At the heart of every successful collaboration between an author and an editor lies one essential ingredient: clarity. Before we begin any project, we ask our clients a series of questions, not just to gather information, but to ensure we’re on the same page (pun absolutely intended). These initial conversations are foundational to us delivering meaningful book editing services that respect both the author’s voice and their vision.
- What is your book about?
This is where it all begins. Whether it’s a sweeping historical novel or a fast-paced thriller, we first aim to understand the core concept. A professional book editor must align with the heart of your narrative in order to preserve its integrity during the editing process. This helps us retain your story’s essence while making it more compelling and coherent. - Who is your ideal reader?
The tone, structure, and language of a book should resonate with the intended audience. Are you writing for young adults, academics, or corporate leaders? As your book editors, when we know who your book is for, we can tailor our approach to suit their preferences, whether it’s simplifying jargon or elevating narrative depth. Identifying the ideal reader sharpens our editorial focus. - What do you want the reader to take away from the book?
Every book aims to evoke a reaction, be it thought, emotion, or action. We ask this question to help us highlight the right themes, emotional arcs, and narrative beats. Knowing your intended impact enables us as professional editors to shape the reading experience in a way that leaves a lasting impression on your readers. - Are there specific areas you’d like us to focus on?
Some authors want help from professional book editors with tightening plotlines; others are concerned about dialogue, pacing, or character development. By asking where you’d like us to focus, we ensure that our efforts align with your priorities. This leads to a more efficient and purposeful edit. - Are there sections you want us to leave untouched?
We understand that certain chapters or stylistic choices may hold personal significance. Letting us know which parts are off-limits ensures we preserve your creative boundaries while refining the rest of your manuscript. - What level of editing are you looking for?
Different books need different kinds of editing. Developmental editing addresses big-picture elements like plot and structure. Line editing fine-tunes language and flow. Copy editing checks for grammar, punctuation, and consistency. You can learn more about these types of editing here. Some manuscripts need a combination of all three. Clarifying your needs upfront allows us to customize our book editing services accordingly.
These questions aren’t just a checklist, they’re the foundation of a strong editorial partnership. They help us understand your goals, respect your creative voice, and deliver edits that truly serve your story. Because when an editor and author are aligned, great books happen!
If you’re looking for thoughtful, tailored support, our editing services are built to meet you exactly where you are in your writing journey. Discover more here.
