Self Publishing and the Editorial Process
What to expect from an editor in the self-publishing world...my experience is limited to my first manuscript but I am sure these quick notes will hold true for most people interested in looking at the self-publishing route. There are pros and cons with editors in self-publishing. I am newly acquainted with mine but it seems different than it probably is with a large publishing firm. Following are things I think make the self-publishing process positive: honest feedback on titles, page length, trim, cover design, coordination with copy editor, facilitates ISBN, takes direction from writer but tries to guide a new writer along the best path to success in self publishing.
What do I think is missing from self-publishing editing? Lack of critical feedback. This is a business ... if they tell you your book sucks ... they lose business. They have to balance your dreams of success with their business goals. Hopefully they go in the same direction. It doesn't mean they aren't friendly and professional or that they don't want to see you be a successful writer, but think about what happens if they guarantee your book is a hit or they tell you that you need more work? It's a bad business situation that I am sure they don't want to get into.
The best advice I can give ... and I am still trying to make this happen myself ... is to get advice from fellow writers in your genre.
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Feedback
Tod,
I have considered the self-publishing route and your blog is a gem to find. I'll be reading through everything you've posted in the next several days to learn more.
First, congrats again with the publish!
What I wanted to comment on now is the frustration I've felt for the past few months as I seek the advice from fellow writers you mention above. I understand that many have their own lives to live and are not my personal editors, but its been like pulling teeth to get anyone to read anything and give useful feedback. *LOL* I can't even get my wife to read it, and she loves the fantasy genre!
I so crave feedback and because of that I try to offer my own on their writings whenever I am asked. It is only fair to do so. September 26th I went to the first of three three-hour workshops on self-editing and learned a lot. I'm hoping the teacher, Carol Dawson, will give us some specific feedback on our work. She gives us homework where we send her a portion of our work and she makes notes. It will be wonderful to finally get something concrete from a fellow author. The only other major feedback I've received is from Longshot on the Terry Brooks forums and he helped me change my entire prologue (for the better!). I need more of that.
Well, I'm totally rambling now, but its good to know what I'll face should I choose the self-publishing route. If I am unable to find an agent by summer, its the route I'm probably going to go.
Thanks for the blog. I look forward to reading more.
Ernie
Feedback Response
Thanks, Ernie.
It AIN'T all gravy... but all you can do is lean forward and keep trying.
It's hard to say, I know I fall into the same trap, but most writers want feedback but are hesitant to share their insights/opinions with others. They're concerned about a lot of things like damaging their reputation by making too sharp of a comment, being taken out of context, not wanting to overly influence a new writer, or maybe just because they don't have enough time. At least, those are some of the excuses I come up with :o)
I normally only show my draft manuscript to a few trusted people that I know won't hold back - my wife (doesn't necessarily like Fantasy but will read it), an avid fantasy fan, and a non-fiction writer. If one of them has an issue but the others disagree, then I usually don't make changes. If two out of the three say there is an issue, then I know I need to make changes.
You might want to consider joining www.goodreads.com ... it's the best site I've found so far for writers to share similar issues. If you become a friend with someone there, you can usually arrange to share your work with them offline.
Good luck and thanks for the feedback. We all need it from time to time.
Regards, Tod
Update
Heh, I am a member at goodreads.com. Sent a friend request.
I've been going to this self-editing workshop taught by Ms. Dawson. She's fantastic. I've learned so much from her. It's weird because so many of the people in the class have been around the writing scene for a long time, whereas I've been buried in my own worlds for 22 years...I've been writing for 22 years???...oh boy. Anyway, they know so many of the basics, but I only know the content of my stories and nothing about the craft. I've never sought or received any professional information before this year because I've not ever considered publishing before I got married and my wife found out I'd written a few books already. (Yes, I'm totally blaming it all on my 32-weeks-pregnant-with-twins wife).
Ms. Dawson has been giving us useful feedback on the beginnings of our books, but more importantly some great rules for crafting a book that will sell. I am very excited!