I want to do some kind of work that directly helps an author edit his or her book. Suggestions?

Question

Generally I suppose the title would be "editor," but an editor decides if the book should be published or not. I am more interesting in sentence structure, grammatical corrections, spelling, and better use of words; basically the way a story is written. What would the exact title of a job like that be?

And, what should I major in, and what colleges have good programs for that major? What should I be doing in high school as an effort towards this goal?

Answer 1

Technically, JenJen is correct. You will major in English, but you want to make sure you look for a school that offers a concentration in something like Professional Writing. That's how you'll learn the skills necessary to be a proofreader/copy editor, which is most likely what your job would be once you graduate and get a job at a large publishing house.

Once you've been in your job for a while, you'll have a chance to move up and start working a little more hands-on with the actual authors.

I've included a link to a Professional Writing program, so you'll know kind of what you're looking for. Good luck!

Answer 2

You would probably be considered an editor, and work in a literary agency, or perhaps a publishing company, just not as a literary agent.

As for classes... You would most likely have to major in English. For high school, try to get into advanced English classes, if you're not already in them.

I hope that helps. =)

Answer 3

Emerson College in Boston has a Writing, Literature and Publishing program that you may want to look into. In high school, just try to take higher-level English classes, like AP if your school offers it.

Answer 4

There are different types of editors such as copy editors and they do deal with grammar and some with details in books.

Answer 5

you could be a proof-reader, or sometimes agents help with this and get authors ready to present a manuscript to a publishing house.