Book Editor, Publishing Advisor, and Manuscript Development Partner for EQ Leadership Book

Book Editor, Publishing Advisor, and Manuscript Development Partner for EQ and Leadership Book Purpose ---------- I am seeking an experienced editor and publishing advisor to help finalize my nonfiction book and prepare it for traditional publication. This is not simply a copyediting project. I am looking for someone whocan improve the manuscript while preserving our voice and intent. The role is part editor, part publishing advisor, and part execution partner. I am not only looking for advice and recommendations. I want someone who can analyze the book, identify improvements, recommend a path forward, and execute the agreed upon changes. The goal is also to develop a long term relationship. I have a second book about a unique take on endurance running and would like to develop two additional books. Many of the consultants on Upwork I have worked with for years. About the Book ---------- The book focuses on: * Emotional intelligence * Leadership * Personal growth * Human behavior * Change and adaptability * Developing a personal operating system for life and leadership The audience includes: * Individual contributors * Emerging leaders * Managers * Executives * People interested in self-development and leadership The book's goal is to be practical, reflective, and help people better understand themselves and intentionally improve. I want the book to be intellectually honest, accessible, differentiated, and useful. I am not interested in motivational fluff, manufactured stories, or exaggeration. The book should feel authentic, insightful, and practical. It should challenge readers to think differently while also giving them ideas and tools they can apply immediately. Current Status ---------- The book is written by three colleagues. * The manuscript will be complete with several reviews from an author perspective * The book has undergone three rounds of AI reviews and revisions * We will be sharing it with approximately 5 business colleagues for review I am not looking for AI generated feedback or generic recommendations. AI may be used as a supplemental tool if desired. However, I am seeking experienced human judgment, publishing experience, and thoughtful analysis. I am specifically seeking an experienced professional who can identify what remains to be improved after many rounds of revision and help execute those improvements. Required Experience ---------- This is not an entry level editing project. You must have: * Significant experience editing nonfiction books * Experience with leadership, business, psychology, or self-development books * Experience working with traditional publishers and/or literary agents * Experience preparing manuscripts for publication * Demonstrated success with previously published books * Ability to provide examples of your work Strong preference for: * Books published by established publishers * Experience with bestselling or commercially successful books * Experience helping authors secure literary agents * Experience helping authors improve positioning and marketability I am not looking for: * Ghostwriters * Pure copyeditors * Developmental editors without publishing experience * AI-only editing services * People learning the publishing industry through my project Scope of Work ---------- Potential responsibilities include: * Developmental editing * Structural editing * Line editing and copyediting * Improving readability and flow * Identifying redundancies and gaps * Strengthening differentiation and marketability * Competitive analysis * Publisher and literary agent recommendations * Book proposal development * Query letters * Publishing strategy I do not necessarily require all of these. Part of your role is helping me determine which services provide the greatest value and then executing those services to completion. Required Deliverables ---------- At minimum I expect: * Annotated manuscript using track changes and comments * Written assessment of strengths and improvement opportunities * Gap and redundancy analysis * Structural recommendations * Market positioning recommendations * Publisher and literary agent recommendations * Completed revisions for agreed upon changes * Final publisher-ready manuscript Potential additional deliverables: * Competitive analysis * Book proposal * Query letters * Synopsis * Publisher submission materials All edits, comments, and recommendations must use track changes, comments, notes, or similar methods that clearly show: * Original content * Recommended revisions * Reasoning for major recommendations * Open questions or alternatives I do not want hidden edits or black box recommendations. I want to understand the reasoning behind major suggestions and be able to review and discuss them. Desired Outcomes ---------- At the end of the project I would like: * A stronger manuscript than exists today * Confidence that the manuscript has been thoroughly reviewed * Improved marketability and positioning * A manuscript that is genuinely ready for traditional publication * Clear next steps for pursuing agents or publishers * Publisher submission materials if appropriate Parameters ---------- * Regular, proactive communication is important * Ability to explain recommendations is important * Constructive disagreement is welcomed * I prefer thoughtful critique over superficial praise * All work should include notes, comments, or tracked changes * Confidentiality is required I appreciate honesty and directness. If something does not work, I want to know. If you think there is a better direction, I want to hear it. Other Considerations ---------- * All items are the property of the customer and cannot be used for any display, sharing, distribution, or other purposes without specific written permission * All notes and work product should be considered confidential * The project and its details shall remain confidential * I seek to work on small projects throughout the year and value long term working relationships Application ---------- Please answer the following three questions: 1. What nonfiction books have you edited that were traditionally published? Please provide titles, publishers, your role, and any measurable outcomes or success. 2. Describe a manuscript that was already strong when it came to you. What specific improvements did you make that meaningfully increased its quality, marketability, or publication readiness? 3. In your opinion, what are the three most common reasons leadership, business, or self-development books fail to secure a traditional publisher, even when the writing quality is good? Please also provide: * Full understanding of the range of deliverables * Publishing or agency experience * Description of your editing philosophy and how you can differentiate from those who primarily use AI * Why you believe you are a strong fit for this project Thanks, Mitch