Editing - is it necessary?

Housekeeping Stuff


I am collecting names for my newsletter. If you are not sure if you signed up - you can always sign up again. You won't get double I promise.


If you sign up between today and my launch, you will get a free ebook on everything I have learned about self publishing and online marketing - this will be for anyone who is self publishing or who markets online. I'm pulling together and formatting all my notes on this whole process as well as some online marketing tips and tricks (some I haven't even talked about yet) and putting them all into one place. I plan to be complete by Jan once I get through the entire process. That way you would not have to go back through a bunch of old posts to find information. Who knows maybe I'll even turn it into a self pubbed book one day :)


My newsletter will have author news, but it will also have arc giveaways, marketing contests, as well as online marketing and self pubbing advice. The first one will go out before my launch. If you don't like it after that - you can opt out and still get the ebook.


Also I added my online virtual launch party to Facebook so you can sign up there if you didn't get it. :) I will be doing an online chat on online marketing, self publishing journey, and my book as well as giving away prizes and special secrets.


If you are on Goodreads, friend me :) You can also mark Untraceable "to read". Somehow, it's already gotten on some good lists: Self publishing books to watch for in 2011 and Best Cover.  Nice :)


Enough boring stuff....


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Editing - is it worth it? And why?


I just got my copyedits back.


First, let me say if you need a good copyeditor, email me. Because mine was AWESOME!


Untraceable has been through the ringer more than once. In addition to the scrutiny of my former agent and slew of beta readers, Untraceable was also recently edited by Lexa Hillyer at Paper Lantern and Emily Lawrence (previously at Aladdin). 


These two editors were great for my book and I HIGHLY recommend them. If you need their information, you can email me offline.


Now, I did not include this original editing cost in my current eXperiment budget b/c I'm not sure I would have used both or spent as much if I had known I was going to self publish. Not that it wasn't worth it - but now I'm on a different budget. I would say look to spend anywhere from $25-$50 an hour to get a reputable editor to work with you. At the time, I needed a fresh perspective. Editing and covers are definitely going to be the biggest expenses for any self publisher.


What I found out this week is that overall editing and copy edits are very different. I never knew this before. I assumed editing was editing. Just like I assumed revising was just copyediting.


Here's the difference:


Book Editing:
This editor looks at the whole story - the big picture. They make sure you have a roadmap and are thinking about the key story elements of Flush out the plot and subplots. What is waste? Do your characters have an arc and how do they grow over the book? 

Copy Editing:
This editor checks for spelling errors, grammatical errors and structural errors and sticks to a style/manual - Chicago manual etc. This editor's job is to make sure words are spelled correctly, the correct word is used (example. since vs sense), the correct punctuation is used, there are no run on sentences, there are no redundancies, and the topic stays the same in each paragraph and the paragraph before and the paragraph after cohere. They also look for inconsistencies in wording or style or tone.

An editor is usually more big picture and a copy editor is down in the deets. These jobs sometimes overlap some as editors definitely catch typos and smaller stuff while the copy editor also finds overarching inconsistencies and plot problems. But, these jobs are usually - and almost always - done by two different people. I always assumed if you had your book edited - it would include both. WRONG!  


My decision


At first, I thought since I had the book professionally edited, I would not need a copy editor.  I went back and forth about doing copy edits, but my traditional author friends encouraged - no insisted - that I needed them. Now that I see my edits, wow, I am so glad I did it!!!


Two main reason why copy editing is critical:


1) Copy editing caught all those things NO ONE else did. Punctuations, inconsistencies (green eyes or brown eyes), did I type "form" and mean "from". etc I had no idea how much was in there! I would have been mortified had I put that out. 


2) I wanted to put out the best product I can and be proud. No regrets. I don't want to just see a book out there, I want to see my book at it's very best. 


3) Increase the chances of success and your credibility.  Trust me, there are already a lot of naysayers out there that probably do not support self publishing or even me doing it for that matter. And, I personally don't want to give anyone a reason to say "oh! no wonder she is self publishing". 


