Do I Need a Degree to Be a Novel Editor?
If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a book editor, you might have asked yourself the question: ‘Do I really need a degree for thi...
Read moreLearn to run your own editorial business with confidence and skill.
Do you want to become a freelance book editor? Take control of your working life? Or learn extra skills to take your existing editorial business to the next level?
Then you’re in the right place. Learn how from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace with Liminal Pages online courses.
Whether you want to edit compelling narratives or start a career in publishing, Liminal Pages provides the online training you need to become a successful book editor and earn a living working with words.
If you have a love for literature and a keen eye for detail, becoming a book editor could be perfect for you. As a book editor, you get to work closely with authors, refine manuscripts and help bring stories to life. Book editing offers a fulfilling way to combine your passion for reading with a professional skill set. And perhaps best of all, you get to do it on your own terms …
1. Choose the kind of book editor you want to be
Book editors are essential in the publishing process. Generally, commissioning editors (the ones who pick books for publication) work in publishing houses, but if you want to work directly with words, your best bet is to set yourself up as a freelance editor.
There are lots of skills you can provide, from developmental editing, which involves big-picture changes, to copy-editing, which focuses on the sentences. Learn more about the different types of editors.
2. Make sure you have the education and skills required
To become a successful novel editor, you need the right education, experience and skills:
3. Build your website
A website is pretty much essential for freelance editors. A good website builds trust and credibility with potential clients while also allowing you to be found through search engines. Additionally, a website provides a central location for essential business information, such as contact details, pricing and service descriptions, streamlining communication with clients. Learn how to create a website for your editing business.
4. Gain relevant experience and build a portfolio
While education lays the groundwork, practical experience is also needed to become a successful novel editor. Aspiring editors should seek opportunities to practice their skills while building their portfolio. You could:
1. Expert instruction
Courses are taught by Sophie Playle, a seasoned editor with years of experience in the industry, bringing real-world insights and practical knowledge to the table.
2. Comprehensive curriculum
Each course aims to be as complete but also as streamlined as possible, giving you all the information you need to get going.
3. Flexible learning
The courses are designed to fit your schedule. Study at your own pace with 24/7 access to course materials, with no expiry. Whether you’re currently a full-time professional, a student or a parent with your hands full, you can learn how to become a book editor without disrupting your daily routine.
4. Certificates
Upon completion of an editing course, you will receive a downloadable certificate to show you’ve gone through the training. (Note: This doesn’t apply to webinars, which are supplementary learning tools, or courses designed to help you with your business skills.)
5. Reputation
Liminal Pages has been offering editing courses for over a decade and has built a good reputation in the industry. The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading recognises the value of Liminal Pages courses by assigning them points in their membership upgrade system.
Graham ClarkeSophie is a witty and reassuringly clued-up guide to the intricacies of fiction editing, and has made learning some intimidatingly tricky concepts both illuminating and fun. The course [I took] was well-designed, concise and comprehensive. It has fundamentally changed the way I think about stories, and is well worth your time.
Ready to take the first step towards becoming a novel editor? Enrolling in a Liminal Pages course is easy:
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