Time to Get Real About Publishing. When Do You Need an Editor? How to Choose the Right One.
Updated: Dec 4
And how to get the best from them.
THIS IS A SAMPLE CONTAINING EXCERPTS
Many misconceptions exist regarding the role of editors in the publishing process – particularly their duties, various functions, and the advantages and value their expertise can offer a book. Most writers don't understand how many types of editors are involved in producing a novel, let alone what each of their roles plays. Even less understood is the importance of editorial support for self-publishing authors. To comprehend all this, it's helpful to have a basic knowledge of how different models of publishing work. I've already blogged about vanity presses, so I won't repeat that here. Today, I want to look at the two models of self-publishing vs traditional publishing, why it matters, how your chosen path to publication might shape your long-term goals, and how those choices inform you of who, what and when you need to search for outside help.
Traditional publishing: what is it, how does it work and what are the benefits or disadvantages?
What is it?
This is where you write your book, find an agent to represent it, and sell the MS to a publisher. The publisher prints your book, organises its launch and publicity. It also organises its distribution through bookshops, supermarkets and libraries. If your book is successful in your home market, they might also finance translated copies internationally.
Reality Check #1
Self–publishing means you are entering into a business, into entrepreneurship. Writers often view themselves only as thinkers and artists with something important to say (partly true!) The perception of business undermines creativity. That can be a valid viewpoint – the money side can take over. But once you enter into making a book a commercial enterprise (even with trad pubbing, too) – i.e. selling your art – you are starting your own business. That means a level of professionalism and planning – another thing to get real about. With traditional publishing you hand over the majority of the business side to other people. When going Indy, you have to deal with it yourself.
Even if you spend out on making it as good as you can, your first book might not make big bucks. That's the market. It's a risk. It's a risk publishers take daily with no guarantees of success.
Ideally, the more books you write and publish, the snowball effect will kick in and the cumulative sales of all your books should eat up the costs of producing them. It's a long game. It's a long-term investment. On the bright side, the more books you write and have an editor work on, the more you will learn about editing itself, which could eventually reduce the costs.
If not, what do you need to learn or earn in order to do so?
It's a lot to digest, which is why I'm going to continue with this in a follow-up article on my new Substack blog Anvil & Ink. How to choose the right editor in accordance to that decision and your personal needs.
Until then, friends.
In the meantime, tell me: how do you view your publishing path now? Do you have any experiences to share?
If you are in need of developmental, structural or line editing and would like to know more about what I can offer, please do get in touch! All initial consultations are free to help you decide your best foot forward.
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