4) Go for quality. Whether any of us wants to admit it - at some point that doubt about self publishing is what goes through our traditional-publishing loving minds when we first see someone is self publishing. It is what holds us back from self publishing. It is what has held me back. It is why I am experimenting with the process.


I'll admit it. I felt that way at one time. I guess it was because the self publishing I had seen at the time wasn't good and never seemed to be high quality work. I'm especially picky on covers and jacket copy. I can tell a touched up photo a mile away. Whether it's on a traditional book or self published book - I can see it immediately.


But I'm here to say, NOT ALL self published authors fall into the "cheap or homemade category". It's time we change our mindsets on this. Because it's not always true. There are some great authors self publishing. Look at Mandy Hubbard - she and Cyn Balog just came out with a book that is self pubbed. And I KNOW they are good.


Sure there are a lot of books that people publish that have been written in a week with no beta readers and have been slapped up on Amazon with clipart and typos. But there are also some GREAT authors out there that have WONDERFUL products, covers and writing, and do it right. Unfortunately, we all get lumped in a stack together, no matter what our product looks like. 


How do you find a good one?


There are a bunch of bad copy editors. So don't be fooled. 


1) Find someone that someone has used. That is how I found mine. A recommendation.


2) Ask them for a sample of a few pages (one page is not enough) so you can see their work. This is standard. If they won't do it, don't hire them. The three I looked at all did samples.


3) Check their rates and timeline. You need a guaranteed rate - I would go for project rate not hourly - and give a deadline.


4) Don't pay until the work is done. A deposit is okay but most won't ask for it upfront.


5) Find out if they are tracking changes or writing changes on the manuscript. Some people think writing it catches more than reading it. I prefer tracked changes.


So if you self publish, not only do you need beta readers, but I feel you also need an editor (like Lexa or Emily) who will make sure your story is the best it can be. At the end of the line, it can only help if you also hire a copy editor.


My thought: do not do this if you aren't committed to doing it right. Self pubbing is not the easy way out and it shouldn't be the cheap way out. It's a feasible option that works for some and not for them.


But can guarantee you this -  your book will NEVER have its best chance if it isn't the best it can be.  If it looks cheap and isn't well done... if it is full of typos...if you cut corners, the reader will know. They will think you didn't care enough about them to get it right and will be upset they paid money.


Editing can catch all the little things that could be the little difference between a book being good and a book being great.


Here are some articles on editing:
What it looks like
Cost of editing vs not editing
Don't skip the copyedits

Bookanista Buzz - The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Okay, I love this book! And yay! It was just announced that 2 more are coming.....


I will go out on a limp and say I even love it more than The Body Finder!


And I stayed up all night in 2 nights to finish that one.

In the violent country of Ludania, the language you speak determines what class you are, and there are harsh punishments if you forget your place—looking a member of a higher class in the eye can result in immediate execution. 


Seventeen-year-old Charlaina (Charlie for short) can understand all languages, a dangerous ability she’s been hiding her whole life. Her only place of release is the drug-filled underground club scene, where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. There, she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a language she’s never heard, and her secret is almost exposed. 


Through a series of violent upheavals, it becomes clear that Charlie herself is the key to forcing out the oppressive power structure of her kingdom….


What I loved about this book:


1) A fresh take on dystopia and fantasy all rolled into one.
2) It's creepy!
3) I love that the ruler is a woman - finally!
4) Max's little note - so sweet - love him.
5) The unexpected twists and reveals!
6) I loved Charlie (MC) from the start. Felt sorry for her. Can't imagine hiding a gift so powerful it could cause your death.
7) The queen was nasty and it was scary what was going on in her head/thoughts. 
8) Did I mention Max is hot?!
9) It's so pacy!!!! I read it in like a day.
10) The implication of language and hot it can bring together or break up society. (yeah a little heavy But I'm not as dumb as I might look :)
11) I love the cover!
12) I adore Kimberly too :)

Check out the other Bookanista posts:

• Elana Johnson  is obsessed with Possess
• Christine Fonseca  twirls for Audition
• Shannon Whitney Messenger is wowed by The White Assassin – with giveaway
• Beth Revis interviews The Girl of Fire & Thorns author Rae Carson
• Carolina Valdez Miller delves into The Future of Us – with signed book giveaway
• Shana Silver shouts out about Shut Out
• Sarah Frances Hardy fancies You Will Be My Friend

ebook eXperiment: Those pesky little ISBNs!

