What to Expect from a Children's Book Editor: A Step-by-Step Guide
Updated: Sep 2
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!
One Word of Caution Before We Start
Not every children's book arrives the way this guide assumes. The model below - author writes, editor edits, book goes out - is true for novels and for most self-published work. Picture books are less tidy. Some begin as a manuscript, and the publisher then finds an illustrator; the author may never meet them, and the editor becomes the go-between. Some are made by an author-artist, who delivers words and pictures together and is edited on both. Others are commissioned before a word exists. An illustrated non-fiction title may begin as a page plan on a designer's desk, with the text written to fit the pictures rather than the other way round. Series books are commissioned to a format, and the writer is briefed rather than discovered.
I spent my career designing and creating books. The first title in a series was usually designed, planned and sometimes written by me. That is where the format was established - the page plan, the balance of words to pictures, the visual language, the artists. Once that was settled the concept could be rolled out, and the books that followed
were made to it.
On a series non-fiction title the editor's work began before the writer wrote a word - and often before there was a writer. I wrote a good many of the synopses myself as a book needed co-edition funding, usually from an American publisher, before it could go ahead, and a synopsis headed "For Discussion Purposes" was how the conversation started. Once the partner was on board the editor took over. The synopsis was checked against the house style and sent out: to the co-edition partner, to a subject consultant, and, if the book was for young children, to a text consultant as well. Every comment came back to the editor, who saw that all of them were incorporated.
Only then were the page layouts created, each spread showing the design, the areas for text and the word count the writer had to hit. A writer was commissioned to that brief and the illustrations were commissioned alongside. The editor then edited on screen, cutting and fitting until the material sat in its boxes and made sense. A printout went round again - to the writer, the consultant, the other contributors and the co-edition partner - and their corrections were made before anything went near a printer. After that came proofs, and more corrections, and finally the sign-off for print. The writer was edited by a committee, and often the committee was right.
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.
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 based on 2025 costing.
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 on How Much Does it Cost to Publish a Children's Book
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.
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.
David Salariya founded The Salariya Book Company in Brighton in 1989 and ran it for more than thirty years, designing, writing and commissioning illustrated books for children that were published in over thirty-five languages. He created the You Wouldn't Want to Be... series, among some fifty others, and wrote the synopsis for many of them before a writer was hired. He trained at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He writes about publishing at davidsalariya.com
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