Interview with an editor

[Steve S]

I've just posted on my blog my interview with Helen Baggott, who is an accredited proofreader and copy-editor, and a partner member of ALLi (Alliance of Independent Authors). Helen offers a range of professional services including editing, proofreading and self-publishing advice.

Interview with Helen Baggott

In the interview, Helen talks about the importance of editing and proofreading, and discusses some of the most common mistakes she finds when reading manuscripts.

I hope you find the interview helpful. Helen has worked on all four of my novels, and I definitely recommend her services – Helen’s professionalism and attention to detail certainly improved my books, and her prices are very competitive.

 

[TheDustyZebra]

This, so much this:

I always think it’s a terrible shame that some authors do not allow time in their self-publishing schedule for editing and proofreading. Setting a date for their book’s launch seems more important than having an error-free product. In five years’ time, postponing the launch by a month would be irrelevant. Bad reviews on Amazon (because of errors) will be there forever. Successful authors are those who take their time. They’re not procrastinating, tweaking the same sentence a hundred times, they’re sitting back and allowing the book to settle. My top tip would be: create a timetable that allows you to self-publish the best book you possibly can. Don’t compromise just because you have a date ringed on the calendar.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

I think it helps when you get a copy editor who works well with you and can work with your voice without changing it. I've been very lucky with @TheDustyZebra and will feel very odd bringing out my next book without her (but, don't panic, Sam, I have plans for you. Muha-ha-ha

 

[HareBrain]

Successful authors are those who take their time.

Yay!

They’re not procrastinating, tweaking the same sentence a hundred times

Ah, crap ...

 

[Phyrebrat]

I want to second TDZ's sentiments. It always surprises me when I see something in crits or WG which has a variety errors of all manner and the member is talking in terms of final drafts.

Everytime I've read Jumbled-up Jack I've seen things that make me cringe in my work so I'm probably at the other end of the spectrum.

For those more active (and perhaps longer term) members of chrons, I think it's far easier for us to see the benefit of holding back and not rushing off a wip for vanity reasons.

Well... that's my excuse for not having finished anything long form yet. I'd try and pitch in with HB, but his also-glacially slow progress hasn't stopped him from getting a book bloody finished

pH