So You Love Reading? A Book Lover's Path to Editing

I get this question at least once a week: "I love reading, and I spot errors in books all the time. How can I become an editor?" Every time I see this message in my inbox or social media, I smile because I understand exactly where they're coming from. Reading is more than just a hobby for these people – it's a passion that makes them want to dive deeper into the world of books and publishing.

But here's the thing (and I say this with all the love in my heart): loving to read is like loving to eat at restaurants – it's a great foundation, but it doesn't automatically qualify you to be a chef. I've been in the publishing industry long enough (almost 15 years now) to know that the gap between being an avid reader and becoming a professional editor is wider than most people realize. That's why I decided to write this post – to help those of you who are genuinely interested in editing understand what it really takes, and also because I get asked this question so frequently.

Let's start with why reading makes you think about editing in the first place. When you're an avid reader, you develop an eye for detail. You notice when something doesn't flow right, when characters act inconsistently, or when there's a typo that pulls you out of the story. These observations might make you think, "I could help fix these issues!" And you're not wrong – that attention to detail is valuable. But it's just the tip of the editing iceberg.

Why Loving to Read Doesn't Automatically Make You an Editor (But It's a Great Start!)

The Reading-Editing Connection

Reading extensively gives you something crucial: exposure to different writing styles, story structures, and genre conventions. When I first started in this industry, I thought my years of reading would make editing a natural transition. While that background helped, I quickly learned that editing requires a completely different mindset.

When you're reading for pleasure, you're consuming the story. When you're editing, you're dissecting it, analyzing it. It's like the difference between enjoying a beautiful house and knowing how to build one. Both experiences are valuable, but they require very different skill sets.

Types of Editing (And Yes, There Are Several!)

This is where things get interesting (and a bit complex). When someone says they want to be an editor, my first question is always, "What kind of editing interests you?" The blank looks I usually get tell me everything I need to know. So let's break it down:

Developmental Editing: This is the big-picture stuff. Think of it as being an architect for the book. You're looking at plot structure, character development, and overall story coherence.

Structural Editing: Here, you're focusing on how the book is organized, ensuring the narrative flows logically and effectively.

Line Editing: This is where you fine-tune the language, making sure each sentence sings and the writer's voice shines through consistently.

Copy Editing: This involves checking for grammar, punctuation, consistency, and adherence to style guides. It's detail-oriented work that requires both knowledge and precision.

Proofreading: This is the final polish, catching any remaining typos or formatting issues before publication.

And let's not forget Alpha and Beta reading:

Alpha Reading: This is being the first reader of a rough draft, providing initial feedback on major story elements before any polishing has been done.

Beta Reading: This involves reading a more polished manuscript and providing reader-perspective feedback on elements like plot holes, character consistency, and overall enjoyment.

While not technically editing, these are often great starting points for aspiring editors. They help you develop your critical reading skills and learn to provide constructive feedback.

The Reality Check (Because I Care About Your Success)

Let me be honest here – becoming an editor isn't a quick weekend course you can take because you've read all of your favorite author’s books. When people tell me they want to become an editor, I often ask them to think about their time investment. Are you ready for what it really takes?

From my experience and conversations with other professionals in the field, becoming a competent editor typically takes 5-10 years. Yes, you read that right. I'm not saying this to discourage you – I'm saying it because I want you to succeed, and success requires realistic expectations.

Here's what that timeline might look like:

The first couple of years are all about building your foundation. Remember when you first learned to drive? You had to consciously think about every single action. Editing is similar – you'll need to learn grammar rules, style guides (hello, Chicago Manual of Style, my frenemy), and industry standards. US English vs British English vs Australian English. Yes, it matters! You'll probably dream about comma rules and wake up thinking about em dashes. I know I did!

Years 3-5 are when you start gaining real experience. You might start with beta reading, move on to volunteer editing for small publications, or take on freelance projects. During this time, you're not just editing – you're learning how to work with authors (which is a skill in itself, trust me!).

Beyond year 5 is when most editors really start to hit their stride. By this point, you should have a solid portfolio, a good understanding of your preferred genre or editing style, and hopefully, some regular clients.

The Journey (Because It's More Than Just Reading Books)

When I talk about the journey to becoming an editor, I often use the analogy of learning a musical instrument. You don't start with a complex symphony – you begin with scales and basic pieces. Similarly, your editing journey should be gradual and structured.

