The publishing industry today has a plethora of self- publishers. Often times, self-publishers will contract with a book manufacturer. The book manufacturer will handle production of the final product.
However, there is a process in between the completion of the work by the author and production. A marketing plan will be in the works. Distribution details will be under negotiation. The news release, query letters, and flyers will be under production. More importantly, the work should be edited. In fact, editing is the number one necessity.
Editing is first and foremost the top priority. Contrary to popular belief, a proofreader is insufficient. An editor is the key; focusing not only on spelling and grammar, but also content. Spelling and grammar comprise a small piece to the puzzle. The content of the work is the aspect that makes the work unique, which includes details such as plot, story flow, and character.
Your editor has a critical eye for those details. Yet, many authors overlook this particular need; especially those self-published. It may not be as huge a concern for those authors solicited by major publishers, who have editors to work the magic.
In fact, after the changes from an initial editing job are complete, another editing job should be done to ensure that the work is ready for publication. I have had the opportunity to view the work of a self-published author who had sent is work to a friend for a review post-publication. The book was already on the market, but it had several misspellings, run-on sentences, etc. That is the worst scenario. The author's name is tied to that work for life.
On the other hand, perhaps he had an editor who was unclear regarding the type of editing service provided. Was the job, in fact, just proofreading? Did the editor evaluate whether or not the story flowed and was consistent with the plot and its characters? Was there a clear time frame and era?
Hire an editor. Avoid the risk of being marked for life with a mediocre literary piece. Make sure your work is professionally edited. Shop around for and compare pricing. Find out the exact type of editing offered. Make sure your work is top notch like the wine in the cellar that made top shelf.
Dana Morris-Blake is the C.E.O. and Founder of Naypree Enterprises Publishing. She is an author, editor, and freelance writer with 13 years of experience in the publishing industry. She offers full-service editing, copywriting, typesetting, grant writing and review, ghostwriting, writing collaboration, and research contracting. Visit her website at http://www.1wp.com/go/naypree
Source: www.articlealley.com
