So you’re writing a nonfiction book. Congratulations! You’ve embarked on one of the most excellent endeavors out there.
It can be incredibly rewarding to put your years of knowledge and expertise into book form in order to create real, positive impact in the world.
But in all the excitement of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys), many nonfiction writers overlook a crucial step in the book creation process: working with a book editor to help them make their book the best it can be.
In this post, I’ll cover why it’s essential to work with an editor when writing your nonfiction book, and how this partnership can elevate your work to new heights.
Three Reasons Every Nonfiction Book Needs an Editor
There are three key reasons why every nonfiction author needs an editor. The right nonfiction editor can:
1. Provide a fresh set of eyes on your work.
When you’ve been immersed in your writing for an extended period, it’s easy to become blind to errors, inconsistencies, or even gaps in your narrative. An editor provides a fresh perspective, identifying issues you may have missed and offering valuable suggestions to enhance your work. When you can no longer see the forest for the trees—something that happens to just about every writer at some point—an editor is the arboreal visualizer you need.
2. Assess your writing objectively.
An editor brings objectivity to the table. They don’t have the same emotional attachment to your manuscript that you do, allowing them to evaluate your work objectively. This can prevent you from inadvertently overlooking weaknesses or assuming that certain information is clear when it might not be to your readers.
3. Help you clarify and refine your ideas.
Sometimes, the brilliance of your ideas can get lost in translation. A great editor helps your light shine more brightly. They’ll ensure that your concepts are communicated clearly and effectively, eliminating ambiguity or confusion. This enhances the overall quality of your book, making it more accessible and engaging for your readers.
The Benefits of Working with an Editor
Let’s dig a little deeper into how a nonfiction book editor can bring their fresh eyes, objectivity, and clarifying chops to your book project.
A great nonfiction editor is one who can:
1. Provide guidance on your book’s structure
Crafting a coherent and well-organized narrative is paramount in nonfiction writing. An editor helps you shape the structure of your book, arranging chapters, sections, and content flow to ensure logical progression. This guidance prevents reader confusion and enhances the overall reading experience.
2. Polish your writing so it’s eloquent and engaging
Editors are skilled wordsmiths who specialize in refining language and style and can transform good prose to exceptional. They’ll help you present your ideas in a way that captures and sustains your readers’ attention, making your book a pleasure to read.
3. Fix issues of grammar and clarity
This is what comes to mind first when a lot of people think about editing. Even the most interesting writing can be undermined by grammatical errors or unclear language. An editor meticulously reviews your manuscript for grammar, syntax, and usage, ensuring that your message is communicated accurately and effectively.
4. Help you tailor your content to your audience
The right editor for your nonfiction book knows how to tune your message to your target audience’s preferences and expectations. They can offer insights on how to tailor your content to resonate with your readers, ensuring that your book connects on a deeper level. This personalized approach enhances reader engagement and fosters a loyal following.
5. Preserve your unique voice
One common concern authors have when working with an editor is the fear of losing their unique voice. A skilled editor knows how to preserve your voice while enhancing your work. They collaborate with you to maintain your distinct style, creating a harmonious balance between clarity and authorial identity.
6. Provide expert insights
Many editors bring their own life and professional experience and expertise in specific genres or subjects to their editing. Their knowledge can enrich your content, adding depth and credibility to your book. Whether it’s fact-checking, suggesting additional sources, or refining technical details, an editor’s insights can elevate the quality of your work. I’ve worked with a number of authors who sought me out specifically because of my subject-matter expertise in health and fitness—and who said their books benefited as a result.
7. Save you time and energy
Writing a nonfiction book is hard work. It takes time and energy—and editing it can be just as demanding. Partnering with an editor frees you from the burden of scrutinizing your work for errors and inconsistencies, allowing you to save your finite resources for other things that matter, like coming up with new ideas, expanding your author platform, and walking the dog.
“I’ve found the best way to revise your own work is to pretend that somebody else wrote it and then to rip the living shit out of it.” – Don Roff, author of Zombies
You could do that. Or save yourself the time and hassle and pay someone to do it.
8. Be a partner and support system
The right editor isn’t just a great technician—they’re a partner in your book project, and a source of advice, support, and good-old motivation when you need it. They’re rooting for you to succeed. That’s why finding the right editor for your nonfiction book isn’t just about finding someone with the skills and expertise. It’s about fit, finding someone who “clicks” with you and who you’d enjoy working with for the several months it usually takes to finish a book.
Your Book Would Thank You, if It Could Talk
In the journey of creating a nonfiction book, investing in an editor is nonnegotiable. Every—and I mean every—book author needs an editor.
The right editor can be an invaluable ally, guiding you toward excellence and helping you fulfill your vision. A great nonfiction editor will help you objectively assess your work, refine your ideas, and enhance the overall quality of your writing.
I’ll leave you with this thought. Working with an editor is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to your commitment to delivering the best possible book to your readers. By embracing this partnership, you’ll ensure that your nonfiction book reaches its full potential, captivating readers and leaving a lasting impact.
If you want to find out how we can work together to make your nonfiction book the best it can be, get in touch.
ray sylvester • editing • writing • podcasting 