**Sorry about the late post - my son was sick today!** Thanks for the little notes and tweets asking me when I was posting today! It's nice to be missed. :)


This week

• Budget hasn't changed ---yet.
• I am working to get book to copyedits - people who signed up for the ebook tour should get their review copy the week of Oct 17th which gives you 6 weeks to read.
• Oh yeah - and I'm much more scared this week, wondering if I made a huge mistake in doing this or that it is going to fail but trying to ignore those thoughts. THIS IS HARD WORK! Definitely not the easy way out!

Because I have gotten asked about paperbacks - I am looking in it. The more I looked into libraries and schools - the more I realized they don't all have access to ebooks. Question is how - Lightning source or Createspace?


I'll talk more about that next week. Buy yay!


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Today I want to talk about ISBNs b/c I am still figuring these little stinkers out, but here is what I know (or think I know) so far:


Why do you need one? 

• Your book and you appear more professional. Think of them like business cards. You don't need one, but if you don't have one - you may not appear credible.
• They stay with the book for life.
• The distribution is wider especially with schools and libraries. That is how most of them order books so you are cutting out your market if you don't get one.
• It's best to buy ISBNs in blocks of 10, 100 etc - that way you can use them for other books or when publishing new editions that have changed.

What do the 13 digits mean?

• A "978" prefix
• A group or country identifier;
• The publisher identifier; (This is you!)
• The title identifier, which is for a particular title or edition;
• A "check digit" at the end, which validates the ISBN

Tips:

• You do not need one for Amazon. They assign their own number. ASIN
• You do not need one for Barnes and Noble. They assign their own number.
• You do need one for iTunes/iBooks.
• If you use Smashwords, they can assign one for their customers. But I believe it is only good for Smashwords. You can get a free one and list Smashwords as publisher or you can be a premium member and pay 10$ for your own.
• You have to have a different ISBN for different formats - so ebook formats would each need 1 and paperback would be another.
• Make sure it is 13 digits (not 10) - most places require 13.
• You can buy them from Bowker or isbn.org - 10 costs about $275.
• Even when you have an ISBN - you must register them at Bowker. 
• A self pub ISBN has a number that identifies it as an indie/self pub book so bookstores know when they see it.
• ISBN goes on the copyright page. And above the scan code on a physical book.
• If you want a library to order - you will also need a LCCN.
• You need an ISBN for each ebook file you publish (epub, etc) - I'm still trying to figure out what this means. So now I think I have to buy 10.
• On some books you may see a 10 digit ISBN and a 13 digit - They changed the format a few years ago and kept both identifiers.

So basically if I do ebook and B&N, Amazon, and Smashwords. I will need ISBNs (again I think they are important) for each format as well as for paperback. 


So looks like I'm going to have to add about $275 to my budget? Sigh.

If you have any additional tips or clarifications - let me know!

What's in a Cover? Everything!

Disclaimer: First, a heartfelt thanks to everyone who signed up for the tour! I only have a handful of slots, so you can still sign up to read an ebook for the tour and the book is up on Goodreads :)

Spent $650. My budget is about $1,000-$1500

As a financial disclaimer - I have no money to do this. I recently took on a job that is crap pay and hard work, but I took to get me the money I need to put this book out right. So don't think I'm rich and throwing a bunch of cash in. Because I'm just as broke and hit by the economy as you.


I added in 50$ for Amazon Pro because I've decide to do a paperback through CreateSpace as well. So my book will be available in ebook or paperback. Why? Because a lot of people have asked for the paperback because they don't have ereaders. The Pro status gives benefits (higher royalty) and more flexibility with the cover format than the free account. The work is not much more for an ebook than it is for a paperback on createspace. So it was a win-win for me.

So - what's in a cover?


