If you want to publish a high-quality business book you might consider using the skills of a book editor. But just what is a book editor, when do you need to engage one and how do you find one?
Firstly, the role of an editor is different if you are talking about the traditional publishing world and the world of self publishing. In traditional publishing they are often called acquiring editor or commissioning editor, development editor or technical editor. They become involved in the VERY early stages of an author’s manuscript and are more often than not consulted about whether an author is taken on by the publisher.
In self publishing it’s more typical for an editor to get involved after the first draft of your manuscript, although here at The Book Adviser, we act as your editor as we help you understand your target audience, work with you upfront on the structure and content of your book BEFORE you even start writing. That way you won’t need an editor.
What does a book editor do?
A book editor makes changes and suggestions that will improve the overall quality of your writing, particularly in relation to the structure of what you have written, how you have expressed key thoughts and ideas, your language use and expression.
Here are 5 ways an editor will improve your book.
1. Does the structure of your manuscript flow/make sense?
This is a common trap for first time business authors. They are so keen to share their knowledge that they write first…not taking the time to step back, think about their audience and their challenges, and structuring their book around these.
I advise our clients to spend time thinking about the top 4-5 challenges of their target audience and then match up their knowledge sets to these.
Most readers can’t take in more than 2-3 core ideas/concepts so don’t overload your readers with too much. If you have more to share, perhaps think about writing a second book, or sharing connected knowledge and information through LinkedIn Articles, on Substack, your own newsletter.
2. What voice have you used?
Have you used a passive voice? An active voice is not always appropriate, but writing that is too passive does not make for compelling reading. Don’t know what the difference is – that’s OK an editor does.
3. Is the tone appropriate for the audience?
Do you use too many words? Using unnecessary and frivolous words is a common trait in many writers, and it’s a common trait of ChatGPT. I can tell within 1-2 paragraphs if something has been ‘written’ by ChatGPT because of the flowery, expansive words used (and the over use of em dashes).
The same goes for common phrases that don’t add anything to your writing. Here are some examples:
At the end of the day
In this day and age
It is important to note….
In terms of
First and foremost
I get it, it’s hard to not use these phrases as most of us use them in everyday conversation. But don’t use them in your book. It’s lazy and they don’t add anything.
4. Are you making claims/statements that can’t be proven?
This is another important element of writing a quality book that many overlook. As a company historian I live and die by checking statements and referencing information through footnotes. If I can’t locate the document/book/reference paper, interview I don’t use it. It can be frustrating at times because I know I’ve seen the information somewhere but if I can’t retrieve it I either rewrite it or delete it.
Reference checking is vitally important when using AI apps. Some are better than others at providing accurate sources but whatever AI you are using CHECK THE REFERENCES. Many are made up, don’t actually exist or are simply wrong. Yes, this takes time but if you want to self publish a quality book it’s your reputation you are protecting.
A quick tip on this. When I set up a new Word document to start writing I always use the footnoting function. In many cases the footnotes don’t make it through to the final manuscript or the book, but it means I have a running record of where I have sourced information from. This has saved me hours and hours trying to find the reference.
5. Are your references relevant/appropriate or do you need some?
Linked to Point 4 take the time to think about the references you are providing. Are they useful, will your audience value them, or not? If you don’t have any references, should you? An editor can provide this direction.
A good editor will have (or should have) some subject area expertise, or at least be interested and willing to acquire it, so they can cross check or question you on the facts and information you are presenting.
Many editors will also pick up spelling and typographical errors as they go through but it’s not their main focus, that’s what a proofreader is for, and I cover the role of a proofreader in this article. https://thebookadviser.com.au/why-you-need-a-proofreader-for-your-book/
As I mentioned earlier, depending on who you have engaged about your book before you started writing you may or may not need an editor. When we work with clients who haven’t started writing we spend several hours working with them on defining their audience, contents and structure of their book – so they don’t need an editor. Where authors come to us with a first draft I review it (as an editor) and provide feedback.
How to brief an editor
It is important to provide your editor a clear, written brief as to who your target audience is, the key themes and messages you want to convey in your book and the approach you have taken/want to take. For example: is your book an easy how-to guide, something more accessible or more substantive, academic? Do you expect your reader to read the book from beginning to end or do you want them to be able to go to a specific chapter? Does your book share worksheets, chapter summaries, links to your website for downloads?
The more information you provide to your editor, or us, the better we can understand what you are thinking about for your book.
While an editor will also pick up spelling and typographical errors as they go through it’s a good idea to provide them with your Style Guide so they know what style you are applying to your book and the specific industry terminology you are applying as often this is different to ‘standard English’.
How to find an editor
Finding a good, human editor can be a challenge. I have a network of editors I’ve built up and used over time. Many of the self publishing platforms have editor options…but again, provide a brief and ask for a quote up front. I am an Ambassador for the Alliance of Independent Authors which has a specialist editors. In Australia the Australian Society of Authors is a great resource, and then there’s freelancing sites such as UpWork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com and others.
Don’t use Ai tools exclusively as an editor (this will be the source of some of your editing issues). AI has its limits and can really mess with your style, voice, and may not be correct. If you want to use AI such as Grammarly, ProWritingAid and Marlowe check what they provide.
You might have been told that you don’t need a book editor and might be unsure about what the difference is between a book editor and proofreader. Here’s a link to an article I shared about this that will help you work out whether you need an editor and a proofreader or just a proofreader.
One last tip
When you’re contracting an editor it’s a good idea to give them your chapter outline and even a draft chapter or two and ask them to review it and then give you a quote. Don’t wait till they have completed the job to discuss the fee. AND, be clear about the process they will undertake and the timeframe.
If you need help with your business book manuscript, contact us.
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