So you’ve decided to hire an editor for your manuscript and are ready to begin working with a book editor. Congratulations! This is a major step toward bringing your book to life. But now you might be feeling nervous, wondering, “What happens next?” Will they rip my book apart? Am I supposed to accept every suggestion?
Breathe. Your editor is not here to criticize your writing. They are here to help it shine. This article will walk you through what to expect, from the moment you hand over your manuscript until it’s ready for publication.
Step 1: The Initial Conversation
Before any edits begin, a good editor will start with a conversation to set expectations. This is your chance to discuss your goals for the book and any concerns you might have. Topics typically include your publishing plans (indie or traditional?), the type of feedback you’re comfortable with, and the preferred file format. Some editors may even provide a sample edit to help both of you decide if it’s the right fit for your editor-author relationship.
Step 2: The Editing Process Begins
Once you’ve aligned on expectations, your editor will begin working on your manuscript. What happens during this phase depends on the service you’ve hired them for.
- Developmental Editing: The editor focuses on the big picture, addressing plot, character, and structure. You’ll receive a detailed editorial letter and comments within the document. You can learn more about this service and others by visiting our Winterwolf Press editing services page.
- Line or Copy Editing: The focus shifts to the prose at the sentence level. Your editor will use tracked changes to improve clarity and flow.
- Proofreading: This is the final check for typos and grammatical errors.
During this time, it might be quiet on your end. That’s a good thing! Use this pause to take a break from your manuscript or outline your next book.
Step 3: Receiving Editor Feedback
This is often the most nerve-wracking moment. You’ll open the file and likely see a lot of comments and changes. Don’t panic. Editor feedback is a roadmap, not a judgment on your worth as a writer. The editor’s job is to see what you can’t because you’re too close to the story.
When you receive the feedback, try to follow these steps:
- Read the full editorial letter before reacting to individual comments.
- Let everything sit for at least a day to process the suggestions with fresh eyes.
- Take notes on what resonates and what doesn’t.
- Ask questions if something is unclear.
Remember, this is a collaboration. You are both working toward the same goal: making your book the best version of itself.
Step 4: Revisions and Multiple Rounds
Your agreement may include one or more rounds of revisions. While you don’t have to accept every single suggestion, pause and ask yourself why you are rejecting a specific note. Is it your ego, or is there a genuine alternative that serves the story better? Trust your gut and your editor. The manuscript editing process is about finding a balance between their professional expertise and your creative vision.
What sets a great editor-author relationship apart is mutual respect and communication. Always remember to be open to criticism and maintain clear boundaries. Your editor is a professional and an ally, but they are not your therapist or a publisher. When this partnership works, it feels like magic, and many authors find themselves working with the same editor on multiple books.
A Final Thought
Working with an editor might feel vulnerable at first, but it is one of the most rewarding parts of the publishing journey. You will grow as a writer, and your story will become sharper, clearer, and more impactful. For more insight into what editors do and why they are so important, consider this helpful article on the role of a book editor from The Chicago Manual of Style Online.
