The explosion of self-publishing has made room for top-quality editors\u00a0— even\u00a0some from big publishing companies — to work independently and directly with authors. These \u201ccontent,\u201d \u201cdevelopmental,\u201d or \u201cstructural\u201d editors are helping fiction and nonfiction authors successfully self-publish and\/or polish their work for querying agents. They focus on big-picture story elements like plot development, characterization, continuity, and product-market fit; because this work is far more in-depth than straightforward proofreading, choosing the right editor is critical.<\/p>\n

Look for a content editor with specialized knowledge of your book\u2019s genre and target market.\u00a0More importantly, choose someone who pairs intrinsic talent and experience with a communication style you like and understand. You and your editor should share a common vision for what your work can become and how you can grow into that vision as an author.<\/p>\n