Indie Book Collective discussion
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Indie Authors: A Few questions, please
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1. I have a mix of both, and usually have at least 4 (but more usually 6) people look it over before I publish.2. I have found that quite often the costs of getting a professional involved are worth it. Often indie books have errors that let them down, and it is almost impossible to catch all of your own typos, as you see what you expect to see. I have found some professionals willing to work for backlinks and promtion, or credit in the book too. It is all about finding someone you trust and get along with.
3. I often give out a few free advance review copies to people to get the ball rolling on the reviews, but those people never see my very first draft. No one does!
4. I think a professional proofreader is more than worth it, but many indies are put off by the cost. I think they often pay for themselves though - if your book looks professional you'll get more sales.
Hope this helps :~)
A good copy editor is invaluable, spare no expense. He or she doesn't just make sure that "though" isn't "through," bad enough, but makes sure that the girl wearing slacks on page 31 isn't wearing pants on page 45. I find mistakes like that in a book, I don't simply put it down. I burn it.Moreover, a good copy editor will let you know when you need a little more of something somewhere, or a little less. Helen Mirren said once a good director only has to tell her one of four things: more, less, faster, slower. That has no application at all to what we're talking about, but I like the quote.
It's really difficult to get friends and relatives to do your proofreading (which is where I first sought help). Unpaid help is not as motivated as paid help, and they also tend not to be as critical as you need them to be. Completely on the other hand are the returns on indie publishing - which are most commonly quite low. It pushes you into a place where you are (as author)going to invest money with no assurance of financial success. It's a tough spot to be in. In the end, I have decided that proofreading is too important not to do. As a result, I have an english teacher set to proofread my next published work - as soon as the school year ends.
"I have found that quite often the costs of getting a professional involved are worth it. Often indie books have errors that let them down, and it is almost impossible to catch all of your own typos, as you see what you expect to see." Victoria, great quote!
Nick - "A good copy editor is invaluable, spare no expense. He or she doesn't just make sure that "though" isn't "through," bad enough, but makes sure that the girl wearing slacks on page 31 isn't wearing pants on page 45. I find mistakes like that in a book, I don't simply put it down. I burn it." I completely agree! I can't stand inconsistencies in movies, much less books. But question: Do you actually burn the book? ;)
Scott, I agree, using those closest to you could be problematic. Especially family. It may be hard for them to be critical because they are worried about hurting your feelings.And as a proofreader, we run the risk of offending by being 'too thorough'. My opinion is, there's no such thing. But believe it or not, our corrections have not always been taken well.
No. I've burnt only one book, A Murder, She Wrote serialization. (The great, underrated Rod Taylor played in the tv episode.) It was cold in the apartment, had no other paper to light a fire.And regarding corrections not being taken well, that's why I ALWAYS insist on full payment up front, and no one's complained yet.
I completely understand that corrections aren't always the easiest to take. I very much respect the established guidelines for good writing, but also want to experiment. It is ultimately risk taking that can leave you vulnerable. The thing is, I would so much rather have my feelings hurt from my copy editor, than the general public, so I am careful to maintain the view that a sting now saves a bloody laceration later! Smiling!
Scott- I feel I would be remiss if I didn't bring to the author's attention every issue I find. Even if it may stray over the line between proper English and writing style. If I don't mention everything I think is questionable, then I feel I'm not doing my job. BUT these are merely suggestions and the author does not have to listen to me. I certainly don't want to change or curtail someone's writing style. But it is my obligation, as a good proofreader, to bring any errors and possible errors to their attention. In the end, it's always up to the author on what to do with that information.
Nick, lol!
I initially have my friends and Mum read it—Mum being a spelling nut.Then, I have my Beta Readers (from the US) read it—one being an English Professor. My Betas read a lot of books in my genre so I appreciate their expertise as avid readers when it comes to terminology and scenes, they also help me tone down my Aussie slang, LOL.
I haven't sought professional help thus far because I'm only new to self-publishing and don't think I need it yet—I'm happy with my Betas.
How does one search for a good copy editor or proofreader?
K.M. Thanks for your comments. It does seem many indie or beginning writers just can't justify the cost of professionals. Hopefully, one day!
Joe, I've heard the AW forums on Absolute Water Cooler is a good place to look. Also searching here on Goodreads forums.
Also try the Goodreads Authors/Readers Group--it has an "Author Resource Roundtable" (proofreaders, editors, cover designers, etc.)
Good suggestion Hock, thanks.Lol Scott! shhhhhh! ;)
Hahaha! My Bad.Seriously, I have only met them recently. Warneke comes across as thoughtful and commited, and trying to find some footing in this new "indie" world. I can't say that I've already had them do some work for me, but I can say that I intend to.
Awwwww thanks Scott!! And yes, I genuinely wanted to know the answers to these questions. Somewhat new to all this and there's bit of a learning curve. But so many of you have been very helpful with your answers. Thanks to you all.
Joe wrote: "How does one search for a good copy editor or proofreader?"You ask someone if they know what the definition of nonplussed is. If they know it, hire them.
non·plussed /nänˈpləst/ Adjective1.(of a person) Surprised and confused so much that they are unsure how to react.
2.(of a person) Unperturbed.
;)
It's great how those 2 definitions seem like exact opposites...I suppose #1 could be referring to how one feels on this inside but not showing it. Which works with #2.
Some of us feel nonplussed (definition #1) most of the time...
Answering questions:1)For me, I have my Dad, a metallurgical engineer, to proofread my books. He used to proofread technical journals and he's English with an excellent command of the English language, so he's qualified.
2) I don't seek professional help because I don't have any money.
3) I've had people with blogs do free reviews and they post them on Goodreads and Amazon.
4) It would have to be free and professional.
1. When you get close to publishing, who reviews/edits/proofreads your writing first? Professionals, friends, or a combo of both?
2. If you don't seek professional help, what is the reason? Cost, time, quality, bad experience with a professional?
3. Is it common for Indie Authors to simply have free reviewers who volunteer to read their first drafts? If this is something you do, how has it worked so far?
4. As an Indie Author, what would tempt you to try a professional proofreader?
Thanks so much for your input and help!