you might be wondering—do you really need one? Maybe you’ve got a good eye for detail. Maybe your mate swears they’ll read through it for you. Maybe you’re thinking, “I’ll just run it through spellcheck and call it a day.”
Here’s the reality: professional book editing isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And here’s why.
You’re Too Close to Your Own Writing
When you’ve spent months (or years) writing a book, you become blind to its flaws. You know what you meant to say, so your brain automatically fills in the gaps. You won’t spot the missing words, the awkward sentences, or the parts where things don’t quite add up.
An editor comes in with fresh eyes. They don’t know what you meant to write, only what’s actually on the page. And that’s exactly what you need before you send your book out into the world.
2. Spelling and Grammar Checks Aren’t Enough
Sure, a spellchecker will catch some typos. But it won’t tell you if a sentence is too confusing to read. It won’t pick up when you’ve accidentally swapped “your” for “you’re” in a crucial moment. It won’t notice if your writing has an odd rhythm or if you’ve repeated the same phrase three times in two paragraphs.
A book editor does all that. They make sure your writing is clear, professional, and—most importantly—readable.
3. Readers Will Judge You for Mistakes
Readers expect books to be polished. If yours is full of errors, they will notice. And they won’t be kind about it. Bad reviews aren’t just embarrassing—they can hurt your book’s sales and reputation.
Even if you’re self-publishing and handling your own book marketing services, no promotion will save a poorly edited book. Editing isn’t just about making your book better—it’s about making sure readers take you seriously.
4. Publishers and Agents Expect a Professional Manuscript
If you’re aiming for traditional publishing, a messy manuscript won’t get you far. Agents and publishers receive countless submissions, and they don’t have time to struggle through poorly structured writing. If your book isn’t polished, they’ll move on to the next one.
Even if a publisher is interested, they’ll expect you to have done the heavy lifting before submission. A book editor ensures your manuscript is in the best possible shape before it lands on their desk.
5. You Only Get One Shot at a First Impression
Whether you’re sending your book to a publisher, self-publishing, or working with ebook publishers UK, the first version of your book that people see is the one they’ll judge. A well-edited book makes a strong impression—it tells readers (and industry professionals) that you take your work seriously.
Skip the editing, and your book might not get a second chance.
What to Look for in an Experienced Book Editor
By now, you know that hiring a book editor is non-negotiable if you want your book to be taken seriously. However, not all editors are created equal. A bad editor can do more harm than good, and let’s be honest—you don’t want to hand over your manuscript to someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing.
So, how do you separate the professionals from the amateurs? Here’s what to look for.
1. Experience with Your Genre
Editing a thriller is nothing like editing a fantasy novel, and non-fiction has its own set of rules. You need an editor who understands your genre inside out. They should know what works, what doesn’t, and what readers expect.
An editor who mainly works on business books won’t necessarily be the best fit for your sci-fi epic. Always check their background before making a decision.
2. A Solid Track Record (With Proof)
Anyone can call themselves a book editor, but a real pro will have proof of their work. Look for testimonials, past projects, or even books they’ve worked on. If they can’t provide examples of books they’ve edited, that’s a red flag.
It also helps if they’ve worked with reputable ebook publishers UK or publishing houses. That means they understand industry standards and know what makes a book market-ready.
3. Clear Communication (And No Ego)
A good editor will tell you what needs fixing, but they won’t try to take over your book. The best ones know how to give constructive feedback without crushing your confidence. They should also be open to questions and willing to explain their suggestions.
If an editor refuses to discuss their edits or acts like they know best without listening to you, walk away. Editing is a partnership, not a dictatorship.
4. Attention to Detail (Without Losing the Big Picture)
Some editors are great at catching typos but miss bigger structural problems. Others focus on the big stuff but let smaller mistakes slip through. A great book editor balances both—fixing the fine details while making sure your book makes sense as a whole.
If they’re only pointing out minor grammar issues but ignoring major plot holes, they’re not doing the job properly.
5. Fair Pricing (No Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals)
Editing is an investment, but if an editor’s rates seem too low, there’s usually a reason. Quality editing takes time, and professionals charge accordingly. That doesn’t mean you should overpay, but be wary of anyone offering unbelievably cheap services.
On the other hand, just because someone charges a fortune doesn’t mean they’re the best. Always check their experience, reviews, and sample work before making a decision.
Final Note
So, what does a book editor do? They’re the bridge between your vision and a reader’s experience, ensuring your book is clear, compelling, and ready for the world. Whether you’re working with traditional publishers, ebook publishers UK, or handling your own book marketing services, a skilled editor is your secret weapon. Don’t let your hard work get lost in a sea of errors—invest in professional editing and give your book the best chance to shine.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What does a book editor do?
A: A book editor does far more than just correct grammar and spelling. They work on multiple levels, from big-picture issues like plot structure and character development (developmental editing) to sentence-level improvements (line editing) and technical accuracy (copy editing). They ensure your book is consistent, readable, and ready for publication.
Q2: What does it take to be a book editor?
A: Becoming a book editor requires a strong command of language, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of storytelling and structure. Many editors have backgrounds in English, journalism, or creative writing, along with experience in publishing. Training in specific editing techniques and familiarity with style guides are also essential.
Q3: What does a book editor make?
A: The income of a book editor varies based on experience, specialisation, and whether they work freelance or for a publishing house. Freelance editors may charge per word, per page, or per project, with rates ranging from £20 to £60 per hour. In-house editors at publishing companies typically earn salaries starting around £25,000, with senior editors earning significantly more.
Q4: Do I need an editor if I’m self-publishing?
A: Absolutely. Self-published books face the same scrutiny as traditionally published ones, and readers expect a professional product. A book editor ensures your manuscript is polished, error-free, and ready to compete in the market. Skipping this step can lead to negative reviews and poor sales.
Q5: How do I find the right editor for my book?
A: Look for an editor with experience in your genre, a solid track record, and clear communication skills. Ask for samples of their work or testimonials from past clients. If you’re working with ebook publishers UK or book marketing services, they may also recommend trusted editors.