For book/ebook authors, publishers, & self-publishers
What's Your Biggest Challenge with Your Book?
I'd be interested to learn what authors/publishers on this network think their biggest challenges are with their book. I wonder if there's any common, pervasive challenge we all face.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by J. Steve Miller on
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Good point, Joel. Perhaps some writers decide against professional editing when someone quotes them $20,000 or $30,000. But even those on a tight budget might be able to get a decent edit (or great edit) from a local writing professor or English professor. At our local university, profs are encouraged - even expected - to do projects out in the community.
I got a local graphic arts professor to do my book cover and couldn't be more pleased. I have an author friend who had two English professors edit his book. Now his book's being pursued for film.
And it's interesting that, even among those books I read from great publishers, I almost always find some "obvious" mistake that should have been corrected.
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Permalink Reply by Paradise on
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I have two great editors, both English majors, graduates, one was number one in the class and the other very close to it. They charge as a team. Five dollars a page, and I get a nice discount for multiple projects. Before my books go to edit, I do two rewrites, then I have two very fine readers who look at plot, connectivity, among other things, and also will suggest spelling, grammar etc. AND then my editors will do their job, it takes them two to three months believe it or not, They go over the books completely two or three times. This is not a surprise, we still have mistakes after all this work, not bad, but they are always there. I doubt if there are many books that are perfect. I can pick up most any newspaper in the country and find mistakes, it is easy. I think one of the hardest things to do is to find your own mistakes. When I make a mistake, the next time I read what I wrote, my mind automantically corrects the word and I don't even notice it is wrong. If I had to depend on my own editing, I would be completely lost, I recognize that, it doesn't worry me. I am in it for the love of writing.
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Permalink Reply by Joel Friedlander on
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Steve,
It's interesting how people go about solving this problem, and the "local english professor" is a tradition with a long history. Of course, most people would have no idea how to contact someone who turns manuscripts into professional quality books, but now we have the internet, don't we?
My clients pay an average of about $1000-$1500 for editing, although complex or academic books can cost substantially more, because there are a lot more citations, formatting elements, and parts to a complex book. Certainly there are many kinds of editors and different types of editing, but have you actually heard of people charging $20,000 to $30,000 to edit a book? I find that astonishing, and I'd like to know more.
My advice for people who want to sell their books into bookstores and get reviews is to find a professional to put the book together for you. You will be happier in the end.
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Yes, it was in that price range. He was a respected editor who edited for traditional publishing companies. He gave one option as a substantial edit that would cut the cut the word count in about 1/3. But by the time I'd presented it to this editor, I'd already had about 30 people read it to give me all kinds of input, including several who were very good with grammar. By the time I get it to a professional, I'm only looking for a light edit. I gave it to someone else and was very pleased.
I think it's important that an editor likes your manuscript and "gets" it. Mine was very different in that it's about personal finance, heavily researched and documented, but written as a story - actually in movie script format. When I got it to an editor who really loved it, I felt she did the type edit I needed.
You know, some editors want to take the manuscript and write their own book from it, rather than just tightening up and correcting the work of the author.
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Well, maybe it's time for a career change! LoL.
Steve, I totally agree that you need an editor who is at least sympathetic to your book and its goals, and who understands and can relate to the way you have chosen to present your information.
On the other hand, once you find that editor, and hire them, please listen to what they have to say and any suggestions they might make that would improve both the book itself and its sales potential.
One big benefit to dealing with a professional editor is that they are not as identified with your book as you are, and can see more clearly where a change might lead to a significantly better book.
Thanks again for your input.
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Joel, I agree. If I disagree with my professional editors on something, it's rare.
I'm also big on getting lots of input before I send it to a professional editor. I always tell early readers to be brutally honest. I find that some people are great with spotting inconsistencies (one noted I had a character buying diapers when I'd written that her children were a bit too old for diapers). Others spot sentences that could be taken two ways. Others are grammar wizards. Others get easily confused and I discover the need to make changes to make it more clear.
The more input I get, the more I breathe that sigh of relief that I didn't let something stupid get into the final product!
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Permalink Reply by albertasequeira on
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Jim
What is your book about?
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Permalink Reply by Philip Nork on
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The biggest obstacle I have right now is that I am an introvert and have a very hard time talking about myself. So I am depending on friends, relatives and bloggers to get my book out there. Have had some luck, especially locally, but need some help nationally. Luckily my facebook friends live all over and they are spreading the word for me. Have sold some books using bookbuzzer on twitter also. Having a hard time finding reviewers...sent in many queries and polite letters, but still not getting many follow-ups. I always though the writing of a book would be the hardest, never thinking about marketing...I guess it's just part of this journey...
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It takes a lot of work, but philosophy is a big part of success in this game. Don't stray from your basic beliefs and don't be afraid to learn new methods of promoting your work.
Dr Robert E McGinnis
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Philip,
Next month I'm teaching a seminar at the Georgia Writer's Association about practical ways that introverts can sell their books. I've got a 20+ page teaching outline that I hope to one day turn into a book. Would you like me to e-mail it to you? Would love to get your input.
And can you give us the name of your book and a link so that we can find out more about it?
J. Steve Miller
Author of Enjoy Your Money! How to Make It, Save It, Invest It and Give It
http://www.amazon.com/Enjoy-Your-Money-Make-Invest/dp/098187567X/re...
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Steve,
I sent you a message giving you my e-mail address...I would love to see your outline. My book is titled Sensitivity 101 for the Heterosexual Male. It is the story of a young boy and his journey to find acceptance and happiness after his parents get divorced. Most people read it as a memoir, but it is more of a fiction piece that uses the experiences of my life to make a unique story, along with an interesting message at the end.
You can read about by going to my profile page or my website www.philipnork.com
Thanks for the info!
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Philip,
Sent if via e-mail. Let me know if you didn't receive it, or if you have follow-up questions.
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