Thread: Multiple Editors...who gets the credit?

Maybe this is a silly question to ask, but I'm going to ask anyway.

I have quite the dilemma here, especially since I have multiple editors. Now, I did hire an editing service, but for many years it was mostly me who did the real work. I did have beta readers, I did have some of my friends read parts of my chapter (s), I've gotten advice from various people in writers forums such as this one, and yes, even some family members. Who would I name as my main editor? The person who I paid to do the job? Do I even need to name an editor? Do I just group people in one big lump?

For example: Thanks to my loyal friends and family who made this possible.

I don't want to list someone's name and find out they didn't want to be listed at all, due to embarrassment or whatever you want to call it. How should I go about this process delicately?

Check out the acknowledgments of any number of books and see how they do it. Usually one person is listed as the editor, but other people are listed as providing unspecified help. Ask people if they want to be acknowledged. If they don't, it's their fault if they do not get credit. I would imagine most people would enjoy seeing their names in print. You should probably say something to the effect that while these other people helped, final responsibility for the content of your book is your own. C.M.

Thank you C.M. Aaron. I guess I'll just have to go around and ask people... or maybe lump some people together in groups. I'll also mention the editing services as well. Thank you once again. I truly appreciate it.