It's not all fun and games yet. I still have to proofread and then it goes off to my editor, the awesome author and Permuted Press' newest star, Jessica Meigs. The Zombie Queen herself has decided to edit my book, how cool is that? I'm also working with the fabulous Sarah Billington for my entertainment-themed novels and all I can tell you is she is a sweetheart and both editors are worth every *single* penny they charge.
There was a huge blowup in Indie Writers Unite, a group for indies on Facebook, and it all amounted to whether or not indie authors need editors. It was kicked off by a talented and outspoken writer, Albert Benson, who claimed to not need the help of "leeches". I took offense but I will actually go into my reasoning here on my blog (isn't that why you have one?)... I love editors. They are the unsung heroes of the publishing industry and the ones who have lost the most during this whole upheaval during the big 6's "reconstruction efforts to make themselves lean, fighting machines".
Indie writers out there, you need an editor, there I said it. I know everyone can't afford one and you're free to do what worked for Cheryl Shireman and I, amongst other indie writers. We released our books (with the help of proofreading and beta-readers and writer's groups), let your first novel pay for its own editing and then re-release the clean, edited version.
I am doing this with The Beautiful People series but every other novel going forward, I will be using an editor. I will also offer every person who has purchased any of the books from The Beautiful People series the edited copies for free. I have my email address, Twitter name and Facebook info in all my books. Just write me and let me know you have a "jacked up copy" and I will gladly give you the new edited version (these will be out early winter of 2012 so I will definitely keep you posted).
Question(s) of the Blog Day: Do you believe, as an indie author, an editor is a necessity or a luxury? Why or why not?
What I am Reading:
I can't tell you what it is about as I have just begun but it is an explosive story with lots of twists and turns. RJ Palmer is a genius in the making and Birthright is one of the best novels I have read in the past few years.
 |
| Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/37466 Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Birthright-ebook/dp/B0040GJGQO |
Death Wish: Book I: yeah, unfortunately, it's not gonna proofread itself. I wish I could tell you what it is about but I'd have to kill you. It's very good, juicy, has a lot of heart and is one of the best books I have ever written. I am very proud of my baby.
 |
| Amazon: Available 25/11/11 Smashwords: Available 25/11/11 |
Added to my TBR List:
 |
| Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/I-Zombie-ebook/dp/B004LGTRX0 Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/36790 (Free!) |
 |
| Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Desert-Waits-ebook/dp/B005JEDRE8 Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/85223 (Free!) |
 |
| Amazon: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/84643 Smashwords: http://www.amazon.com/December-Moon-Raven-Saga-ebook/dp/B005JOXSZ6 |
 |
| Amazon: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/8169 Smashwords: http://www.amazon.com/Full-Wolf-Moon-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B004NNUZLE |
 |
| Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fall-Leaves-Black-Dragon-ebook/dp/B004NIFPBO Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/42410 |
 |
| Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pure-Justice-ebook/dp/B005GCELB6 Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/79731 |
Yep. Everybody need an editor. I already know my story, so how can I tell if something doesn't make sense to a person reading it for the first time? And typos...my mind would breeze over it without really seeing it.
ReplyDeleteLaura, agreed. I don't understand those writers who believe they can do it all on their own. The problem is you're way too close to your own material (I know I am as my books are like my children).
ReplyDeleteIt's hard sometimes when you're told you need to change this or that to make the story better but one should never run from reality. I just hope more indie writers chime in because this is a subject which cannot be discussed enough in the indie author community.
I agree wholeheartedly that indie authors need editors. It's our job to write and the devil may care. It's an editors job to make that writing more understandable and give helpful criticisms where they are needed.
ReplyDeleteSimply put, I'm too close to my own work to "see the forest for the trees" one might say. I won't see what someone removed from the work will see.
I also agree with your contention about the Big Six because we as Indie Authors seek nothing from them that we don't give them and it's quite simple: Professional courtesy, respect and recognition. Are these so much to ask?
RJ, that is the heart of the matter. I don't think the Big Six will ever respect indie authors because they see us as too much of a threat. It is similar to what has happened in the music and movie industry. You see fewer and fewer ideas, the same old hogwash they have been peddling for decades and there is nothing new. Everything innovative and fresh is coming from indies, both in music and movies. And then, what do they do? They incorporate and for the most part, destroy.
ReplyDeleteI have nothing against established authors or any artists for the matter who decide to go through the power houses (sometimes you have to in order to get your point across) but you can see it happening already. Any big time indie author will go the way of Lady Gaga in the music industry. She might have started off as "organic" but she is definitely a product and that is what established indie authors will become as well when they sign a deal with the devil.
Please, don't get me wrong. I am not trying to be on a soap box. Who am I kidding? If I was offered a deal, whether it be from Simon & Schuster or Thomas & Mercer, would I turn it down? Um, no. I have children to support and would like to have my retirement done and dusted too. I could write forever and know that I was okay, financially speaking. Any author worth their grain of salt feels the same way too. I would love to be in James Patterson's and Stephen King's position and I would be lying to suggest otherwise.
I think that kind of security comes with a price. I think my work would continue to be unique and authentic but it will lose some of its spark and its voice because I am a product and I belong to someone else. When you sell your soul to the devil, the devil doesn't change, the devil changes you.