It’s no secret that the publishing industry is heavily skewed toward New York, starting with the Big Five. These publishing houses control the bulk of the market share for English-language books, and landing a deal with any of them gives you a head start if you’re aiming to become a bestselling author. 

Let’s slow down, though — you’re not there yet. 

Have you finished your manuscript, and are you ready to move to the next stage? Working with a developmental editor is the logical next step. A skilled book editor helps you take the manuscript you think you’ve polished to perfection to the next level and increases your odds of landing a literary agent.

Are you looking for book editors in New York because that’s where all the action is, and you believe New York book editors have a magic touch? 

You may be right, but your book editor’s location isn’t always as important as you think.

What Do Book Editors Do?

Aspiring authors should see the book editor they choose as the co-parent who helps them raise their literary baby. Also called developmental editors or manuscript editors, these professionals:

• Meticulously evaluate the plot, characters, setting, pacing, and voice in the case of works of fiction. Book editors identify problems and show you how to solve them so your readers get the version of the book you’d imagined rather than the book you actually wrote.
• Scrutinize the structure, flow, and voice of non-fiction manuscripts.
• Guide you on your quest to write the best possible book. Developmental editors don’t do your work for you; they offer brutally-honest feedback that allows you to develop your manuscript further.

Developmental editors can also offer feedback on the query letters you plan to wow literary agents with when your manuscript is ready for the next step.

What Should You Consider Before You Hire a Book Editor?

Finding the right book editor for your manuscript is as daunting as it is crucial. You may think you should look for book editors in New York for a wide variety of reasons (some more valid than others), but there are more important factors to consider. 

Ask yourself these questions as you look for the perfect book editor for your manuscript:

• What are your expectations? Developmental editors offer big-picture feedback, but each book editor has a unique working style. Always keep the services you need in mind when you look for a book editor.
• How much experience does the book editor have? Does the book editor specialize in your genre? A seasoned book editor who works exclusively in your genre and focuses on new authors is almost guaranteed to be a better fit than a generic “book editor in New York.”
• Do you like the book editor’s feedback style? Some developmental editors take a blunt approach, while others give you more of a life-coach feel. Your book editor isn’t there to stroke your ego, but you need to be comfortable with their feedback style.
• What is your budget? Like it or not, your budget significantly impacts your pool of candidates.

When Should You Really Look for Book Editors in New York?

Remote work is more common and more accepted than ever before. That means most authors don’t need a New York-based book editor, even if they hope to land a book deal with one of the Big Five publishing houses.

There are exceptions. You may have good reason to limit your search for book editors to New York natives if:

• Your novel is set in New York, and you need your developmental editor to fact-check plot aspects closely related to the setting.
• You are looking for a book editor with a uniquely authentic perspective on New York culture, customs, and history. 
• You need your developmental editor to keep an eye out for idiomatic expressions or ensure the dialect your characters use is accurate. 

Some aspiring authors look for book editors in New York who have worked with major publishing houses. This work experience can indicate that the developmental editor is skilled and talented. In addition, you may think working with an editor in the Big Apple boosts your odds of getting published.

You may also decide that your book editor should share your time zone. Shared time zones are convenient and ensure that work can get done faster. 

Remember, however, that a big-time New York book editor remains just as skilled if they pack up and moves to Nowhere, Pennsylvania. So your manuscript editor’s physical location often matters less than you think.

Do You Need to Meet Your Book Editor in Person?

Are you a New Yorker yourself? You may think your book editor should also live in New York. 

Book editors and authors develop close working relationships and should unquestionably get to know each other before signing a contract. You don’t need to meet face-to-face to make that possible these days. Instead, you and your prospective book editor can hop on a Zoom call, exchange emails, or even talk on the phone. 

You’ll vet your book editor by doing a thorough Google search and check their references — steps that don’t require you to be in the same city.

How to Find Book Editors in New York

Do you have your heart set on a book editor in New York? You can find skilled book editors based in the Big Apple in a variety of ways:

• Ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations if you already have connections in the publishing industry. 
• Look for book editors in New York on the literary marketplace Reedsy.
• Use Google to find a reputable book editor in New York who specializes in your genre.

The book editor you choose should connect with your manuscript and be just as passionate as you are, as your editor plays a massive role in your manuscript’s success. Take your time and choose wisely. New York is home to world-class book editors who will shape your manuscript in ways you never thought possible. Your editor’s location is, however, only a tiny part of a massive puzzle.