Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Jordan
Honestly, I haven't figured out how a small-time writer like myself can make the high cost of editing work...
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Keep in mind, what I have described was over the course of many years. It was my choice, and money I could part with here and there. Not easily, but what it would buy was more valuable to me.
I spent the money also because in the beginning, I wasn't confident in my writing. And for good reason -- it wasn't all that great. I told a good story, but
how I told it could be better, and I knew that. So I sought the help of others and paid for their expertise. Really, the way I look at it, the money spent was not only to edit the manuscript at hand, it was also money spent educating me as an author, and in the long run, building confidence in my own writing. Today, if nothing else, I've achieved that return on investment.
Will the overall investment ever return? Maybe, maybe not. I think of it as planting a seed. If I've planted well, readers will come along, water my creation, and a tree may flourish. I hope so anyway.
However, seeking a return on investment is not a reason to write, in my humble opinion. Sure, it's great, but that shouldn't be the core reason why we do this. I write because I enjoy the act of creation. Getting paid would be nice, too. I try to have this outlook in all things -- I don't go to work every day for the money. I do it to provide a service to others, to give a job well done. But of course I go to work every day for the money -- if they didn't pay me I wouldn't keep showing up. So it's a mindset, a feeling, that the pay is a reward, just a bonus. It's a good outlook to have. Like in Star Trek, and Gene's vision of a future in which we do the best job we can and for that we are taken care of, rather than a rat-race chasing after the almighty dollar. Doesn't mean it's the way it will be, or it's even any right way to be. It's a state of mind. Do what you enjoy and be proud of getting it done. The pay follows.
Now, back to editing, I'll say this -- it can be done without expensive professional help. But if not an investment of money, it will be your time and effort instead, and the efforts of trusted others. I've noted one means of inexpensive help, the computer reading the work, and the other being an ideal reader. They way I see it, you need two ideal readers, because one of the reasons a pro editor is special is that they are typically wearing more than one hat. I'll explain...
Some people are great with grammar. And some people see plot holes like an eagle sees a rodent from sky-high. But seldom do you find both in one person. Those few becomes editors, but that doesn't mean you can't get close to the same. You just have to find the right two ideal readers and use them both. The grammarian may never notice your story's lack of tension, but will steer your wording back on track. The plot-hound won't even notice your munging of the English language, though will be quick to point out the implausibility of your tale.
The bottom line is, we all need help. To go it alone is one thing, but with the help of others, the work improves. The story deserves the best you can give it. Use the help of others whenever possible and/or affordable. Find others who want to share in your quest. Get them involved. Then judge which kind of reader they are (grammarian/plot-hound), and recruit one of each.
You'll be glad you did.
$3.99 for a good fictive dream - Dead Forever Awakening
Smashwords -
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/8981
Amazon -
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0034G6628