What Does A Book Editor Actually Do?

What does a book editor actually do? Is it all just finding stray commas and reading books all day? Find out more about how a book editor works, and how they can help you on your author journey!

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[ibiwoyeelijah]

This is so insightful. Thank you, Susan!❤

[richardpinilla]

Your video is great. You’re very passionate about your craft. I can’t believe you only have three likes. 🥇🥇🥇🥇

[morpheus]

I Just sent you a request for the free consultation. I may or may not have checked all the boxes on "Service Requested" cuz I didn't know what to choose, but I'm eager for the experience. Beginning to write my book was definitely one of the best decision I made this year.

[oldguyinstanton]

Thank you for this video. It has helped.

[scottjackson]

I hope that I can use your services in the near future. I’m working on a manuscript - a novel, mainstream literary. I’m only 5, 000 words in, but I’m already rethinking lots of things about the story, based mainly on “internet tips.” 😬

[jillchase]

Thanks for sharing this helpful video! It seems that you were able to launch a freelance editing career after getting experience with a company. What would you recommend for a high school student who is interested in a career in editing? Can they start out on their own, or do they need to gain experience and a reputation by working for someone first? Thanks!

[PaintingMeJosh]

Fair warning, this is all over the place and probably confusing to read.

I've not really looked too hard for this answer, and I could probs just google it. But I've been wondering if editors leave comments about critiques or if they go ahead and make the corrections themselves (mainly referring to copy edits here). I'm extremely OCD and plan on keeping my entire MS in my own personal doc, which is the doc I'll end up using to submir for formatting and publishing and all that. I make *duplicate* docs to send out to beta readers, so if I'm not explicitly told about any changes made (periods, commas, whatever it may be), they'll never end up in my main doc, therefore it won't make it to print. So this very much worries me about the copy editing process. Zero idea how it works. I'll definitely google for these answers when the time comes for professional editing, so forgive my word vomit.

[babaganamustapha]

Very good job please I need your help how can i reach out to you i have problem with my book.

[lizzydrinks]

If you have a book editor do they have something to protect the creator from not having there work taken?

[stringtheory]

So if I had a story I just finished the rough draft of, but not sure if I should turn it into a graphic comic book novel or a actual book? Should I send what I have B into a editor so they could point me in the right

[AjitNikum-oolr]

Does i have to take any professional degree or what
Please tell me

[AjitNikum-oolr]

Hi if i want to become an editor like you then what should I do

[carolyn_s]

Thanks for sharing this wealth of knowledge! I am starting a new career path as a proofreader. I am currently building my website and LinkedIn profile. Would you find it beneficial to include editors as a niche target market? Do authors ask their editors for recommendations on proofreaders? Thanks!

[idiotwithopinions]

Hey! I’m fresh out of high school and looking into a career in editing. Any advice for someone in my position?

[oldguyinstanton]

5:16 "...obviously all those pieces are different cogs that have to work together in the bigger plot machine..."

But do they? The "verse" of my novel necessarily has networks and connections of cause and effect that create thousands of potential story lines that have absolutely nothing (except canon) in common with the characters and plot of the novel this background was created for.

Or am I misunderstanding, and are you saying that the "bigger plot machine" IS the general "plot line" of the Universe wherein the novel is set?

This applies in the current verse when, for example, a minor shady character mentioned briefly in flashback is so damned interesting I have to avoid the temptation to drop the current novel and do one about him.

This applies historically, as well. For example, to consistently present the current relationship between the bug-eyed tentacled monstrous aliens and their world's version of humans, I have to create the history of each species, and their often-adversarial relationships with each other throughout that history. There is a lot of room there for historical swashbuckler sword play dragon-slaying drama that has nothing do do with starships and space pirates.

[CassidyMaag-pxff]

Hi! I'm thinking about changing my major to Philosophy. Could I become a freelance book editor with this major?

[jameschickentacos]

Do you stick to specific genres for editing? Or do you edit all genres?

[longpmike]

I do need a developmental editor, any recommendations?

[BrockJohnson-czsf]

Hi, my name is Brock Johnson and I'm interested in becoming an editor. Could I talk to you sometime about your job and How you became an editor? Thanks!

[hglundahl]

8:04 Excuse me, if Susan Barnes Editing only there for the work of editing, or is it also a publishing house?

In French "publishing house" is "éditions" so, I thought you did publishing ...