A fiction editor is a person who works in the publishing industry and prepares works of fiction for publication. Short stories, novellas, novels, and full-length books can all be edited by fiction editors. They may choose to specialize in certain genres, such as young adult literature, translations, science fiction, romance novels, and so on. A career as an editor for fiction and other types of writing necessitates a keen eye for detail, excellent communication skills, a working knowledge of spelling and grammar rules, and a familiarity with writing conventions and traditions.
Publishing houses employ some fiction editors. Publishing houses may choose to assign editors to specific writers so that they can form a relationship with a fiction editor early on in their careers and keep it going. Editors are assigned to books as they come under contract in other cases, and a writer may work with multiple editors at the same publishing house. Fiction editors can work for themselves or for a writing agency.
It takes a lot more than identifying spelling and grammar mistakes and making the text consistent to edit a book. A fiction editor assists the writer in making plot and storyline decisions, as well as information presentation, formatting, and word choice. Fiction editors can also offer suggestions on how to improve a book’s strength and accessibility to readers. The fiction editor will work with the writer to develop the book more fully if the writer produces a technically perfect book that lacks the spark to compel readers.
Audiences are also taken into account by fiction editors. For the books they accept, publishing houses may have specific content standards and other concerns, and editors are responsible for identifying and addressing any questionable or problematic content. A fiction editor’s input may result in significant revisions in some cases. While publishing houses have separate legal departments tasked with reviewing books for any content that could cause legal issues, editors can flag content for legal review or request review from consultants if a work of fiction contains content that raises concerns.
Many fiction editors begin their careers as junior editors in publishing houses or agencies and work their way up. They may assist working editors and agents with basic review of submitted materials, and as their skills and relationships with other editors and writers develop, they are gradually given more responsibilities. Once an editor has gained experience, they can choose to stay with their current employer or look for different types of editing work or a new working environment.