"Today, I bid a fond farewell to the Pacific Northwest, where I thought a lot about enlightenment, exceptional books, great coffee, and the astounding beauty of nature. You can read about it at Books Can Save a Life. …"
Editors Can Change the Face of Self-Publishing
Last week, the Huffington Post published this article about why indie (i.e.: self-published) authors still aren’t taken seriously, despite runaway successes like Christopher Paolini or J.A. Konrath that we hear so much about. The reality is, many self-published authors end up with a basement full of books they can’t sell (something that, at least, self-publishing ebooks can bring to an end). The number one reason HuffPo lists for this lack of credibility is … bad (or no) editing.
And although I know in my heart there are probably lots of self-published gems out there just waiting to be discovered, I often pass by self-published books entirely due to this massive lack of quality control. And although I’m a “finisher” who often reads through books that I’m not enjoying at all, I often can’t get myself to sit through the grammar errors and inconsistencies in a self-published book, no matter how much the subject matter entices me. I read unedited work every day for my job — when I’m off, I want to read a book that someone else has already done the hard work on. (And here’s a word to the wise for all writers: you should be doing the hard work so your readers don’t have to.)
If more self-published authors took themselves seriously enough to hire editors, I think they could gradually begin changing self-publishing’s bad reputation, especially as people become more and more frustrated with a few book publishers having all the power. Yes, I know that money is often an issue when self-publishing, and yes, professional editors do cost money. But in addition to lack of feedback and experience, I think another major problem with self-published books, especially with the explosion of self-published ebooks, is that a lot of writers read the “success stories,” think, “That could be me!” and invest in self-publishing as some sort of get-rich-quick scheme. And anyone who thinks writing is a get-rich-anytime scheme is majorly deluded (in fact, anyone who thinks writing is a do anything quick scheme is deluded; I can write a passable novel draft in a month, but it can take me up to two years to revise said draft after that.)
But even after all that, I’m glad that self-publishing is now an option for authors. I’m glad writers have more platforms for reaching readers. I’m glad that Random House and Penguin are no longer the only ones who get to decide what the public reads. And I actually love working with authors who are planning to self-publish — and take themselves seriously enough to work with an editor and through multiple drafts — because most of these writers DO have talent, and they only need a little refinement for that talent to be taken seriously. And if your goal as a self-publisher is to gain readers (not to make a huge monetary return on your time and talent investment or to attain critical acclaim), then you’ll probably feel perfectly satisfied with the results.
Although e-readers are new, electronic publishing is not. In fact, as soon as people were getting online, they were posting their stories. My own humble beginnings were as a fan-fic author who posted online — I self-published. And I remember thinking, at the time, that posting a story on the Internet was just as good as being published becausepeople were reading my work — even people I didn’t know! That’s still thrilling as a writer, and I give kudos to all those who take the time to write and have the courage to share, who want no reward but to have real readers. I’m entertaining serious thoughts about returning to my roots as an electronic self-publisher myself if this year’s worth of submissions doesn’t achieve the desired results.
So, if you also want to self publish something that’s had a rockin’ editing job to boot, you know where to find me.
Comment
-
Comment by Kristen Taber on February 23, 2012 at 6:03am -
I agree with Lacey, "settling" is a good way to approach feedback; our knee jerk reaction is pain, since our words are an extension of who we are and an "attack" on them is a perceived attack on us. This is especially important because processing difficult feedback and acknowledging it (either as right or inaccurate) will be a lot easier now than when readers start commenting. They won't be nice about it when they find errors or are confused by writing, and major issues will be nearly impossible to correct after publication (likewise, a reputation as a non-quality author).
Personally, I don't care about an editor's approach or her ability to agree with me or sugarcoat. The editor I chose is an excellent partner for me; she tells me exactly what's wrong, no words wasted, all business and I love it. I'm free to have a dialog with her about it, to debate when I disagree, and in the end, we come up with something better than either of us envisioned individually. Ultimately, I recognize I need to be ripped away from my "baby" to enable it to grow up properly. As a writer, I lose the ability to see the story through anything but a parent's eyes without that help. If I want to succeed and to have my stories succeed, I can only do that by stepping back and viewing my words with the same critical eye by which an editor is capable.
-
Comment by Lacey Louwagie on February 22, 2012 at 10:04pm -
Thanks for the discussion. Olga, I hear where you're coming from -- it can be hard to know whether hearing difficult news from an editor is just ego flaring up, or whether it's a real red flag about your work. Although I agree with Anouska that, ultimately, an editor should be encouraging and make you WANT to work further on your piece, not hide it under the bed. Usually I give myself at least 24 hours to let feedback "settle," and then I can more easily sift through what is worth changing, and what I'm not willing to compromise on. Since you're under contract, you may not have the option of not making changes that are asked for -- but you might at least be able to separate out what you think might be worth challenging, and where it's easier to go along to get along.
The search for a good editor can be overwhelming. A couple things I would look for are: a) experience editing for a professional publication or organization, which will usually have high standards for quality control, and will teach an editor to consistently deliver strong results; and b) a willingness to do a sample edit. Most editors should do a few pages of a sample edit for free so you'll have an idea of what you're getting before you commit any large sum of money. Professional editing prices will vary quite a bit, too, and cheaper doesn't always mean you'll get a less skilled editor. For example, my rates are significantly lower than most freelance editors because I live in a rural area where I can live off less than an editor living in a bigger city.
