Happy Friday everyone! It’s been a while since I posted about self-publishing and I’m sure you thought I’d fallen off the edge of the self-pub world. Don’t worry, I’m still here and hanging on by my fingernails.
I started my self-publishing journey in July 2013 and it’s been a rollercoaster ride. Good thing I like rollercoasters. In my last post I tackled checklists and templates. For this post, I’m discussing a topic that every writer loves. Editing. NOT! 🙂
Each author’s writing process is an art. So is their editing process. I’m not going to talk about the process itself, but the importance of it especially in self-publishing. Here are three tips:
CRITIQUE PARTNERS/GROUPS
I find them invaluable, especially during the writing phase and/or after your first ‘official’ draft. These are the people that will be brutally honest (and you want them to be) about your story, characters, setting, etc. They not only help you with your story, their advice can help you become a better writer.
Words of advice: It’s your story and you don’t have to incorporate all their advice, just what you feel works best for you and your story.
BETA READERS
These are people who love to read and that you trust to give your story to. They will give you feedback from a reader’s point of view. Extremely helpful and just as necessary.
Words of advice: Make sure you give them enough time to read and yourself enough time to incorporate the suggestions, especially if you’re on a deadline to get your book published.
PROFESSIONALS
This a must if you’re going to self-publish! If you haven’t yet, make sure to include it in your budget. I’ve found the cost ranges from very expensive to affordable, depending on the type of editing you need, and the editor you choose. I read somewhere that your book should go through four rounds of editing. WOW! Personally, I couldn’t afford it, but I think with the first two rounds mentioned above, your story should get to a good place before you send it to a professional. I also recommend learning to edit your own book. It helped me recognize my weakness and how I could improve my writing. It’s a long road, so the soon you start the better. I’ve just started myself and wished I’d found the road years ago. Below are two types of professional editing I recommend, although they’re are others. If you’re not sure which you need, an editor’s website usually let’s you know what type they offer and what it includes.
Words of advice: Make sure you feel comfortable with the editor(s) you choose and that they work with and not at you. It’s your story and you want someone who’s going to help you become a better writer not just tell you want to do.
Copyeditor
This can cover a range of services, but at this stage I’d recommend someone who does more than just grammar corrections. You want to find an editor that is not only good at what they do, but that you mesh well with. Someone who’s familiar with your genre and who’s sensitive to your voice. Looking for an editor?
Proofreader
Try and find a proofreader that will not only catch grammar, and incorrect words, but who will look for inconsistencies in your story that might be missed by others who’ve reviewed your book.
Words of advice: Editors are people too, and can miss things which is why it’s important to have at least two different editors look at your book.
WHAT I LEARNED
The whole process is a lot longer than I anticipated, so I need to make sure I’m happy with my story before it goes to each party.
Having my own editing process will help me recognize what to check for while editing.
The more eyes that see my book the better. Each person sees the story differently and provide valuable input.
Editor’s schedules are booked months in advance so I have to consider this when I’m planning so I don’t pay for a rush job or delay my production schedule.
The journey has been a huge learning experience, but one I’m enjoying. The next stage, Book Formatting, is fast approaching. I’m going to attack it with the same excitement and vigor of the other stages.
Yes, I’m currently working on my own book.
I am going to self-edit my work and get atleast two proofreaders to look at my writing.
We’ll see how it goes.
Thanks for sharing your story. Keep up the good work.
– Sam
Rather than two proofreaders, I’d recommend a copyedit. It’s a completely different type of edit and a little more expensive, but just as vital.
Thanks for stopping by. Good luck with your book, Sam!
I loved this, Elke! I don’t know how you do it! You go, girl! 🙂
Awe! Thanks sweetie! I’m glad you found it helpful.
You’re the one with two blogs, so I think you’re pretty amazing.
Hi Elke,
I have to say, I don’t love editing. But it’s good to know there are people that do!
Like you say, it is a process and for me it can take almost as long to edit as the actual writing itself.
When I wrote my first book I didn’t use an editor and you could tell. I tried to do it all myself but that’s an almost impossible task. I ALWAYS miss things 🙁
Writers are smart to use editors. I’d even recommend one for writing the simpler things as well like articles and blog posts.
You’ve offered some great tips here and also some clarification.
Thanks Elke.
Liz
Hi Liz,
I also take longer to edit a book than to write it. Hopefully that’s a good thing. 🙂
Having an editor review my blog posts would be nice. I miss a lot of things. LOL! Personally, I’m looking into an affordable online grammar service.
Thanks for stopping by!