Our company and career guides have been featured in
Become a Book Editor
You will learn: what a book editor does, how to develop your skills to succeed in a book editing career, how to get hired for a job as a book editor, and how to start your own freelance editing business and get clients.
What Happens in the Book Editor Certificate Course
The Book Editor Certificate course is an online learning program with suggested readings from the textbook (IAP Career College Guide to Become a Book Editor). This course is self directed, which means you may study and complete assignments at times that are most convenient for you from the comfort of your own home.
This part-time Book Editor Certificate Course has a recommended completion date of 6 weeks from the start of the program, however, you may choose to complete the course in as little as 2 weeks or as long as 12 weeks, depending on your schedule.
The Book Editor Certificate Course has been created to allow you to complete it without any teaching assistance. However, if you have questions or need assistance, you can receive help from a Faculty Member throughout the 6 weeks of the course. Your Faculty Member is a valuable resource person who can provide you with personal teaching assistance to help you succeed in the course and advice to help you succeed in the career.
Register NowCourse Topics
The Book Editor Certificate Course has been developed to meet high academic standards, ensuring that as a graduate you can display with pride the Book Editor Certificate you will earn from the International Association of Professions Career College. The course covers topics of vital importance to anyone who wants to become an editor of adult fiction or non-fiction books, including:
Introduction to Book Editing
- The Book Publishing Industry
- Types of Editors
- Copy Editors
- Structural Editors
- Freelance Editors
- Benefits of Being a Book Editor
Getting Ready
- Publishing Skills and Knowledge
- Grammar and Language Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Learning Book Editing By Doing
- Freelance Editors
- Benefits of Being a Book Editor
Getting Hired
- Types of Employers
- Large Publishers
- Interpersonal Skills
- Learning Book Editing By Doing
- Self-Study
Starting Your Own Freelance Editing Business
- Creating a Business Plan
- Financial Matters
- Working With Support Staff
Getting Clients
- Choosing Your Target Market
- Marketing Techniques
- Selling Your Services
- Client Contracts
What Is Included in the Book Editor Certificate Course
This all-inclusive Book Editor Certificate Course package includes:
- Registration for the Book Editor Certificate Course
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Access to a Faculty Member to provide you with personal teaching assistance and career advice
- (Optional) 2026 membership in the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group for only US$ 2.99 per month
- Downloadable Book Editor Certificate personalized with your name and the seal of the International Association of Professions Career College which you may print
- (Optional) Opportunity to order official certificates printed on fine linen paper and embossed with the gold seal of the college
- Textbook: IAP Career College Guide to Become a Book Editor (e-book edition)
Register for the Book Editor Certificate Course
FALL SPECIAL
It’s easy to change or cancel your course registration. See our FAQ page for details.
You can have all this for an incredible price. It can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to take other programs. (We found courses based on old editions of our guides with registration fees of up to $999 and more.) We are able to offer you online courses at a significantly lower cost to you because of our expertise from over 20 years of producing the leading online guides for non-traditional careers.
Our online certificate courses have previously been offered for a registration fee of $297 U.S. and include a textbook and professional membership – a total value of almost $377.
FALL SPECIAL: This all-inclusive registration package for the Book Editor Certificate Course is priced as only US$ 149.00 for the October 12, 2026 course.
Associated Courses
Register today for the Book Editor Certificate Course. Enrollment is limited and registration is on a first come first served basis, so we recommend that you register early for the Book Editor Certificate Course online to avoid disappointment.
If the course is full, please email support@iapcollege.com to be notified when a new course date is scheduled.
Your Privacy Is Protected
-
What does a Book Editor do?
A book editor plays a key role in the publishing process by helping shape, refine, and prepare manuscripts for publication. Book editors work closely with authors to improve clarity, structure, and style, ensuring the final book is polished and ready for readers. There are several types of book editors, including:
- Copy Editors, who review grammar, punctuation, and consistency line by line
- Developmental Editors, who guide big-picture elements like plot, pacing, and character development
- Acquisitions Editors, who identify promising manuscripts and acquire them for publishing houses
-
What will I learn in the Book Editor Certificate Course?
You’ll learn the core skills needed to become a professional book editor, including types of editing, the publishing process, working with authors, and industry tools. The course also covers how to launch a freelance editing business and build your credibility as an editor.
-
How long does the Book Editor Certificate Course take to complete?
The Book Editor Certificate Course is designed to be self-paced, with a recommended completion time of 6 weeks. However, you have the flexibility to complete it in as little as 2 weeks or extend it up to 12 weeks, depending on your schedule.
Need more time? No problem. All of IAP’s Courses include lifetime access. -
How much can I earn as a Book Editor?
Experienced book editors can make $90,000+ per year. Your own salary will depend on a variety of factors, including your location, specialization, and experience.
-
Can I start my own Book Editor business after completing this course?
Yes! This course will equip you with the information you need to start your own freelance book editing business, from setting your fees to finding clients.
-
Do I need any prior experience or education to enroll in this course?
No experience is required. This course is beginner friendly and suitable for those brand new to book editing, as well as those with some editorial experience looking to sharpen their skills.
-
Can I take the Book Editor Certificate Course from outside of North America?
Absolutely. This course is 100% online and self-paced, allowing you to study from anywhere in the world.
-
Will I receive a certificate when I finish the course?
Yes! Upon completing the course, you will receive a Book Editor Certificate from IAP Career College. This certificate will demonstrate your proficiency in editorial techniques and help you stand out as you pursue your career in this field.
-
What is IAP Career College?
The International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College) is a leading online career college offering online certificate courses and professional certifications for non-traditional and "dream" careers.
Since 1999, we’ve helped over 500,000 students across six continents get started in dream careers—from life coaching to event planning to end-of-life care. Our courses are flexible, beginner-friendly, and designed for adult learners looking for practical, self-paced options.
