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Old 04-15-2010, 05:48 PM   #49
DArenson
ebookworm
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Posts: 268
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Canada
Device: Kobo, Kindle
In my book (figuratively and literally), good copyediting is invaluable.

I read over my work a dozen times at least, and catch things every time. But I still need a good, professional, experienced copyeditor to read my writing before it's published.

After I wrote my novel "Firefly Island", I must have read it a good twenty times. I then had about twenty beta readers read it. After I sold it, an editor at my publishing house (Five Star) worked with me to improve it. Finally, a Five Star copyeditor reviewed it.

I wouldn't have published the novel any sooner.

If you're an indie author, and don't want to pay to hire a professional copyeditor, I suggest at the very least running your novel several times through a good writers' workshop. Then see if you can find a local English or journalism student; maybe they'll copyedit your book for cheap (or free).

I love indie authors and love supporting them. One reason I love ebooks is because it gives indie authors a voice and audience. But indie novels should strive to be of equal -- or superior -- quality to the books from the pro publishers. There's NO excuse for publishing a novel full of typos and grammatical errors. If you're going indie, find a good workshop, find cheap copyeditors, find an English teacher or student to read your book... and revise revise revise.

It's worth it!

Daniel
Firefly Island, a fantasy novel
http://www.DanielArenson.com
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