Editing is one of the most important things you can do
to make your book a success. Whether you are going with an established
publisher or self-publishing, your book is an impression of you that lasts.
I recently bought a self-published book that had so many
editing mistakes, including the heroine's name, that I didn't read beyond page
fifteen. I can ignore punctuation or small mistakes but some mistakes were so
elementary as to show the author didn't read her own story. She made quite the
impression on me. While I will never again buy her books, I wish her well in
her career and hope she improves.
Publishing your work is a business. As such, readers
expect a certain level of professionalism, which means your work must be as
free from common spelling errors as possible.
Working
with a publisher.
Publishers use professional editors to improve your
story. This is not to say that during the editing process you shouldn't reread
your book. You may catch spelling mistakes an editor misses. Most every
published book will have a mistake. That is forgivable to a reader. Multiple
careless mistakes that take away from a story are not.
Don't rely solely on an editor to catch every mistake.
Likely it's been a while since you've read the story when you first get back your
edits. Use the opportunity to read, line by line and word by word, what is
written. Small mistakes involving the use of he/she are quite common. Spell
check doesn't catch these but you can.
Don't be afraid to correct an editor if they aren't
understanding your use of a word. Their job is to make your book the best it
can be, so work with them so that both parties publish a work that reflects the
highest degree of perfection achievable.
Self-publishing
your work.
I will state right off that I am not a self-published
author. That said, I know many successful authors who are traditionally and
self-published. In some ways self-publishing takes more work, time and
consideration. You own every mistake in the book you release, without
exception.
As I said before, readers will forgive small mistakes,
but constant, simplistic mistakes make it harder for the reader and thus they
will toss aside your story. You've lost an important person, because they now
know you for the wrong reasons, and likely will avoid your books in the future.
Let's not forget word of mouth, as well, when it comes to readers.
I recommend using an editing service if you intend to
self-publish. Make sure to use one with a good reputation so that you get your
money's worth. If you can't afford such a service, use your beta readers.
Lastly, print out your story before publishing. Why?
You'd be surprised how many mistakes can be found on a printed version of your
book that you wouldn't notice on the computer.
Final Thoughts
Editing is an essential part of your work and a
reflection of your respect for your readers. Don't rush the process just to get
your book published. Readers won't thank you for sub-par writing and your
reputation is important in this business.
The same care you put into working characters and
plot, should also be put into editing. In this sea of tough competition, from
the thousands of books released every day, yours can only stand the test of
savvy readers through engaging characters and exceptional editing.
Your book will likely contain a mistake or two,
noticed once published. Don't stress, it happens to the best of writers.
Readers will forgive. Remember though that even bestselling authors are not
immune to readers turning their backs for lazy/no editing.
Publish when your work is clean and as error free as
possible. It's part of the professionalism of being an author. Take pride and
respect your readers.
Mary
