Well, the butterflies in my stomach seem to be getting the world’s toughest workout. They’re in a constant cycle alternating between wild fluttering and abrupt calm that swirls back to maniacal flipping. I thought maybe it would stop after publicly announcing the October 3rd release date of Eva’s first book.
It did stop for about twenty minutes. Then the realization that October 3rd is nine months away and I have A LOT of work to do between now and then hit me which ramped those little abdominal flutters back into high gear.
The first two things I’ve looked at are finding an editor and finding a cover artist. My book needs to be in pristine shape before it can go out for anyone other than my critique partners to see. And once it’s in optimal shape, it needs to be dressed up as pretty as possible so that it can attract a date, I mean a reader or two or three thousand, million, billion. (Note: it’s always important to think optimistically.)
I’ve accomplished one of those two things. I’ve hired an editor, actually two. I thought for today’s post I’d talk a little bit about how I found mine and the graciousness of romance writers. Next week we’ll discuss the progress I’m making on the cover artist. And hopefully, the week after that we’ll discuss marketing strategies.
If you’re a member of RWA, which many romance writers and aspiring romance authors are, you probably belong to a chapter or two- or in my case — four. This means you have lots and lots of connections within the writing industry, lots of writers who not only can, but want to share what they’ve learned in an effort to help you succeed.
I put out on the loops that I was searching for an editor and asked for recommendations. The responses came pouring in. My writing friends and peers had lists, spreadsheets, names, contact info, pricing, suggestions, ideas, referrals and tips on who could do what type of editing best. Many of them were strong supporters of the editor they recommended, even going so far to say they’d have never been published if not for that particular editor.
It was amazing! No need to search the internet and worry about connecting with a complete stranger who didn’t care a lick about working with me. I had connections. And I used them.
Next on to vetting. An editor needs to be 100% behind your project or they aren’t going to be able to help you polish your draft into perfect. You want to know that you’re hiring someone not only well-qualified, but committed to you and your baby. This means you have to review their work, ask some questions, share some info, and make decisions about who will work best with you.
I used the info I had to review books I knew had been worked on by editors referred to me. Then I emailed a small number of editors, the ones who’d worked on projects for writers I knew, and let them know how I’d heard of them, what my timeline was, what I needed, and gave them a brief description of my project. I asked if they’d be interested in hearing more and if they said yes, I asked for names of other books they’d worked on and the names and contact info of other writers I could speak to about their work.
I contacted those writers and asked about the process they’d had with the editors, the editor’s reliability, whether or not the writers would work with that editor again — your basic reference check.
I selected two editors. One is slated to work on my book in the next couple weeks for the bulk of the editing- content, etc and one will proofread after edits are made. I’m thrilled to work with both Judy Roth and Jane Haertel, members of CTRWA. I have complete faith that these two ladies will help me polish this book to perfection!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I’m more than happy to share what I’ve learned to help another writer. And remember, just because someone looks good in glasses doesn’t mean he’ll make a great editor!
Nice article, Jordon. I took the easy road to self-pub my non-fiction book on weddings and went with iUniverse. They offered a half price special I couldn’t resist which included book evaluation, cover, and production in all formats. View resuklts here: http://www.joysmith.net/bio.htm
Thanks for stopping by Joy. I love the cover of your book and wish you’d written sixteen years ago when I needed it! Jordan
Jordan, I’m was thrilled to see another installment of your Self-Pub Quest. Editing is so important. It’s too difficult to distance oneself from what they’ve written. I’m glad you found two good ones.
Hi Rebecca. Thanks for coming by. I agree. It’s impossible to change the view on your WIP when you work so closely with it. You absolutely need someone to take a close analytical look at it to help improve the work. Jordan
Great snapshot of your self-publishing project, Jordan. Glad you found two great editors. Your approach was very thoughtful and professional and although I’m sure it lots of time and effort–even with a little help from your friends–I’m also sure it will pay off in your finished product–your novel will be pristine!
I’m very excited for you and looking forward to your next installment!
Stephanie Queen
Thanks for stopping by Stephanie- and for the spreadsheet! Your research was very, very helpful. Jordan
Hi Jordan,
Great information and I love the blog. Can’t wait to read Eva’s books.
Penny
Thanks Penny. Take care.
Great post! I sent out a call for help from FB, for beta readers/critiquers for another book (publishing this year). One critquer stood out. She covered everything thoroughly and wrote out a summary of what worked and didn’t, along with lots of notes within the actually book. I talked with her and found out she is a web and magazine editor and minored in English. Had her edit a few of my short stories and realized that she understood my voice and was helping me further develop it. Hallelujah! She’s my right-hand lady! The most important thing is to keep the relatioship developing–be willing to point out what you agree with or disagree with and why. It’s a learning process for everyone. Keep active with it. -A.H.
Thanks A.H. Isn’t FB an amazing tool? So glad to hear your success at finding an editor. It’s similar to finding a critique partner. Once you’ve got one who really works well with you, you never want to let them go! Jordan
You’re so very smart to hire an editor to make sure you’re offering readers the most polished product possible. It’s amazing how errors can pull a reader out of the story and you often only get one chance to hook them. Good on ya, Jordan!
Thanks Mia. I agree- it’s one shot to hook and then to keep them the story needs to last. I’ve read a few books that were painful due to the need for better editing. The stories were great, but the editing was very weak and it made me angry– and not just from the reader perspective. Yes, I felt cheated for not having the best product in my hand, but as a writer I was angry for that writer. She missed out on an opportunity to not only improve the story, but to improve her craft and grow and learn from the editing experience.