My answer: everything! Your book rides on the coat-tails of your cover. Some may disagree and I'm not saying the writing is not important. But when it is an ebook, self pubbed, or debut/no-named author, if you don't grab the reader with a cover, it's over my friend. Because if readers don't like the cover, they probably won't take it off the shelf or read the jacket copy/description. And if they don't read the description, no matter how cheap it is or how good it might be - they won't buy it. That's a just a marketing fact. Think about why you pick up books.


Outside of great writing and concept, in this self pub/ebook process, in my opinion - there are two things you DON'T want to scrimp on - if you want to do it right. Cover and edits/copyedits. They are two things I budgeted for. The rest is above and beyond.



Two feasible options for a great cover


1) Buy stock photos
Istock.com has awesome photos. Real professional photos and are a solid option for those who have no/very little budget. (Though I do say if you have NO budget - how do you expect your book to do well whether you are self pub or traditional?) If you use istock  - the standard agreement is usually less than $10 a photo. Or, you can also buy it exclusively from the artist - usually for under 100$. Though I'm not sure this takes it off the market unless you purchase the rights.


Cons to using istock:

• They are not as high resolution as you might want/need. Nothing worse than a fuzzy picture. Esp. if you decide to go paperback.
• It's not exclusive so anyone can use it. Hopefully a STD commercial for TV doesn't use the same photo (Stop laughing, I've seen it happen).
• You don't have to find the right model.
• You might not find the right photo - then what?
• If you don't know how to photoshop - how will you put a name and title on it without it looking fake and homemade? This is a big issue. Now, if you know how to photoshop, you might be able to do it yourself.

Keep in mind - stock photos can be used! I'm not saying it can't be done well. I know many people who have done it that way and have a great cover. It is a feasible option. But - if  you don't get the right picture, the right resolution, or the right book design - your book may look self designed and may not appear as professional as the ones publishers put out.

For example - I mocked up a temporary cover using a stock photo. It's funny because I've gotten so many compliments on my temporary cover and have been totally surprised. Don't get me wrong - my HUBBY and I did it - so I love the concept of it. I think it totally captures my book. But, with my "design" eye - the color is one dimensional and the leaves look too fuzzy - maybe I'm too picky. But no matter how much I worked on it - it wasn't good enough - FOR ME. 

The problem? I want the reader to feel like they are in the woods with Grace. That the woods are beautiful and alive, yet dangerous and unpredictable. The setting is a HUGE character in my book. But as much as I do love this photograph (and I do) - it wasn't doing it for me as a final cover. It felt a little flat. Plus it will not look good on a paperback b/c of the fuzziness. But the picture only cost me about 10$ and about an hour photoshopping time.

Pros to using istock:

• You can download the pictures immediately.
• There are tons of them to choose from.
• They are cheaper than using a photographer.

2) You can hire a professional graphic designer, illustrator, or photographer to do your cover.


Pros

• An original cover is all yours. It captures your book. 
• You get exactly what you want - you get to find the model and be sure everything captures your what you want to portray.
• Usually, they can design the cover too.

Cons

• You will spend some money. No doubt about it.
• You could get someone bad or who has a different idea than you.

3) How do you find someone to do your cover without it costing your third born child?


You have to think creatively. Can you think of anyone you know that shoots great photography or is a photographer? Are their any photography schools or design schools or art schools close by? Do you know any students you can pay to help them with their portfolio? Do you know any web designers and game designers because they know the design tools too? Do you know anyone you can barter with? Anyone that you can pay later from your book proceeds?


When you are looking - make sure you are thinking "book design" and not just photo b/c you want someone to shoot AND design a cover. Or else you are left with a great shot and no cover. 


So, which option do you think I chose?


Yes, I chose to shoot my own cover. Well not me personally...someone special.


Part of it is the marketing demon in me. I just can't go out with anything marketing related that I don't feel is top quality. It is a strength but can also be my greatest weakness b/c I don't know where to stop. Something I am learning as I go through this process. Something HUBBY is reminding me of - I can't do everything. I have to really ask myself: is a must have/need have vs. a nice to have?