You can also try an editorial services company like Scribendi (www.scribendi.com). The downside is you don't get to choose your editor; the upsides are that Scribendi has pre-screened all their editors, guaranteeing a certain level of credibility, and they'll give you a free sample edit as well. Scribendi employs over a hundred editors (I'm one of them), but if you like the style of the editor who gave you your free sample, you can request that editor to work on the entire manuscript. Hope this is helpful -- and good luck!
-
Comment by Olga Godim on February 21, 2012 at 11:10pm -
Anouska, Thanks a lot. I'm going to send you a friend request. Perhaps then, through personal communications, it will be easier on us both. I really want to discover what you're writing, have written and have published.
-
Comment by Olga Godim on February 21, 2012 at 10:38pm
-
Anouska, I hope you're right. I'm still waiting until she reads the entire story. Her "Problem" comment came in after she read the first 3 chapters. I think the truth is somewhere in between of what she wants to see and what I've written. In any case, I consider the situation as a school of communications with an editor. I hope we'll find the same wavelength. Eventually.
-
Comment by Anouska on February 21, 2012 at 10:31pm -
Hi Olga,
Our last posts evidently crossed each other :-)
It is very important that you and she are on the same wave length. Before making any major adjustments to your story, you should have some emails going back and forth between the two of you, where you try and determine if she is indeed 'getting' you. If not, then you should really try and discuss with the publisher the possibility of another editor. After all, they are investing in you. An editor who is not in tune with your message will never be able to help you with fine tuning. Not effectively, that is. The publisher knows this too (I hope). And since they are investing in you, I'm sure they will want the best possible edit, as well.
-
Comment by Anouska on February 21, 2012 at 10:22pm
-
One more comment, Olga. You say 'But if I paid that editor myself, I could just fire her and hire someone else who doesn't see problems in my writing. Much easier for the writer's ego that way.'
Honestly, I think in your case the problem is not so much with you (most of us writers have big ego's), as with this specific editor. Of course your writing will have issues. If it didn't, an editor would not be needed. But the tone she uses to address matters is anything but encouraging. She should be your mentor, not your drill instructor. You should feel safe with her, safe enough to make mistakes, to shoot off silly ideas and related or unrelated thoughts. You should feel free to create. Instead, from what you say, she sounds like a person who will stifle any new author.
Perhaps you should try and find someone in your surroundings to help you sift through her remarks - take to heart the stuff you agree with, and ignore the rest. Having someone else at your side while 'reading' this editor, may prevent you from getting irritated, losing confidence and becoming demotivated. Just my thoughts.
In any case, congrats on the contract! And best wishes for making it all work.
-
Comment by Olga Godim on February 21, 2012 at 10:10pm
-
Anouska. I wish I could choose my editor. I think she doesn't understand what I'm trying to say, but perhaps I'm deluding myself. If a reader doesn't understand what I'm trying to say, she would just close the book in disgust. The editor doesn't have that option. I'm sure, with her criticism, my novel will be better, even if she really doesn't understand. I should strive to reach a point with my writing where most peope 'get' it without my explanations. Right? Otherwise, I'm a bad writer. However I turn it, it's bad for the ego. I hope it will be good for the book. :-)
-
Comment by Olga Godim on February 21, 2012 at 9:47pm
-
Lacey, you're absolutely right about the lack of editing in indi books. One of the reasons is definitely high cost of a good editor. But there are other reasons too. How do I know which editor is good and which isn't? They charge the same. Anyone can call herself an editor after finishing a college with English as a major.
Another issue: I have a book accepted for publication by a small press, not self-publishing. They assigned me an editor, and the first thing she said was: "Olga, you have a problem." And I have to pay attention to her words; I'm under contract. But if I paid that editor myself, I could just fire her and hire someone else who doesn't see problems in my writing. Much easier for the writer's ego that way.
It's a complex issue, but I want to keep your name in my files if I ever go self-publishing road.
-
Comment by Kristen Taber on February 21, 2012 at 7:36pm
-
Lacey, yes, absolutely. I certainly didn't mean to insinuate writing a book in that short amount of time isn't something to be proud of; I know how hard that is. I wrote one of my books in four weeks and another in three, but I wouldn't consider those any more than first drafts. The four week book has taken me a year and a half to get to the point where I feel ready to publish it (May is the goal), and the three week one will likely be the end of 2013 before it's set. Certainly, we do get more efficient as we hone our skills, but I don't think I'll ever be capable of start to finish in a month.
-
Comment by Anouska on February 21, 2012 at 7:36pm
-
Just thinking, NaNoWriMo should really be saying ' write a 1st draft in 30 days ', should it not?
And thanks for your kind words about my process. I'll be sure to shoot you a PM when I launch.
Latest Activity
Valorie Grace Hallinan replied to the discussion 'What did you blog about Today?' in the group Blogging about Books and Writing!
Marcelle Soviero posted a status"My book of essays An Iridescenet Life: Essays on Motherhood and Stepmotherhood was published this week. It is available on Amazon.com."
Nanci Arvizu posted a status"You CAN afford our Android Author App NOW. Let us tell you how http://dld.bz/a75x2 iPhone App here http://dld.bz/aBa85"
Kiersi Burkhart replied to the discussion 'What did you blog about Today?' in the group Blogging about Books and Writing!"I interview our very own awesomely prolific author, Kelly Hashway: http://prolificnovelista.com/2012/interview-with-kelly-hashway/ Go read it! We talk about writing a book in four days!"
Top Content
Badge
© 2012 Created by Kamy Wicoff.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
You need to be a member of She Writes to add comments!
Join She Writes