Editor Spotlight – Elyse Lyon

I’ve been asking a few newer editors to share their tips about creating successful editing businesses. This week, Elyse Lyon responded with her thoughts. – Jennifer Lawler My background is in creative writing/literary fiction and EFL (English as a foreign language) teaching. That background has absolutely helped me in understanding clients and providing services that…

Editing Basics

An editor is someone who takes written works (called “manuscripts” before publication) and helps to shape them so that they better serve the reader and, not incidentally, the author. Typically the editorial process involves the editor receiving the manuscript, marking it up with edits and suggestions (called editorial queries), and returning it to the author…

How to Get Started as a Developmental Editor

A tale of three aspiring editors. This post is based on real people, but I’ve changed names and other identifying details – I’m not trying to embarrass anyone, I’m trying to inspire action. About three years ago, three students started taking classes at Club Ed at the same time. Let’s call them Jane, Martha, and…

How long does it take to edit a manuscript?

Editors often aren’t sure how long it takes to edit a manuscript, from the first read-through to the final review of the revision letter. I’d say that editors underestimate by about 25% (sometimes more) much of the time. If you underestimate badly enough, you wind up earning less than you would shaking a fry basket…

Actions Speak Louder than Words: Client Edition

You know the saying, “Actions speak louder than words?” It’s a good one to follow when working with clients. It doesn’t matter what anyone says they’re going to do. It matters if they do it. Caution: Client’s Words and Actions Don’t Align If you’ve got a publisher client who says they pay within thirty days…

The Skills Freelance Editors Need

If you’re interested in learning how to become a freelance book editor, you’re probably wondering what kind of person thrives in the environment—what kind of skills freelance editors need. Training for Fiction Editors First, you have to have training (and that’s where Club Ed comes in). Without a specific understanding of editing methodology – whether…

Setting expectations with publisher/packager clients

Many freelance editors are interested in getting editorial work from book publishers and packagers, and often they’re so focused on landing the client that they don’t think about setting expectations for their work. Then the first project is assigned, and they have less time than they normally have with indie authors, they’re asked to sit…