How Authors Kill
. . . their work before it has a chance
With self-publishing gaining ground and the ease of publishing growing by the day. We come across more and more carelessly presented books. I tell you, some of them have potential. But the miss by a hair to their readers’ hearts is not the storyline, style, or hard work they have put behind their lifelong dreams. It is their callous indifference/ignorance (pick your choice). There could be many other reasons, but I will focus on the most prevalent yet fatal.
As soon as we conceptualize a plot and have decided to sit down and take up the Herculean task (of writing, of course). We have already settled in our minds that it is a flawless piece of art destined to break all records in the literary world. Trust me, not all of us are wrong. But how many of us reach the pinnacle or accrue tangible success with such a smasher in our belt? Perhaps a few. We can count them on our fingers.
I have come across some unique writings during my long Editing Career. They were exceptional on their own merits. Some for their sharp, witty writing, some for their delicate narration, and some for the languid lethargy you enjoy.
Thoughts are different, styles are different, but the ‘Sweat and Blood’. . .? It is the same behind each work.
So, what kills our Dream Book? Yes, you are right. Editing!
All authors cannot be good editors, and all editors cannot be good writers, but some can be both. But we are not going to discuss exceptions and rarity. A professional editor can do wonders for your book; he can cut, shape and polish your diamond-in-rough to a sparkling masterpiece. A piece of artwork worthy of the public eye.
Another important point that I must clarify—Editing is not like correcting your English notebook, spelling and grammar. It is way deeper than that; in fact, correcting grammar and spelling is only the first rung of the ladder in the editorial process. There are Levels of Editing that a good Editor performs on your manuscript before you can pitch it to a publisher.
Speaking well and fluently does not translate to the ability to write equally well. I speak flawlessly, and my vocab is excellent. In fact, my friends and colleagues tell me they admire my linguistic skills. But what about when writing a book? Are we able to express ourselves in the same way? Have we plugged in all the gaping holes in the plot? There is a trick that our mind plays on us. While writing, we feel we have written everything we wanted and exactly how we had perceived it. Believe me. Your mind is tricking you. Half the time, we are not conveying all that we had perceived. We hate to admit it when someone tells us so. Embarrassed or indignant, whatever. By God, we hate it. And stubbornly refuse to incorporate.
As a writer, we must understand that we have undertaken to build something massive. As I mentioned in my previous post, publishing a book is a collaborative project. Many experts are required to create an architectural marvel. Likewise, it takes many experts to present a well-done book; they are the experts in their fields. For example,
The author—It is his baby. He has created, nurtured, and rightly so aspires to see it bring fame and fortune to him. He has the perception and the vision.
Beta readers—Provide the first-hand review as neutral readers. Detecting plot holes, flow, and the feel of the story/manuscript.
The editor—He is your man! Trust him; this guy can do wonders for your manuscript if he is worth his salt.
Proofreader—He cleans your work and makes it look presentable after it has passed through all hands.
Interior layout expert—He sets the way your book looks inside the covers.
Book cover designer—He is another guy you can’t do without. He is the one that makes a reader pick your book.
Have I missed out on the marketer? Okay, let us underline it. Marketer (We are no good without them either).
Now, imagine yourself to be all these rolled into one. How does that sound? And here’s where you start slipping, trying to do most work (at least the first four) yourself.
A genuine reader would pick up a book very cautiously, and if it is self-published, he has already deducted five points out of ten for Language and Content. He, but obviously, has assumed that you haven’t got your book professionally edited. Now he is going over the sample chapter. Believe me; he is doing it very critically and sceptically. If you fail to hook him. He will avoid it altogether. Your building crumbled.
Professional book reviewers (those bunch of high school kids) may soothe your ego for a while with the number of paid reviews, but not help your book. Because ninety-nine per cent of the time, these reviewers are not professionals but some school-going kids working towards their pocket money. They have nothing to do with your book or its success. Most of the time, they don’t even go through what you have written, or, for that matter, what they are writing.
What do we do then . . .?
Yep! Hire a good Editor. Unfortunately, they come at a price. A price that we (I am talking about my class of budget—shoestring.) can seldom afford. But your BOOK is priceless!
Ciao!
Note- If you have completed your manuscript or are in the process. Leave your queries in the comment box below. I would love to help you out with your Dream Book.
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