What I Wish I Knew Before Editing – Useful Warning
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Introduction
Before I started editing books professionally, there were so many things I wish I knew—things that would’ve saved me time, stress, doubt, and unnecessary mistakes.
No one hands you a roadmap when you start freelance editing. Most of us stumble through the dark, trying to piece together what “being a real editor” actually means.
This post shares the top lessons I learned the hard way—so you don’t have to.
Lesson 1 – You Don’t Have to Know Everything to Start
I thought I had to master grammar, style guides, pricing, and client management before I could call myself an editor.
I waited. I doubted. I hesitated.
I wish I knew that confidence often follows action—not the other way around.
You don’t need to know it all. You just need to begin.
👉 Inside Editors School, we teach the how. You just need to show up.
Lesson 2 – Editing Isn’t Just About Fixing Words
I used to think editing meant fixing typos and correcting grammar.
But good editing is deeper: it’s about clarity, flow, tone, and connection.
It’s about helping writers communicate what they meant to say.
I wish I knew that emotional intelligence, intuition, and communication matter as much as grammar, and that great editors grow their skill over time.
Lesson 3 – Boundaries Protect Everyone (Including You)
Early on, I said yes to everything. I overdelivered, undercharged, and quietly panicked when clients crossed the line.
I wish I knew that boundaries don’t make you mean. They make you trustworthy.
Clear contracts, defined scope, and kind firmness are how you build a sustainable business—not just survive one project at a time.
👉 Editors School includes the scripts, templates, and systems that make this easier.
Lesson 4 – You’re Allowed to Specialize
At first, I tried to say yes to every genre, every project, every kind of edit.
But the truth? I was exhausted—and diluted.
I wish I knew that it’s okay to niche down. To edit only nonfiction. To say “no thanks” to that thriller if thrillers aren’t your thing.
Specializing helped me attract better clients, do better work, and love what I do.
👉 Editors School helps editors uncover their best-fit niche and services.
Lesson 5 – Simple Systems Make a Huge Difference
I didn’t track my projects. I invoiced on a whim. I didn’t have contracts early on.
I figured if I just kept being nice and flexible, things would work out.
I wish I knew that a few simple systems could save me hours of chaos—and make me feel way more confident.
You don’t need a client portal. You just need structure.
👉 Editors School gives you plug-and-play systems to look (and feel) like a pro.
Bonus – It’s Okay to Learn as You Go
I worried I’d mess something up. That clients would see I was new.
But the truth is: every great editor started somewhere.
I wish I knew that growth is baked into the job.
The more you edit, the more confident and skilled you become. You don’t need to wait until you’re perfect—you just need to keep showing up.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about editing books professionally, know this:
You don’t need to have it all figured out—but you do need guidance, support, and tools.
These are the lessons I wish I knew at the beginning of my editing career.
That’s why I created Editors School—so you don’t have to figure it out the hard way.
TL;DR
If you’re dreaming of becoming an editor, here’s what I wish I knew before I started: you can learn as you go, specialize when you’re ready, protect your peace with boundaries, and build systems to grow. You don’t have to go it alone.
FAQ
Q: What if I’ve never edited a book before?
A: That’s okay—everyone starts somewhere. Editors School is designed to support total beginners.
Q: Do I have to learn everything before I offer services?
A: Not at all. You can learn as you go with the right support and structure.
Q: How do I figure out what kind of editing I’m good at?
A: Through practice and guidance. Editors School helps you identify your strengths and niche.
Q: What if I’ve already made mistakes?
A: That just means you’ve started. Mistakes are part of growth—and can become your best teachers.
Q: I’m overwhelmed by contracts, payments, and process. Where do I even begin?
A: You’re not alone. Editors School walks you through each step with templates and encouragement.
Call to Action
Choose your CTA text from the options below (just hyperlink the one you like):
- Join Editors School and learn what no one tells you about becoming an editor
- Download our free guide: 10 Lessons New Editors Learn the Hard Way
- Take the “What Kind of Editor Are You?” quiz to start strong