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7 Essential Qualities to Look for in a Book

Editor

If you are thinking of publishing a book of your very own, you should make sure that you release it in the best condition possible. This means that it should have little to no errors.

Remember that most readers are very particular when it comes to grammar, spelling and other aspects of writing. So it is imperative that before you even send in your work to any potential publishers, it should be perfect or at least as close to perfect as possible.

The best way to perfect your manuscript, is to hire a professional book editor. Although you may have belief in your editing skills, it always helps to have a professional look through your work.

Before you hire a book editor, you should make sure that they have the right qualities for the job. Anybody can say that they are book editors, but it takes years of experiences and skill to be one.

Here are 7 Essential qualities to look for in a book editor.

1. Patience

Patience is one of the most essential things you should look for in a book editor. Remember that you will be working with him or her in a majority of the book publishing process. This quality in a book editor is quite important, because there will be times where you will make mistakes.

There will be aspects of the writing process that you will struggle with. So you will need a patient book editor that will explain these concepts to you. Remember that the book editing process is stressful enough as it is, and you should not have to deal with an impatient book editor.

2. Attention to Detail

Yet another quality that you should look for in a book editor, is attention to detail. The book editor should be your last line of defense against errors. He or she is your extra pair of eyes, and they should be as eagle eyed as you. You cannot afford to have a careless book editor, because one mistake could ruin your book’s chances of success. So when you choose a book editor, you should check with their past employers. Ask them if the book editor was always meticulous throughout the publishing process. Ask them if the book editors missed any errors. This may seem a bit intensive, but it is necessary if you want to hire the best editor possible.

3. Respectful

The book publishing process is very work intensive, and you will need to work hand in hand with your book editor. So it is imperative that you have a respectful relationship. Although you need the book editor’s help, you are still the employer. So it should be a relationship between equals. The book editor should be your mentor without being condescending, and you should be the employer without being a tyrant.

4. Mastery of Editing

It goes without saying that your book editor should be a master when it comes to editing. He or she should know all the nuances of proper grammar, spelling, sentence composition, etc. Your book editor should also know the rules of the various style manuals such as the Chicago Manual of Style and the Associated Press Stylebook to name but a few.

5. Professionalism

The success of your book can rest on your book editor’s professionalism. So he or she should be very aware of this fact. If you are going to meet up in person, or have a video meeting the book editor should be on time. Remember that you are paying your hard-earned money for your book editor’s time. So you should expect your book editor to be as professional as possible.

6. Experience

Before you hire any potential book editor, you should check his or her track record. Remember that the more experienced a book editor, the more efficient their book editing will be. So make it a priority to check on their past works and clients.

7. Humility

Aside from being good at his or her job, your editor should also be humble. It is difficult to work with an editor who feels that he or she knows best. If you are going to choose a book editor, you should choose one that could accept that he or she could make mistakes. This will make the overall editing process a lot easier.

Conclusion

Book editing can be a multifaceted process, and if you want your book to do well you should have the best help possible. By knowing what to look for in a book editor, you will be able to release a book that you can be proud of.

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