Editing and Reviews

For most indie authors editing and reviews become the bane of your new author existence. I paid a substantial amount to get my work professionally edited only to find out through a few precious reviews that my editor failed. Now granted I should have tried to do a better job proofreading and maybe saved myself a little grief but this was my first novel and I had no idea what to expect. I’ve put this experience towards a lesson learned and in my future novels I will be more vigilant in what I publish. Don’t get me wrong, I loved what my editor did and they really did help me a lot, I just wish I would have had a little more guidance.

Now for the second part of my post…reviews. Love them or hate them, they are a necessity in getting your name and novel out in the public eye. The review process was a real eye opener for me. I had to develop a thick skin pretty quickly and no matter how many awesome reviews you get, it’s that one or two horrible ones that stick in your mind. Now I know I can’t please everyone but it really bothers me when they pretty much just come out and say; your book sucked, what were you thinking? I appreciate any comments readers are willing to give me, because without their feedback I wouldn’t have known that I needed to do more work on my editing. The thing that bothers me is how some readers go about telling you. I have been fortunate enough to have some wonderful reviewers who although bluntly pointed out my flaws, they did it tastefully and I didn’t feel like crawling in a hole and not come back out. Some reviews I’ve read for other books just makes my skin crawl because I know how the author must be feeling reading them. I guess what I’m trying to say is authors, don’t be afraid to put your self out there and get those reviews, but try and have an open mind when they start coming in. If you know in your heart your work is good and that it deserves recognition, than you will get it, just don’t expect to please everyone. And to the readers out there, I know you have the right to your opinion and authors depend on that, but please try to remember that I’m sure you have dreams too. Imagine you poured your soul into something only to have it crushed in some strangers hand. Authors know we make mistakes and we know we won’t please everyone, but there really is no excuse to be rude or just plain mean.

I really hope I haven’t offended anyone because that was not my intent. I love my readers and I hope to gain more. I welcome their feedback and I can’t wait to share the rest of my story with you. To all you new indie authors out there: Don’t give up! If you believe in what you write and you put forth the effort and hard work your project deserves, you will succeed. Thanks for taking the time to read this and good luck in all your future endeavours, what ever they may be.

Cheers