Cover? Need to have!


So - guess who's doing it?


My great friend Vania at VLC photos! 


She is breaking into shooting covers and I am so excited!!!! For those who don't know Vania - she is the guru who does all of the author photos and amazing trailers for Kelley Armstrong, Melissa Marr, Kimberly Derting books (etc etc etc.) She's a great photographer with a beautiful portfolio and a great name. She's my friend and I trust her with this cover.

Addressing the Naysayers

Here are all the thoughts out there about me self pubbing or ebooking - I've heard them and even gotten a couple on email so I will address them because I told you guys I would not hold anything back.

1) "Shelli knows photoshop. No wonder she can do her own marketing."?? 

My response - YOU CAN LEARN IT - I had to and I'm not great at it, but you can learn it if you want to. There are tons of online courses plus if you have a MAC they have some complimentary classes. If you learn photoshop - you will be able to do amazing marketing. I also have a design HUBBY and friends so don't think I don't turn to them when things get tough. Trust me - you know someone - you just haven't thought about it yet.

 2) "Shelli must have money I don't have. Her hubby is her big sugardaddy."


I wish!! Nope. I live on a budget like everyone else. I can't tell you when I bought myself something last, and my date nights with HUBBY consist of PUBLIX sushi, Trader Joes 4.99$ wine, and a $4 movie on Netflix. Maybe we splurge for fondue sometimes (homemade) but that usually cuts out our movie. 

So I know all about budget. As I said, I'm doing a tough, lowpaying job that is not even half of my normal pay so I have a little extra to make this book special. I don't just want a book out there, I want MY BOOK out there. I think part of the bad stigma with self pubbing is that because of some of the lower quality stuff out there - people assume all self pubbing is bad quality and crap. There are tons of great books that are judged b/c of all the bad stuff. 

So - if I'm putting myself out there - blogging my greatest fears of rejection and failure - I definitely want my lovely book to have the best shot possible and the best chance to be somewhat successful (AKA Not a total bust). And I want to be proud my name is on it.


Now, am I paying Vania?  The answer is yes, but not nearly what she is worth - I'll tell you that. We are also bartering - cross promoting each other and helping each other break into a market we both want to be in. You see - we both got lucky. She wants to get her name out in the industry for shooting great covers (as well as trailers); I want a great cover and she does them. See?

3) "Shelli has a platform and access to people I don't so she can barter. She knows Vania and I don't."  

So, am I lucky to have Vania? Yes! (and actually that is because of her friendship first and foremost - much more so than my lucky access to her amazing talent). But I will say, I did not know Vania before I started social networking two years ago. I met her online and happened to run into her at a book signing. Found out she lives in Atlanta and over time we became friends. 

At the time, I had a platform with only 2 followers. Maybe 3. All I wanted to do at the time was help writing people by giving free marketing advice and meet people in the industry. 

It's taken me 2 years of hard work to build a platform - but most importantly - I've built lovely, long lasting relationships. And the reason I even built those to begin with because my goal was to give first. I worked hard at making friends and building relationships and I had NO end result or ulterior motive in mind with anyone. 

So my access to Vania's talent (and her wonderfully heart and sense of humor and support) as well as any support and well wishes I am getting from others is because (I hope) I have made solid relationships and have done my best to help other people before ever pushing myself. 

So did Vania and I get lucky? Hell yeah!!! And I am totally stoked. 


I could use a little luck on my side in this business - for once.


So, what's next for my cover? 

We have gotten a model who is perfect. I mean - I can't stop smiling. The model is Grace as I always pictured her. Pretty, but not unrelatably gorgeous, tough looking, green eyes, dark hair and with a slight Native American undertone. I can't wait for you to see her! We are shooting next week and I'm nervous because I kinda feel like I'm meeting my character in person for the first time. Dumb I know.

So stay tuned for our big cover release towards the end of October. You can follow her on twitter too. 


Knowing Vania - it will be amazing. :)


What do you think? is a cover important? can you tell if it is stock or original? let me know your thoughts. Again, this is all just my professional opinion from what I know.