What to look for in a book editor
How to Choose a Book Editor Who’s Right for You
Hiring a book editor is an important life decision.
Keep in mind: Anyone you allow to have access to your manuscript before it’s published will leave an energetic imprint on the book.
So you want to be very careful about who gets to touch your work and offer input!
An editor isn’t just revising grammar, spelling, and punctuation. They’re also contributing to your ideas and voice.
The right editor can help you see the book you’re trying to write more clearly—and give you the confidence and direction to bring it to life.
The wrong editor can leave you feeling overwhelmed, criticized, or misunderstood.
So how do you find the right one?
Here are some of the most important things I recommend looking for when choosing a book editor.
Look for an editor who specializes in your kind of book
A brilliant editor of literary fiction may not be the best person to edit your spiritual memoir. An editor who specializes in business books may not understand the nuances of a book about energy healing, consciousness, trauma, or mysticism.
Look for someone who has experience with your genre, subject matter, audience, and type of book.
And don't be afraid to ask:
What kinds of books do you typically edit?
Have you worked on books like mine?
Do you understand my subject matter?
Can you share examples of relevant projects?
Look for an editor whose expertise is in your genre, and who is passionate about what you’re writing about.
How comfortable, safe, and relaxed do you feel around your editor?
You’ll know if it clicks, because you’ll feel totally open to being your true self, letting your worries and fears and stresses be known, and asking questions even if they sort of feel like dumb questions at first. A good editor puts your mind at ease and boosts your confidence.
Notice how your body feels. If you’re tensing up, that’s a sign that it might not be the best fit.
If you feel a genuine sense of trust and connection, that could be your editor.
Make sure they offer the kind of editing you need
“Book editing” can mean very different things. Editing typically involves multiple passes on the manuscript, with different goals at each stage.
A developmental editor looks at the book as a whole: structure, ideas, pacing, organization, argument, character development, reader experience, and what the book is ultimately trying to accomplish.
A copyeditor focuses on grammar, punctuation, consistency, and sentence-level clarity.
A book coach may work with you before or during the writing process to help you develop the concept, create an outline, stay accountable, make decisions, and actually finish the manuscript.
And sometimes you need a combination of these.
Before hiring someone, get clear about where you are in the process and what kind of support you need.
Note your book editor’s communication style
Does your editor offer Zoom calls to discuss the book in real time, or do they prefer to send feedback via email?
Your editor might be technically brilliant, but if you dread opening their emails or feel defensive every time they give you feedback, the relationship may not be a good fit.
Pay attention to how they talk to you during the consultation.
Do they listen? Do they ask thoughtful questions? Do they seem genuinely interested in your book?
Can they explain their feedback clearly? Do they make space for you to disagree? Do you feel respected?
You are hiring a collaborator, so choose someone you feel a synergy with.
Look for someone who can help you learn and grow
You don't need an editor who only tells you everything is wonderful. You can have a friend read your book and tell you that ;)
You also definitely don't need an editor who tears your manuscript apart just to “prove” they're doing their job.
You need someone who can say, “This isn't working yet, and here's why.”
…and then help you figure out what to do about it.
The best editorial feedback is both honest and useful.
Your editor should be able to identify what's not working while also helping you recognize what's already powerful in the manuscript.
Especially with a book you've poured years of your life into.
Does this book editor see you as a whole person, not just a project?
Maybe you're writing about addiction recovery, your spiritual awakening, your healing journey, your relationship with your body, your work with clients, or something you’ve spent years learning.
When writing a deeply soulful book, it brings a lot to the surface.
You need an editor who honors and respects that, and isn’t going to rush you.
Your editor isn’t your therapist, but it is helpful to find someone with emotional intelligence and empathy.
It can be incredibly valuable to work with someone who understands that writing is an embodied and emotional process, not just an intellectual one.
If your book is deeply personal, find someone you feel comfortable getting vulnerable with, and who you feel sees you as the whole human being you are.
Ask about their editorial philosophy
This is a great question to ask before hiring an editor:
“What's your approach to editing?”
Listen carefully to the answer.
You can also ask about their leadership style, communication style, or why they got into editing.
If you have a strong vision for your book, you want someone who can challenge you while still keeping on track with that vision.
If you feel completely lost, you may want someone who is more hands-on and directive.
Know what kind of relationship you want before you choose your editor.
The right book editor isn't just editing your manuscript
The right editor is also strategizing with you. Helping you make great decisions. Showing you where you can grow and evolve.
Creating space for you to dream.
They're helping you see what you can't see.
They're helping you understand what your reader needs.
And, ideally, they're helping you become a more confident author and person in the process.
I love book editing because it’s personal development work on steroids ;)
I'm Rachel Warmath, a developmental book editor, book coach, ghostwriter, and book shaman.
I work with authors who are writing books about spirituality, healing, transformation, personal growth, consciousness, grief, rebirth, and reclamation.
My approach to editing is collaborative and empowering. I of course care about helping you craft the best book possible, but I also care deeply about the experience you have writing it.
I’m here to strengthen and amplify your voice, because that’s where your power is.
I’m here to witness and celebrate you.
As an author, you have every right to push back on feedback that doesn’t resonate with you.
My job as an editor is to get you thinking… to put new ideas out there for you to test and wrestle with. Ultimately, your intuition and your gut instinct have the final say, because as the author you are the leading authority on this book you’re writing.
I am here to lift you up, show you ways you can improve your work and make it even stronger, and discover more inner self-worth and self-confidence along the way.