A "founding editor" is someone who starts a publication or project and serves as the first editor. They are responsible for establishing the vision, content, and direction of the project. Full definition
Writing your book is the first step, but there are lots of hurdles to overcome, such as finding an editor, cover artist or just getting your table of contents formatted correctly. (goodereader.com)
Editing IS part of writing, and for writers who find it hard should learn, instead of finding editors for the rest of their career. (thewritelife.com)
At the time there was really only one way of doing this: You got an agent, who found you an editor who convinced their publishers to take on your book. (bookpromotion.com)