I was out of town–no wifi? I didn’t think such places existed anymore! Still going to do some editor, proofreader, publishing tips for all of you who follow me on WordPress and Twitter.
Tip for today: Proofreading. It is impossible, no matter how skilled and educated you are, to proofread and/or copy-edit your own material. The brain is an amazing organ. It retains and memorizes everything! We just don’t know it! Confusing, I know, but that’s how it works, folks. No matter how cold it is . . . and I’ve let them get “iced” . . . your brain remembers what you originally wrote and you read right over what is on the page or screen. You see what is in your subconscious, not necessarily what is actually there. Spell-check can be a friend and a foe. If it makes a word, spell-check will change it on WORD 2010, even if you don’t. Not a nice surprise after a 400-page book has been laid out for printing. I’ve tried to beat this self-proofreading, self-editing dilemma for many years more than some of your have been on earth, and I am a tough editor. I’m so disgusted with myself when I find an error . . . not me! Be kind to yourself and find a proofreader who is a stickler for accuracy to the point that you either get mad or get your feelings hurt. My feelings have been hurt and I have been angry, but it doesn’t sell books or impress an agent/publisher/editor. Sometimes proofreaders can be friends if they’re avid readers and know how to look for errors. It really is a science. Don’t blame yourself. It’s human nature. Or find and pay a good editor. It’s worth it. I had to learn all this the hard way. “Comments, suggestions, snide remarks are welcomed.” I can’t take credit for that quote. A sales manager used to tell me that. What was I doing in sales anyway? I’m a writer! Live and learn!
BowmanAuthor and Writer/Editor 
Brutal honesty. Hard to find.
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Neeks,
Brutally honest, that’s me! I’m looking forward to reading your blog. Any assistance you need, I’m only a “comment” or email away.
Deborah Bowman, author, writer/editor, publisher
livinginashadow@outlook.com
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Psssh, you’re much too kind. If you read one of my stories you’ll take back the offer, LOL.
Seriously though, I will keep checking back to see what tidbits you have to offer. What are your rates?
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Neeks, Love that you write in story format all the time! Your creative mind is constantly “on”! That’s a very good thing. My characters live inside me. They talk to me, and I never know what they’re going to do. I had an old friend recently ask me if I was Sybil-like, Multiple Personality Disorder. I’m still giggling over that one! As far as fees, I look at each job, each case, individually. I express my opinions (should the author want it in a private email) for book reviews for N/C. If I can help, I will. If I have someone who wants me to do proofreading, copy editing, full edit, design, eBook publish, etc., well . . . we negotiate. I like win-win’s, and I’m leery of marketing, editing, publishing scams. I’ve seen too many. So, yeah, I probably give away too much for free, but if I can, I will. We’re all in this storytelling genre together. Why should we be competitors when each story/book/novella/play/business writing stands on its own merit? You are your words. I just like to see them used correctly. I’m funny that way. I’m ghost writing a non-fiction, transformational genre book for $$ now. It will help with my own fiction marketing. (smile), Debbie
P.S. Did you read my blog on proofreading? Typos are never your fault, ya’ know? You need another pair of eyes. Eyes with the most experience are preferable. I hope I don’t sound too grandmotherly.
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Ssssybillll! Hehehe, love it. I will check out that post on proofreading, thanks. 🙂 🙂
It sounds like anyone getting your help is in a winning situation, good luck!
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Neeks, I can’t wait until I finish Ghost Writing this business book. It makes a few dollars, but I want to write my own fiction! Helping other writers always helps my writing, too. Sharing perceptions is like spreading star dust. Deb > Date: Thu, 10 Oct 2013 11:58:03 +0000 > To: livinginashadow@outlook.com >
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I’m thorough and ruthless when it comes to editing, but also supportive and encouraging. theenglis
hprofessor.net
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Professor, You and I have much in common. If it isn’t right…it shouldn’t be in print!
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Exactly!
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Authors and business writers may sometimes think we’re the enemy, but we only have their best interest at heart…but then, I’m an author as well as an editor, but you can never edit your own stuff!
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