Book Editor / Language Editing / US English preferred

# Book Editor / Editorial Review for Self-Published Non-Fiction Book We are looking for an experienced **Book Editor / Developmental & Copy Editor** to prepare a non-fiction manuscript for self-publication. The ideal editor will combine strong language-editing skills with the ability to read critically as a **first-time reader**, identifying issues with clarity, logic, consistency, structure, and overall readability — and, importantly, proposing practical solutions rather than simply flagging problems. ### Scope of Work The manuscript requires a comprehensive editorial review covering: * Grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and natural/idiomatic English * Clarity, precision, readability, tone, and flow * Consistency of terminology, names, dates, numbers, capitalization, and editorial conventions * Awkward, repetitive, ambiguous, overly complex, or unnecessarily long passages * Logic, reasoning, transitions, and internal consistency across the manuscript * Gaps in explanation, missing context, unsupported conclusions, or unclear arguments * Headings, subheadings, lists, tables, figures, captions, and internal cross-references * Footnotes, citations, references, and bibliography * Consistency and completeness of sources and attributions * Identification of factual or bibliographic information requiring verification The manuscript should be edited in **American English**, subject to final confirmation. ### Editorial Approach We are looking for someone who is **proactive, thoughtful, and solution-oriented**. Where an issue can be resolved editorially, the editor should make the correction directly rather than simply flagging it. Routine linguistic and stylistic decisions should be handled independently. Comments should be used selectively, primarily where: * the intended meaning is genuinely unclear; * a substantive authorial decision is required; * factual verification is needed; * essential information appears to be missing; * more than one materially different interpretation is possible. Where a comment is necessary, please provide **suggested wording or a recommended solution** wherever possible. The goal is not to rewrite the author's voice, but to make the manuscript as clear, coherent, polished, and professional as possible. ### Quotations & Contributors Quoted material and statements attributed to contributors should be treated carefully. Necessary corrections to grammar, spelling, punctuation, or minor readability issues are welcome, but the **meaning, tone, substance, and individual voice must be preserved**. ### Working Method * All edits should be made directly in the manuscript using **Microsoft Word Track Changes**. * Comments should be used only where genuinely necessary. * Routine editorial decisions should be resolved independently. * Recurring conventions should be applied consistently throughout the manuscript. * Where multiple solutions are possible, use your professional judgment and recommend the strongest option. * No separate editorial report or style sheet is required. ### Ideal Candidate You should have: * Proven experience editing **books or long-form non-fiction** * Excellent command of **American English** * Strong copy-editing and developmental editing skills * Excellent attention to detail and consistency * The ability to assess arguments and structure from a first-time reader's perspective * Experience working with citations, footnotes, bibliographies, and source material * Confidence making editorial decisions independently * A practical, collaborative approach and respect for an author's voice **Please apply with examples of relevant books/manuscripts you have edited, a short description of your editorial experience, your availability, and your proposed fee/rate.** We are particularly interested in editors who can demonstrate that they go beyond proofreading, someone who can identify where a reader may pause, question, misunderstand, or lose the thread, and help solve those issues directly in the manuscript.