Book editors acquire solicited and unsolicited manuscripts, read them, and then decide if the given work should be purchased and eventually sold to the public. These editors need a good eye for the market and must be willing to sift through many less-than-wonderful manuscripts in hopes of finding a special one. An editor often works with the author to edit a book, through both general story editing and detailed line editing. The editor also guides the book through the production process and may promote his or her company by writing articles and making public appearances at conventions and conferences.
Editors typically work in an office answering emails and phone calls, reviewing production proofs, drafting editorial letters, answering correspondence from writers, negotiating book contracts, and working with artists and designers on cover art. They typically read manuscripts at home during nights and weekends.
“The best part of the job is seeing an idea develop into a manuscript, then into a polished manuscript, and finally into an actual book,” said Russell Davis, editor of Five Star Authors, in an interview with Vault.com. “It’s a huge rush to see what was once words on paper in a finished format. Also, calling a new writer, who’s never been published before, and saying you’d like to make an offer on their book. That’s a very cool thing.”
Davis lamented, however, that the worst part of his job is how little he reads for fun anymore because he has become so used to reading manuscripts from a marketing standpoint.
Book editors must be on the lookout for new talent and also must establish good relationships with authors, who will often use the same editor throughout their careers. Editors also need to have a strong interest in the subject matter — i.e., the specific genres of literature on which they focus, which can range from romance to gardening books.
Most editors have a bachelor’s degree in English literature, and some have graduate degrees, though that is not required. Students pursuing a career in book publishing should be prepared for a difficult first two years, during which they must typically endure long hours and low pay. During this time, they should consider what type of editor they want to be, the genre of literature they want to edit, and the size of the company for which they want to work. Such institutions as the NYU Center for Publishing, Emerson College, Pace University, the University of Denver Publishing Institute, and the Chicago Book Clinic provide training programs for students interested in a book publishing career.
To become successful in the industry, Davis advised reading as much as possible, immersing oneself in all types of literature, magazines, and newspapers, along with talking to people in the field at conferences and conventions.
“Always be willing to learn about the business side as well as the art side of publishing; explore the craft of the field at the same time as you experience the art of it. And, above all things, you must love the well-written word,” Davis said.
