Do I need a writing editor

I'm writing a nonfiction philosophical self-help book. I'm in an early-draft stage, and what I'm finding is that it's so freeform that I don't know quite whether my edits are improving things. I'm not getting any feedback, so I feel like I'm hitting tennis balls, but there's just no response. No wall, no partner, no nothing. It's all so silent out there!

I really need someone to act as an informed and literate sounding board and reader... someone who could understand my project, help me shape its concept, and help me understand how it does or does not accord with what the publishing world looks for.

I feel like this is more than a simple crit request would involve, and even, if I'm not mistaken, more than what a beta reader could provide.

I need someone willing to read some long kind of dense material, comprehend it, and help me step out of my head and see my project from a more objective point of view.

What's my best bet here? A freelance editor? A writing coach? A writing buddy? And for any of these what's the best way of finding someone I'd click with?

Jinx -- thanks for your offer. When the book's at the beta stage I may take you up on your offer. It's going to be a philosophical self-help book...

Fins_Left:

If you have credentials, then you might look to others in your field. If not, then maybe others who have similar interests (but you risk the echo chamber effect).

Good suggestion. I have to think about this. People in my field might be a little difficult, because I'm bridging different fields in a somewhat idiosyncratic fashion. And then as you say there's the echo chamber thing to think about.

have you approached agents or "the publishing world" with your project?

But should I be pitching them so early, even when these early drafts could change rather dramatically? Is that kind of pitch recommended?

Or is there a "not-quite-pitching-yet" "work with me to figure this out" type relationship that people can get agents to have with them?

I've edited a book on leadership that was a massive rambling mess more appropriate as a series of blog rants than a contribution to the art of leadership.

Exactly the kind of thing I'm worried about.

Do you mind posting a little more details about the philosophy that you're exploring?

Sure. I'm linking up lessons from eastern philosophy, psychology and psychoanalysis, literature, and literary theory in my own individual framework. I argue for a certain kind of worldview, and counterintuitive answers to common psychological problems people have. And so far, I've been trying to show this all as part of my own spiritual/philosophical journey... to show how I obtained various answers with at least some life context.

The thing is a lot of the above topics are very esoteric. I want to keep their basic ideas, which can be somewhat complex, but also render them applicable and comprehensible to the reasonably educated lay reader.

Thanks for your answers!