The Endless Importance of an Outside Editor
Every good children’s book starts with a bright idea. That idea is only as good as the work you put into it. Often, it takes a dedicated behind-the-scenes team to truly empower you along the way.
Every genre and type of book has a different path to publication. All your favorite books, including beloved classics from your childhood, had a comprehensive team pushing them past the finish line. Any successful book in modern publishing history had a support system that readied it for success.
A key member of your publishing team is your editor. Whether a standard editor or a copy editor, they will provide invaluable guidance and unlock new layers to your book. All professional editors give their authors the tools they need for success. It is then up to you, the author, to use them to your advantage.
What Is an Editor?
There is not one singular descriptor of an editor, nor is there a concrete list of functions. As a whole, editors are responsible for reading your manuscript and suggesting revisions. While it seems simple, the role of an editor goes much deeper than that.
One type of editor is a general editor that works with you on big-picture parts of your text. They often suggest large, structural changes that are not as simple as quick revisions. Sometimes, your first draft will need a lot of work. Even the best books started off as less successful first drafts that became better over time. That is where an editor’s guidance is the strongest, providing a powerful force to support you along the way.
A copy editor is a more specific type of editor. Instead of looking at the specific content of your story, copy editors review your grammar, syntax, and style. They are not concerned with the story you are telling and only care that you are saying it correctly. This type of editor is crucial at making sure your book can be read by your audience. A book with subpar grammar and a lot of typos will struggle to be successful. Listening to the advice of your copy editor will make your book as well-written as possible.
Who Will Be Your Editor?
It can be great to have friends and family review your writing. They know you and can freely share their opinions to continue building your story. However, never underestimate the importance of having a professional editor review your manuscript. Friends and family can help guide your writing process and offer suggestions, but a professional editor knows the industry.
The difference an outside editor will have on your manuscript is astounding. You can read and reread your work as much as you want, but you will always miss something. As an author, you are the most familiar with your book, and you can begin to not notice weak points. An editor can even notice the smallest details that can be strengthened for publication.
Further, seasoned copy editors know the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) like the back of their hand. It is of paramount importance that each and every book adheres to the CMS, the industry standard. No matter who your editor or copy editor is, you will always get final approval on all changes.
The Cloverly Publishing Process
All manuscripts have room for corrections, either grammatical or structural. That is normal and to be expected, even from the most seasoned authors. Your first draft will never be the same as your final draft; the changes made between drafts can vary immensely. Your editor will work with you to make the appropriate revisions to your book. Their only job is to make your book as good as it can be without losing your vision.
Cloverly Children’s is here to help. When you sign a publication agreement with us, you are entitled to our full arsenal of book editing services. Our team of in-house editors will review each and every manuscript before publication to ensure it meets the highest standards. Most importantly, your book will be edited by a human being — no artificial intelligence will edit your book. Only humans are able to know the nuances of the human experience.
Specifically, these editors are able to tailor their editing to your audience: children. They will guide your work to the finishing line and beyond, making sure your book is beloved by all readers.
