What to Expect from a Children's Book Editor: A Step-by-Step Guide

David Salariya

Mar 105 min read

An Editor can help bring your Children's Book to Life!

You’ve written a wonderful children’s story, but something feels off. The pacing isn’t quite right, or maybe the dialogue sounds too advanced for young readers. This is where a professional editor can help bring your book to life!

Books will whisper, books will teach,

A friend, a fire, within your reach.

Read, then write, and share your view,

Stories last when voices do.

Henry James marks up alterations to galley proofs of his book 'The American" — Henry James's re-writes for The American

What exactly does a children’s book editor do?

But what exactly does a children’s book editor do? What should you expect from the editing process? I'll walk you through each stage, so you know what to anticipate when working with an editor in the UK.

By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to expect when working with an editor, from costs to timelines.

So before we start exploring in detail, let's get the takeaway.

A children’s book editor refines your manuscript to ensure clarity, engagement, and age-appropriateness. They provide developmental editing (plot, structure, pacing), line editing (flow, readability), copyediting (grammar, punctuation), and proofreading (final checks). They enhance storytelling, dialogue, consistency, formatting, and overall professionalism.

Now let's begin looking at the different types of editors there are and how they can help you as a budding children’s author.

Why Editing is Essential for Children's Books

Children’s books may be short, but they require careful crafting. Unlike adult fiction, they must convey ideas concisely, use language appropriate for specific age groups, and often include rhythmic or repetitive elements for readability. A skilled editor helps refine these elements while maintaining your unique storytelling voice.

Types of Editing for Children's Books

There are several types of editing, each serving a different purpose. Your manuscript may need one or more of the following:

Developmental Editing – Focuses on big-picture elements like plot, structure, pacing, character development, and age-appropriateness.

Line Editing – Polishes sentence structure, improves flow and enhances readability.

Copyediting – Corrects grammar, punctuation, and consistency in style.

Proofreading – The final check for typos, formatting, and minor errors before publication.

Struggling with your children's book? An editor refines pacing, clarity & style- learn how to make your story shine!

Before sending your manuscript to an editor, it helps to self-edit. Read your story aloud, simplify complicated sentences, and check for inconsistencies. A fresh perspective before hiring an editor can save time and money!

Each stage is vital to ensuring your book is of the highest quality. Now, let’s break down what you can expect when working with a professional editor.

Step 1: Finding the Right Editor

Before diving into the editing process, it’s important to find an editor who specialises in children's literature. Not all editors understand the nuances of writing for young audiences, so look for someone with experience in your specific age category (picture books, early readers, middle grade, etc.).

How to Choose an Editor:

Check Credentials – Look for editors who have worked with reputable publishers or have relevant qualifications (e.g., Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading membership).

Review Past Work – Ask for sample edits or look at books they’ve worked on.

Request a Sample Edit – Many editors offer a short sample edit to showcase their skills and ensure they’re a good fit for your writing style.

Discuss Your Needs – Be clear about what type of editing you require and any specific concerns you have about your manuscript.

Step 2: Developmental Editing – The Big Picture Review

Once you’ve found the right editor, the first stage of editing typically involves a developmental edit. This is where your story’s overall structure and content are examined.

What to Expect:

Feedback on Plot & Structure – Does the story flow logically? Is the pacing appropriate for the age group?

Character Development – Are the characters relatable and well-developed? Are their actions and dialogue suitable for young readers?

Language & Readability – Is the vocabulary appropriate for the target audience? Does the text encourage engagement and comprehension?

Thematic Considerations – Does the story convey the intended message in a way that is clear and meaningful for children?

After this stage, you will likely receive a detailed editorial letter with suggestions for improvement. Expect to revise and refine your manuscript before moving on to the next stage.

Step 3: Line Editing – Refining Your Writing

Once the big-picture elements are in place, your manuscript undergoes line editing. This stage is about refining your prose to enhance clarity, rhythm, and style.

What to Expect:

Sentence Flow & Word Choice – Making sentences smoother and more engaging while keeping them age-appropriate.

Dialogue Improvements – Ensuring dialogue sounds natural and suits the characters’ voices.

Maintaining Author Voice – Strengthening your unique writing style while improving readability.

Consistency in Tone – Ensuring that the book maintains a consistent tone and voice throughout.

This stage is particularly important for rhyming picture books, where rhythm and cadence must be flawless.

Step 4: Copyediting – Grammar, Punctuation & Style

After refining the story, it’s time to correct technical issues through copyediting. This stage ensures that your manuscript is polished and professional.

What to Expect:

Grammar & Spelling Corrections – Fixing typos, punctuation errors, and grammatical inconsistencies.

Consistency in Formatting – Checking that elements like capitalisation, italics, and numbering are consistent.

Adherence to Style Guides – Ensuring the manuscript follows a consistent editorial style (e.g., Oxford Style Guide, if applicable).

Fact-Checking – If your book includes factual information, the editor will verify its accuracy.

By the end of this stage, your book should be nearly ready for publication.

Step 5: Proofreading – The Final Check

Before sending your book to print or submission, the final step is proofreading. This is the last quality check to catch any lingering mistakes.

What to Expect:

Typos & Minor Errors – Catching any spelling, punctuation, or formatting mistakes that slipped through earlier stages.

Page Layout & Formatting – Ensuring consistency in spacing, alignment, and overall book presentation.

Final Polish – A last read-through to confirm everything looks perfect before printing or digital release.

How Long Does the Editing Process Take?

The timeline varies depending on the length and complexity of the book, but here’s a rough estimate:

Developmental editing: 2-4 weeks

Line editing: 1-3 weeks

Copyediting: 1-2 weeks

Proofreading: 1-2 weeks

Be sure to factor in time for your revisions between stages.

How Much Does Children's Book Editing Cost in the UK?

Editing costs can vary depending on the editor’s experience and the level of editing required. Here’s a general guide:

Developmental Editing: £500 - £2,000+ (depending on length and complexity)

Line Editing: £300 - £1,000

Copyediting: £250 - £800

Proofreading: £150 - £500

Some editors offer package deals for multiple stages of editing, which can be more cost-effective.

Discover more in my other useful guide

The Costs of Publishing a Children's Book: What You Need to Know

Final Thoughts: Is Editing Worth It?

Of course! A professional editor helps transform your manuscript into a polished, publish-ready book. Whether you’re self-publishing or submitting to a traditional publisher, investing in editing ensures your book stands out and delivers the best reading experience to your young audience.

Editing is a collaborative process that enhances your work while keeping your creative voice intact. With the right editor by your side, your children’s book will be the best it can be, ready to enchant and inspire young readers everywhere.

If you’re ready to take the next step, start researching children’s book editors in the UK today!

For more advice and help whether you are a seasoned writer or whether this is your first journey into the incredible world of children's book writing!

The Publishing Training Centre (PTC) has trained thousands of people working in the publishing industry, for over 40 years. The courses are run by tutors who are experts in their fields and have years of experience.

https://www.publishingtrainingcentre.co.uk

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