Here's what I've found works best:

1. Start with Education

   I'm not just talking about formal degrees (though they can be helpful). I mean:

   • Taking specific editing courses
   • Reading style guides (yes, actually reading them)
   • Studying grammar and punctuation rules
   • Learning about story structure and narrative devices
   • Understanding the business side of publishing

2. Gain Practical Experience

   This is where many aspiring editors get stuck. How do you get experience when you're just starting? Here's what I suggest:

   • Offer to beta read for authors in your favorite genres
   • Join writing groups and offer constructive feedback
   • Practice editing public domain works
   • Take online editing tests (many publishing houses offer these)
   • Start a blog analyzing books from an editorial perspective

3. Build Your Professional Network

   This has been crucial in my career, and I can't stress it enough. The editing community is generally supportive and willing to help newcomers. I've found some of my best mentors through:

   • Professional organizations
   • Social media groups
   • Writing conferences
   • Online forums
   • Local writing groups

Practical Steps (Because Theory Without Action Is Just Daydreaming)

Let me share something personal: when I first started editing, I was overwhelmed. There were so many paths, so many options, and so much conflicting advice. So, I'm going to break this down into actionable steps that I wish someone had given me when I was starting out.

First, Invest in Your Education

I'm not saying you need to run out and get an expensive degree (though if you want to, go for it!). Here's what I recommend:

• Start with basic grammar and punctuation courses (even if you think you know it all – trust me on this!)
• Take specialized editing courses from reputable organizations like Editorial Freelancers Association or The Society For Editing
• Study style guides (The Chicago Manual of Style is your new best friend). This can vary by country, too, so if you’re editing for someone who is writing in British English or Australian English, you will need to know those rules
• Read books about editing (Amy Einsohn's "The Copyeditor's Handbook" sits on my desk to this day)

Building Your Portfolio

This is crucial, and yes, it can feel like a catch-22: you need experience to get work, but you need work to get experience. Here's how I suggest breaking through that barrier:

• Edit sample passages from public domain books
• Offer free editing for organizations and/or authors in the relevant genres you’re interested in working in
• Help fellow writers in writing groups
• Document all your work, even unpaid projects
• Keep before-and-after samples of your edits (with permission, of course)

The Money Talk (Because We Need to Be Realistic)

I always feel it's important to talk about the financial aspect of editing. Starting out, you probably won't make much money. Let's face it, you'll likely work for free while building your reputation and credibility. And that’s okay. We’ve all done it. I did. For many, many years.

Many new editors supplement their income with other work while building their client base. But as you gain experience and expertise, editing can become a well-paying career. Just remember:

• Invest in good resources (style guides, reference books, editing software)
• Set realistic rates as you build experience
• Don't undervalue your time and expertise
• Build an emergency fund before going freelance full-time

Where to Start Right Now

If you're reading this and still thinking, "Yes, this is what I want to do!" here are your immediate next steps:

1. Start Reading Differently

   Next time you pick up a book, read it twice:

   • First for pleasure
   • Second time, analyze how it's constructed, noting things like:
     • Chapter structure
     • Character development
     • Pacing
     • Dialogue
     • Description balance

2. Join Communities

   • Find editing groups on social media
   • Join professional organizations
   • Follow editing blogs and podcasts
   • Engage with other editors online

3. Practice, Practice, Practice

   • Download free editing exercises online
   • Offer to beta read
   • Start a blog about your editing journey
   • Keep learning and improving

Final Thoughts (Because Every Good Piece Needs a Strong Ending)

Here's what I really want you to take away from this post: becoming an editor is absolutely achievable if you're willing to put in the time, effort, and dedication it requires. That love of reading you have? It's a fantastic foundation. But just like any professional career, editing requires specific skills, training, and experience.

Remember, every professional editor started exactly where you are now. The difference between those who succeed and those who don't often comes down to persistence and willingness to learn.

Finally, A Personal Invitation to Start Your Journey

Here's something I don't always mention publicly, but it's important for this discussion: I'm constantly looking for volunteer proofreaders and typo hunters for my books. If you're reading this and thinking about dipping your toe into the editing world, this could be your starting point. For some people, this level of involvement – catching typos and doing basic proofreading – is exactly what they're looking for. They get to read books before they're released, learn the basics of the process, and contribute to making books better.

I'm always happy to give someone who expresses genuine interest in learning about editing a chance by adding them to my typo hunter/proofreading team. It's a great way to learn the basics beyond just reading for fun. If this interests you, you can email me or message me through my Facebook page. After a brief discussion about fit and expectations, I'll consider adding you to the team.

A few important things to note, though: we start slow, but deadlines are crucial in this industry. Authors have publication schedules to maintain, so being able to commit to deadlines and completing your proofreading on time is critical. Most importantly, communication is absolutely essential throughout the process. If you can't make a deadline or need help understanding something, just let me know – I'm here to help you learn and grow.

So that’s it. The rather lengthy 101 to answer the question “I love to read, how do I become an editor?”

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Are you considering becoming an editor? What aspect of editing appeals to you most? Have you already started your journey? Share your experiences in the comments below – I always enjoy hearing from fellow book lovers and aspiring editors!

Note: This article was written and last updated in January 2025 to reflect current industry standards and requirements.

PS. If anyone is interested, I’m happy to go into more depth on other topics relating to editing and becoming an editor. Drop a comment below or send me a message via email or Messenger.

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