A Self-Published Author’s Best Friends

Nowadays, because it is so easy to publish your own book, first-time self-publishers often don’t realize that many people are involved in the production of a good quality book: editors, cover designers, proofreaders, copy-editors. Writing a book is only one step in a long process. It’s important for self-published authors to embrace the virtue of humility during this process.

First, a bit about…Editors

Hiring an Editor was the single best thing I did with regard to self-publishing. I cannot stress enough the value of hiring a good editor, especially if you’re going to self-publish.

One of the most common mistakes of self-publishers is to think they do not need an editor. All authors need an editor.

While it may be helpful to ask your writing buddies to give you feedback on your work, a professional editor (who doesn’t have any emotional investment in your relationship) will likely give you feedback which is more honest.

I use two different editors: one for overall editing (characters, story etc) and one for copy-editing (grammar, sentence usage, repetitive wording etc). I also use several of my friends for proofreading my manuscripts at various stages. I wouldn’t have been able to publish quality books without these editors.

With regard to humility, it is extremely important to humbly consider constructive criticism regarding your manuscript. If you think it is the best book ever written, but you refuse to accept any and all criticism, or if you attempt to defend every piece of criticism that comes your way, it is unlikely that your book will reach its literary potential.

Years ago, as an inexperienced novelist/self-publisher, I realized the need to employ an editor. It seemed like an huge expense at the time ($200) but, as I said, it was the best thing I ever did.

I was humbly taken off my high horse when my editor handed me a nine-page critique of (what I considered to be) the final draft of my first novel. The criticisms were harsh and to the point. I was crushed. “How could she say all these horrible things about my novel?” I asked my husband. Instead of letting me cry on his shoulder, my (humble) husband suggested that I take every piece of criticism, humbly step back and discern whether there was any merit to it. After prayerfully reflecting on each point, I eventually agreed with 90 percent of the critique. Then I spent the next two years editing and re-writing.

Hiring good editors and embracing the virtue of humility will help you to become a more proficient writer so that you can self-publish quality books.

Next month: The Importance of a Good Cover

Ellen Gable Hrkach is an award-winning novelist and editor of the soon-to-be published “Come My Beloved: Inspiring Stories of Catholic Courtship.” Her blog is called Plot Line and Sinker. She lives with her husband and five sons in Pakenham, Ontario Canada.