Call yourself an Indie Author?

[Nancy Fulda]

Originally Posted by Justin Nemo

A fiction writer wouldn't necessarily need such intense levels of editing, so why shouldn't their mother or neighbour or school teacher or anyone literate enough to string two words together, be able to proof and/or edit their work?

I'm going to respectfully disagree with that first assertion. I would claim that quality fiction benefits just as much from editing as nonfiction does. The emphasis might be on worldbuilding, story arcs and internal consistency rather than on historical timelines and external facts, but the principle is the same.

[Justin Nemo]

Originally Posted by Nancy Fulda

I'm going to respectfully disagree with that first assertion. I would claim that quality fiction benefits just as much from editing as nonfiction does. The emphasis might be on worldbuilding, story arcs and internal consistency rather than on historical timelines and external facts, but the principle is the same.

I'm not suggesting for one minute that fiction writing wouldn't benefit. In my case I am very lucky to have friends who can help me. If I had to pay for these services, then it would be a different matter and it probably wouldn't be done as well because of the cost incurred. I believe this to be true of most “Indie Authors”, but then that is only my opinion and by the grace of God, Harry and Saint George, we are all entitled to our opinions.

[Dr. Drib]

I'm also going to respectfully disagree with Nemo's assertion that "A fiction writer wouldn't necessarily need such intense levels of editing."

Any quality writing (fiction OR non-fiction) benefits from 'quality' editing. I would strongly hesitate to give my mother or a school teacher something to edit or proof - unless one of these designated individuals had some training in these areas. Holding a teaching degree does not necessarily qualify one for editing/proofing one's material.

I am in complete agreement with Ms. Fulda.



Don

[Justin Nemo]

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

I'm also going to respectfully disagree with Nemo's assertion that "A fiction writer wouldn't necessarily need such intense levels of editing."

Any quality writing (fiction OR non-fiction) benefits from 'quality' editing. I would strongly hesitate to give my mother or a school teacher something to edit or proof - unless one of these designated individuals had some training in these areas. Holding a teaching degree does not necessarily qualify one for editing/proofing one's material.

I am in complete agreement with Ms. Fulda.



Don

I'm going to tell your mother what you said Doc.

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

It's interesting to me how powerfully the pro-editing meme has become hereabouts on MR; it's good to see people taking such an interest in ensuring quality in what is produced, as opposed to encouraging any and everything to be written and released as fast as can be done. This is probably the first step in winnowing down the available content to create an overall higher quality of independent work, and making sure consumers have less of a reason to segregate indies from major publishers' authors.

[Dr. Drib]

Originally Posted by Justin Nemo

I'm going to tell your mother what you said Doc.

Don