Wednesday, December 3, 2014

IWSG

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I missed last month due to personal things, but I wanted to make sure I got one out this month as I love being part of this group. 

It is timely as well because the topic I wanted to share was about editing. I just got finished going through the edits for Ashes and it really inspired me to share my views on self publishing with an editor. 

So two books in, why did I not get an editor from the start? Well I imagine they are all the normal reasons most people try to go without. 

I loved English growing up and always got good grades so I should be able to handle things. 

Money is always an issue when trying to get something you created out there on your own.

If you write a great story isn't it more important than a "few" grammar mistakes?

So let's look at these.

Loved English. It's true, but honestly even if I was an English teacher(which I am not) as the author you are too close to your work. You see it in your mind as much as on paper. Just having fresh eyes alone is invaluable. If those eyes happen to be educated in finding mistake all the better for you.

Money. Oh money, you insufferable necessity. Here is the thing, I learned something when I was in sales at a younger age. The best way to sell a product is to add value to it. There are few things you can do that add as much value to your work as having it edited. (Cover, revisions, formatting) 

Last is a big one. A good story can beat a bad cover. If people fall in love with your character they can overlook a lot of things. The question is, how many people do you want to reach with your work? If you put something out there that has blaring read lights to a large portion of the reading community you are going to lose readers. Why not make your book as accessible as it can be?

Personally my editor, the wonderful Janie Junebug, is one of a few choices I made in my writing journey that I am so grateful for. She has a way of making me feel competent while at the same time making me a better writer.

She may at this time be editing this post while shaking her head, but I know she has my back. I know I can go forward and write and when the time comes she will add the glue that makes my manuscript a solid piece of work. That my friends, is priceless. 

Anyway, tell me about your editors or if you are looking forward to having one. As always have fun and keep writing.

20 comments:

  1. Yeah, no matter how "perfect" I know I am -- *cough, cough* -- it always helps to have another's eyes scan your work for typographical errors, inadvertent misspellings (or habitual ones), grammatical errors, etc.

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    1. Oh I know it is hard, but hey we can be perfect at other things. lol

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  2. Smart to go with an editor. When I think of all my test readers, critique partners, and my publisher's editors, I know there would be a ton of mistakes if it was just me.

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    1. I know right? It takes more than one person for sure.

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  3. Oh gosh. Aligning ourselves with the right people is SO essential… perfect post, Brandon. And it's so true how important it is to get other eyes on our work! So much is caught that we don't see--no matter how educated we are!

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    1. Thank you and I agree, the right people make all the difference.

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  4. A good editor is worth a million! I'm so glad you've found a wonderful support group!

    It's a pleasure to meet you. :)

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    1. I agree and me too. It was nice meeting you as well.

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  5. Congrats on finishing the edits for Ashes! Beta readers and a good editor are a must when editing. I don't even want to think what my books would be like without them. *shutters* ;)

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    1. Ty! Well I know what mine would and I am never going back lol.

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  6. I freelance edit, but I still got a proof of my own debut. Thank goodness! If you want a visual of why, look for the post on my blog titled 'It's your turn to gloat.'

    IWSG #151 until I miss two posts or Alex culls the list again.

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    1. I will check it out. I just think we are always too close to our work to fix everything.

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  7. It's always good to have an editor. While I'm always ready to jump on someone else's mistakes, I'm completely blind to my own.

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  8. I'm glad you found an editor you work well with. It's an important relationship, and it's so crucial to find someone who gets what you're trying to do.

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  9. Oh, Brandon, what a lovely post. You make me feel like dancin'. I never shake my head over anything you write. It's difficult to edit oneself.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. We can both dance, I hear it is good for you. lol

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  10. where have you been?? you abandoned me, Brandon! :D
    money... yeah. I get that one. I hope the editing goes well though.

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  11. Janie is dah woman! Glad you two work so well together :D
    I love the relationship I have with my own editor, and I know it makes a big difference to have someone who "gets you" and has your back. Here's to many more collaborations between you two! *cheers* (raise your glass, don't leave me hanging)

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