How the role of the independent editor is changing in relation to traditional and self-publishing

Abstract

This paper reports on a survey of editors undertaken during 2013. The survey asked about lifestyle and work, and in particular how these are changing with the growth of self-publishing authors. This article reports on the changing opportunities for editorial work and the practices of independent editors, and how their working routines have changed over the past three years. It reveals a shift from working for traditional publishers towards working for new clients, including self-publishing authors; relationships with traditional publishers are strained for a variety of reasons, and increasing satisfaction levels are discernible in relationships with experienced self-publishers. The paper considers the consequences of editors’ changing patterns of work and client base, and likely future outcomes. Areas for further close monitoring and research are suggested.