My Birthday passed last week during this lockdown where most establishments are closed. You’re probably wondering what I did to celebrate it…
Well I celebrated it by continuing my passion. Yep, that’s right. While most people would be getting drunk and falling into a catalogue of other antics I was at home, working on my book as usual. Not only that, I consider myself an artist/illustrator with a creative spirit so I flexed out my finger muscles and lifted my awesome stylus. As well as doing this book, my secondary passion is having a graphic novel done, totally unrelated to my novel.
The Last Edit Done
I read through my story again from the editor’s edits, which was a copyedit, and was worth having in order to maintain consistency and iron out the mistakes. I’d strongly advise anyone who is considering on publishing their book, fiction or non-fiction or whatever genre it maybe, to consider having another pair of professional eyes to view it. Believe it or not there are writers, out there, who are new to the industry not doing that. You CAN NOT be the sole editor of your own book, you need to have at least a minimum of one-three editors, preferably strangers, reading over your work prior to publishing. Copyedits are expensive as they generally charge you on word count but there are ones out there willing to give you a discount. You just need to invest the time to look and research.
All 70 chapters gone through with a fine tooth comb. I had reservations about the expensive sacrifice of employing this forth edit and now the certain sentence “corrections” but overall I’m pleased and have no regrets. I don’t necessarily agree with the two changes made with regards to the main characters’ POVs. The editor, like the others before, has made some constructive suggestions and improvements which I’m welcoming of but it’s not mandatory for me to adhere to all as it’s still my work. You being a new writer and seeking to self-publish have to remember this however you also have to remember that they are professionals, people with tons of experience in the industry who’ve, more than likely, gone over more books than you’ve read in your entire life. You also need to make sure that when you seek out an editor, that they, themselves, are professionals and not cowboy crooks who may eventually mar your precious manuscript after charging you an exorbitant amount.
Most of the Work is Almost Done
I’m just now in the process of formatting over a 100,000+ words into a book format. The art and lettering for the front cover and back cover completed. My deadline for release being just before the end of 2020. This target is doable. As long as there are no further hiccups along the way….