The following is a portion of a blog that needs to go VIRAL. Much too often Indie and self published authors get accused of publishing poorly edited books. Either they didn’t bother to get an editor or thought their best friend from middle school could handle the job since they got all A’s in English back then. Well, news flash! That sort of thinking won’t cut it in this business. If you want to be taken seriously, you have to invest in yourself and in your work. Finding an experienced editor in your genre is a MUST. If you end up with one you clash with, then maybe you need to search for another. You need one who will be tough, but fair and help you put your best work out there. I did a blog post about it on Writer’s Words of Wisdom a few weeks ago. Click HERE to read that.
Today’s reblog is from Amber Lea Easton’s Kisses, Caresses and Whispers in the Night. Read it and take the advice to heart. Bad or self editing will earn you a horrible reputation as a writer. Great editing will teach you so much more than you ever thought you knew about your book, writing in general and yourself. What have you got to lose besides sales of your books?
~Tammy
Get Your Fingers Out of Your Ears and Listen Up!
In addition to being an author, I’m also an editor. I’ve heard it all or so it seems. Lately, I’ve been involved with some aspiring authors, though, who are astounding me with their inability to accept feedback of any kind. During the past few weeks, I’ve heard comments like “grammar doesn’t apply to fiction writing”…”I never listen to feedback, it’s my story and I’ll do with it as I please”…”that’s just your opinion” (yes, it is, but it’s based on a successful track record and years of experience)…”no one can tell me how to write”…”I’m self-published so am an expert in publishing”…”feedback is for the insecure.”
Nah-nah-nah-nah! It’s like dealing with pouting toddlers!
Well, I can’t listen anymore. I started out as a journalist too many years ago to admit. I had editors who would scream–literally scream with their faces turning red and veins bursting at their necks–and I knew I had to take it because I was paying my dues. At the television station I worked for, our news editor kicked a trash can across the room at least once a day. Did any of us dare utter any of the phrases above? Hell, no! Guess what? I learned along the way. I didn’t know it all.
For more of this blog click HERE
Behind Closed Doors 