How ADHD suits my work as a book editor: The unexpected advantages of editing books with an ADHD brain
Now that I’ve ripped off the plaster and shared that I’m a book editor with ADHD on my website (in case you missed it, I shared this in the introduction to my post on my recommended books about ADHD) I thought I may as well go further with this and share a bit more about being a book editor with ADHD.
The truth about ADHD and concentration
You may well think being a book editor and proofreader with ADHD sounds impossible. Don’t people with ADHD struggle with spotting the finer details and sustaining concentration?
Both those aspects are true to a certain degree. Concentration can be an issue. People with ADHD can get easily distracted. But lack of concentration and being easily distracted is usually to do with having to concentrate on something that doesn’t interest us.
Of course, problems with concentration affect nearly everyone, especially in today’s fast-paced world where there are distractions galore. The difference with someone with ADHD is that it becomes near impossible (pretty much painful) to sustain our concentration on something that doesn’t interest us, whereas someone who doesn’t have an ADHD brain can probably force themselves to pay attention and take in the information!
Why ADHD and book editing is a great combination
The great news here is that working with a book editor with ADHD who’s working on a project or topic that utterly fascinates them means they will pour all their energy (and concentration!) into that work. This is why niching from day one of launching my editorial business made complete and utter sense. Surely the whole point of running my own editing business was so I could work on projects I couldn’t get enough of?
This is also why, for me, I generally only work on one project at time. My brain will always obsess over its current interest. While that does indeed include the ten tabs I have open on barrel jeans, it also includes the book I’m editing, which will take up thinking space away from my desk (my best thoughts always come to me when I’m running, in the shower, or down at Aldi).
You will have no better ally to work with and champion your book if you can find a book editor whose interests and passions line up with yours, and who has a brain that won’t let your book go. My obsessive book passions include manifestos about fighting the patriarchy, calls to arms that smash diet culture, stories about women discovering exercise and running, and inspirational accounts of overcoming the odds in physical and mental health.
Why book editing is the perfect job for me as someone with ADHD
Now let me give you a quick rundown on how book editing suits my ADHD brain (just as with neurotypical brains, all ADHD brains work differently!).
The editing time frame suits my ADHD brain perfectly
The average time needed to edit a book hits the sweet spot between a task being so small it lacks motivation and being so big procrastination kicks in. My projects tend to take between 1.5 and 4 weeks, which means I need to set up a rough but flexible schedule to meet the deadline.
The flow of book editing is great for ADHD
I prefer to call it flow instead of hyperfocus, but editing is one of those jobs where getting in the flow really benefits the work. The time it takes to edit a book means I can get into a decent flow without worrying about how on earth I’ll sustain the flow.
Book editors are encouraged to take breaks
Perhaps somewhat conversely to flow, when you’re doing your proofreading and editing training, you’re told to make sure you add plenty of breaks to prevent tired eyes and missing mistakes. Having done proofreading and editing for a number of years, I know what my peak working blocks are (45 minutes to an hour for copyediting; an hour to an hour and a half for manuscript appraisals or feedback).
This works well for ADHD brains which, even if they love the work, can tire more easily due to it taking more effort to concentrate.
Book editing provides just enough novelty
Related to the time frame of book edits above, I get to work on something new at least once a month! My novelty-seeking brain loves this.
Editing books means I get to learn new things
As an extension of the novelty of the project itself, there’s what I might learn or need to look up within the book I’m editing. Pretty much all book editors love this part about their job, but this is a real gem for ADHD brains. From a new word to fact-checking, we’re expected to look into things! Though this is also where my trusty timer comes in handy, so I don’t spend too long down the rabbit hole.
Being observant is a vital skill for book editors
Personally, I think ADHD is less about being ‘too easily distracted’ and more about how observant our brains are, which is crucial in a job like editing or proofreading. I often joke with my husband about how unobservant he is, whereas I notice every little thing going on around me. This attention to detail is a real boon when editing a book, because that’s when we notice things like repetition, contradictions, and changes in details or characterisation.
Book editing is creative and logical
Book editing is highly creative, but it follows a loose framework too. I have my checklist for before and after edits, and a template to follow for editorial reports. This structured side of editing makes it easier to get started when task initiation struggles kick in. Knowing I’ve gone through my checklist hundreds of times before helps me start with checklist point number one (usually a simple ‘does the manuscript look complete?’).
ADHD brains love being self-employed
It’s been suggested that neurodivergent folk are over-represented in the self-employed world (i.e. there seem to be more neurodivergent people who are self-employed than you’d expect, based on the proportion of neurodivergent people in the general population). This is mainly due to being in charge of how we work best and not having to request accommodations through a manager or workforce. Wearing comfy clothes, listening to whatever music we want, taking as many breaks as we need, working to our most productive times: this is all much easier when you’re the boss!
Neurodivergent brains work brilliantly together
And finally, one of the reasons I’ve started speaking up more about being a book editor with ADHD is that writers with ADHD often feel comfortable working with me. I’ve already mentioned this, but even though every ADHD brain is different, we also have far more in common with each other than neurotypical brains.
I get it when you tell me you’re struggling to work on something you enjoy, how being last minute does not equate to a lack of interest or care, how working on your self-worth is a never-ending endeavour, and how you need a different approach to work with your neurodivergent brain.
Sharing your writing with an editor is already an incredibly vulnerable undertaking, so if working with a fellow ADHD brain helps you feel more accepted and less fearful about your writing and your process, then I’m delighted to be that person for you!
Of course, I’m not saying that I now work exclusively with neurodivergent women. Neurotypical brains are also brilliant brains! I just wanted to share why my ADHD brain loves editing books, both to reassure ADHD writers that ADHD editors are out there, if you wish, and to help any fellow ADHD editors who recognise themselves in this post. This also goes for any budding ADHD editors who worry their ADHD brains will stop them from pursuing their dream job.
Neurodivergent or neurotypical, remember to celebrate your brilliant brain, to stand up for it and give it the best working conditions you can!
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