Should I get my book edited?

Yes. A professional edit is the single most valuable investment you can make. At minimum, budget for copy-editing (clarity, grammar, consistency) and proofreading (final error check). Many books also benefit from a structural/developmental edit earlier in the process to fix flow, argument, or narrative issues. Friends can provide feedback, but they are not a substitute for a trained editor working to industry standards. Good editing improves reader trust and commercial outcomes.

Further reading: /information/book-editing

How do I find a good editor?

Look for editors with relevant genre experience, clear scopes of work, and sample edits. Ask for references and a short paid sample on your own text so you can assess fit. Check membership of recognised professional bodies and whether they quote against a brief, with timelines and deliverables. Beware of extremely low prices or vague promises. A good editor will describe what they will do, what they won’t, and how they will communicate changes.

Further reading: /information/find-an-editor

What is the difference between copy-editing and proofreading?

Copy-editing comes first: it improves clarity, style, consistency, references, and adherence to a style guide. It may flag small factual or structural issues, and it standardises elements like hyphenation and capitalisation. Proofreading is the final quality check after typesetting; it catches remaining typos, spacing glitches, line breaks, widows/orphans, and layout errors. Do not skip proofreading; errors introduced during layout are common. Think: copy-edit = refine the text; proofread = check the pages.

Further reading: /information/copy-editing-vs-proofreading

Can I get help with indexing my book?

Yes, and if your book is non-fiction with substantial topics, you should. A professional indexer creates a reader-friendly map of concepts, names and sub-topics, using recognised conventions and software. Automated tools and back-of-the-book word dumps are poor substitutes. Good indexing improves usability, reviews and library value. Plan it into your schedule: indexing happens after final page proofs and before print.

Further reading: /information/indexing

Should I use footnotes or endnotes?

Choose based on reader experience and format. Footnotes are ideal for brief clarifications in print; they keep the reading flow but must be short. Endnotes suit heavier referencing, academic apparatus, or where page space is tight; they keep pages cleaner but require flipping. For eBooks, endnotes with hyperlinks work best. Use one system consistently, and keep notes functional rather than discursive.

Further reading: /information/footnotes-vs-endnotes

What is the standard page order at the start of a book?

Front matter typically runs: half-title, series (if used), frontispiece (optional), title page, copyright page, dedication/epigraph (optional), table of contents, lists of figures/tables, foreword, preface, acknowledgements, introduction, then the main text. Not every book needs every element, but the order matters because libraries, indexers and retailers expect conventions. A professional typesetter will advise on what to include and where.

Further reading: /information/front-matter-order

What kind of titles work best for books?

Clear beats clever. Aim for a memorable, searchable title that accurately signals genre and promise. Avoid ambiguous wordplay unless you already have a platform. For non-fiction, a short, strong title plus a descriptive subtitle performs well; for fiction, tone and genre signalling are critical. Check for existing books with similar titles, domain clashes, and awkward abbreviations. Say it aloud. If people mishear it, rethink it.

Further reading: /information/choosing-a-title

Should I give my book a subtitle?

For non-fiction, usually yes. Subtitles carry the “what it is and who it’s for” message, adding keywords that help discoverability. Keep it concise and specific; avoid marketing fluff. For fiction, subtitles are rarer and can look amateurish unless part of a series convention (e.g., “A DI Smith Novel”). Whatever you choose, ensure the spine and cover remain legible at thumbnail size.

Further reading: /information/subtitles

Is genre important?

Extremely. Genre is how readers, retailers and recommendation systems find books. It sets expectations for tone, length, cover style and pricing. Mis-labelling your genre harms discoverability and reviews. Choose the primary genre your target reader actually searches for, then add secondary categories where relevant. Let genre guide design and marketing decisions; it’s a tool, not a constraint.

Further reading: /information/genre-importance