Five Qualities to Look for In an Editor
Whether you’re working on an instructional manual or a novel, having the right editor is imperative. Finding someone who is your well-intentioned opposite, has the know-how and empathy to deliver their message in a way that’s helpful, comes from a place of care, and is as invested in your project as you are is hard work!
Take a look at these five facts I’ve put together about editors. Maybe some of these are qualities you’ve not thought about and need to add to your list, or they’re new to you and are definitely appealing.
And when I say “editors” and “they” below, I mean “I”. :-)
#1: Editors are word nerds.
Really. They like words and the way they’re put together to make a story.
Most of us are widely read, especially in genres we edit. We think style guides and publication manuals (APA, Chicago, AP, MLA, etc.) are fun to study.
I don’t think twice when challenged with learning a new style. And each project/series should have its own style sheet. Organizations and authors should have their own style guide—these show an editor or proofreader where straying from a specific style is expected and treatments for various items that might be encountered during editing.
#2: Editors are knowledgeable.
That doesn’t mean they know everything, but they have a good idea where to look.
Part of being a good nonfiction editor is being in-the-know about the topic. We don’t have to be “experts” but we should know the jargon and processes used. This can be acquired knowledge, specific to an organization, too.
I am far from a polyglot, but I edit content for an org that provides translation and interpretation services as well as conducts education on language justice. I did research and my contact is gracious enough to answer any questions I may have.
When it comes to fiction, editors need to be curious. We don’t have to have a background in law enforcement to edit a book containing a character who is part of the police force. Nor do we need to have had similar experiences to the main characters in order to ensure they’re believable (billionaire romances, anyone?).
I spend time (probably more than I should…) researching professions, locations, and historical elements for many novels I edit. I find reliable resources to guide me while I edit a work of fiction and relay those to the author as needed. I also encourage authors to keep track of the resources they might have used to research their novels and share them with me.
#3: Editors are partners.
A good editor will be positive and supportive throughout their portion of the editing process.
And beyond.
This is OUR project.
#4: Editors are cheerleaders.
They want you to succeed and want your manuscript to be the best it can be.
Most of us have social media accounts. Following authors and sharing projects we’ve worked on should be part of our own marketing as editors. Besides promoting our own services, we’re giving our thoughts and impressions about the text.
Did you make the bestseller list or hit the top of your category? Celebration on socials! Article in a local newspaper? You bet I’m sharing. Not only does that help an author’s algorithms on socials, but it also spotlights them to a new audience.
I also plan to share releases in my monthly newsletter. :-)
#5: Editors are communicators.
In your agreement, be sure there are checkpoints and both parties are aware of when and how communication should take place.
It’s never okay to ghost an author unless there’s a Very Good Reason (TM). Sudden-onset illness comes to mind. However, editors are also often sole proprietors of their editing business. It’s important to keep in mind that they need to do lots of things and your manuscript is likely not the only task they have on their desk. When an editor gives a timeframe for check-ins, please observe them! They know their process and schedule better than anyone.
As I put together Purple Pen Wordsmithing, I’ve worked into my agreements a standard of communication. I’ll send a weekly email letting each client know where I am, any potential changes to the timeline, and anything they might want to think about before I return the manuscript and they begin revisions.
This might seem like an added task, but my goal, as an editor, is to ensure each author has a customized experience that meets their needs and moves their skills forward.