Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Many authors understandably concentrate on the hard work of writing, while thinking of editing as more of a necessary afterthought. They know it needs to be done but they can’t pull themselves away from the plot or the character arcs enough to actually do it. However, editing is at the very heart of what makes a book successful. Today’s readers expect to be fully drawn in and immersed in the pages from the first sentence to the final ending. Even a few minor lapses in flow or a punctuation hiccup can break their immersion and affect your credibility as an author.
Here’s what you need to know about high-quality editing in order to make sure your book gets the prompt, professional, and polished treatment it deserves.
Table of Contents:
• Quality editing makes it easier to get five-star reviews
• Book editing can improve your sales
• High-quality editing reflects your credibility as an author
• How BookBaby’s book editing services can help
Quality editing makes it easier to get five-star reviews
Readers today have more choices than ever, and oftentimes, they’ll buy books (or eBooks) based on recommendations from their friends. Many potential customers like to browse before they buy. This can mean browsing sample chapters, reading testimonials, and checking out reviews. If even one reader comes across surprising typos, inconsistent pacing, or plot holes, they might call it out, which dampens other readers’ excitement and discourages them from wanting to learn more.
At the same time, manuscripts that have gone through detailed line editing and copy editing create a professional and enjoyable reading experience from the very first page. When reviewers receive ARCs (advance reader copies) that are polished and fine-tuned, they’re even more motivated to leave enthusiastic reviews. These kinds of glowing testimonials are perfect for social proof on sites like Amazon and other retailers.
Even if the errors don’t jar the reader out of the plot, they can still make them feel less engaged without really knowing why. A professional line editor will catch these issues, making sure that every chapter builds up momentum while making sure that there are no character development threads left hanging or any plot holes. This level of professional attention can unlock an avalanche of positive reviews that suddenly position your book on bestseller lists, book club picks, and recommendation feeds from online retailers.
Book editing can improve your sales
Positive reviews are the undercurrent that drives more engagement and more reviews. At the same time, professional editing can involve a much more direct sales process. For example, on major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, the first three chapters of the book (the snippet or preview), which represents the first 10%, is often where potential buyers get their first impression of your writing.
If those first few chapters are sprinkled with awkward sentences, grammar errors or other issues, your readers may briefly “Look Inside,” but then dismiss the work as unprofessional, which can have a ripple effect on your credibility. Professional copy editing can help you sidestep these issues, by making sure that your manuscript:
- Is consistent in spelling (American versus British)
- Incorporates flawless punctuation
- Includes correctly formatted dialogue
- Correctly uses italics or emphasis
They might seem like small, inconsequential things, but they all add up to a high production value which tells readers “this is a quality work worth reading.”
In fact, high-quality editing that leads to high-quality reviews also has an affect on clickthrough rates from carousels like “People Also Bought” and similar suggestions, as well as conversions that take the user from “Add to Cart” to a completed purchase. Books that have an above-average review rating convert up to nearly a third higher than those with ratings lower than four stars.
Polished, professionally edited books are also more likely to be recommended by bloggers, influencers, and Bookstagrammers whose endorsements can deliver wave after wave of sales.
The best part is: You don’t have to do it all yourself. BookBaby’s complete line of editorial services, from line editing to copyediting, proofreading, and more, can help give your book that final polish it needs before being released into an eager world.
High-quality editing reflects your credibility as an author
When writing your book, it’s not just what you say and how you say it, but how it’s presented to your readers. A sloppily edited book that’s riddled with errors might give the impression that “if the book is written this poorly, the information must be, too.” People may mistakenly think that, despite your deep research or carefully interwoven character development, your story is full of plot holes, shallow worlds, or half-baked arguments.
This is especially true if you’re writing nonfiction, where business guides or how-tos depend on accuracy and expertise. A meticulously edited book tells the reader, “I respect your time and your intellect.” It shows that you, the author, value the craft of writing. This kind of perception then paves the way for everything from podcast invitations to media interviews and more — the very platforms where authenticity and credibility are like currency.
If you’re planning to submit your work for industry awards or recognition in contests, you should also know that judges are rarely forgiving of mistakes. By partnering with a premium editor, you help level the playing field among leaders in your industry, and that’s something that no author can put a price on.
How BookBaby’s book editing services can help
BookBaby’s dedicated editing services help you every step of the way. High-quality editing isn’t just something that’s nice to have — it’s the foundation on which everything from marketing to reviews are built. Given how competitive the market is for all types of books, you owe it to yourself and all your hard work, research, and notes, to invest in quality editing to back up your experience, story and knowledge.
Learn more about BookBaby’s detailed editing services and take the first step toward glowing reviews, higher sales, and greater recognition with a polished, professional, and perfectly edited book that’s ready to shine. Edit or regret it!
