Beware Online Editors/Proofers/Promoters/Publishers
The most ridiculous scam out there that targets new authors is claiming to be a REAL publishing house by taking the author's rights away, then charging the authors for services.
How to spot a traditional publisher: They don't ask you for money. Period. Traditional publishers are selective, hard to snag in most cases, they pay for all expenses -- including book cover design and editing services. They are going to take a long time to get back to you about your book, if they do at all. Their slush pile is deep.
Vanity Presses usually take anyone but make it sound like they love your book. They can take your rights and often set the prices so high that no one will buy the books. They are often poorly edited.
My first experience with a "publisher" who offered me a contract turned out to be a self published author who supposedly formed a publishing house. She wrote back, "I loved your book! I read it all in one sitting." (It was 300 pages... doubt it.)
I asked her, "Which was your favorite part?"
"Oh, I loved all of it!"
Then I asked, "What about the part where Ronald got run over by a train?"
"OMG! I loved that part! It was so exciting and unexpected."
My book was about immigration to America in the 18th Century. There were no trains yet. After researching her, I found she was a self professed convict who wrote her book about serving 6 years for SEC charges and how she deals with bipolar disorder. This was not the person I wanted representing me at all. She offered me a contract if I paid for $500 that she said I would get back after I sold x number of books. No thanks.
How to spot a traditional publisher: They don't ask you for money. Period. Traditional publishers are selective, hard to snag in most cases, they pay for all expenses -- including book cover design and editing services. They are going to take a long time to get back to you about your book, if they do at all. Their slush pile is deep.
Vanity Presses usually take anyone but make it sound like they love your book. They can take your rights and often set the prices so high that no one will buy the books. They are often poorly edited.
My first experience with a "publisher" who offered me a contract turned out to be a self published author who supposedly formed a publishing house. She wrote back, "I loved your book! I read it all in one sitting." (It was 300 pages... doubt it.)
I asked her, "Which was your favorite part?"
"Oh, I loved all of it!"
Then I asked, "What about the part where Ronald got run over by a train?"
"OMG! I loved that part! It was so exciting and unexpected."
My book was about immigration to America in the 18th Century. There were no trains yet. After researching her, I found she was a self professed convict who wrote her book about serving 6 years for SEC charges and how she deals with bipolar disorder. This was not the person I wanted representing me at all. She offered me a contract if I paid for $500 that she said I would get back after I sold x number of books. No thanks.
How do I research someone?
There are two places I have found to be the golden voice of publishing. One is Predators & Editors.
The other is Absolute Write, a forum made of experienced and new authors. They discuss writing, publishing, marketing, and they provide information. There are places to get your work critiqued. The problem when you get a bunch of authors together is that there is sometimes a rift between traditionally published authors and Indies. Get over it. Some people are going to look down on you no matter what. Keep on writing and promoting.
When I need to check someone out, be it a person or publisher, I google the name and "Absolute Write". There is bound to be a thread and discussion on there to answer your questions.
The other is Absolute Write, a forum made of experienced and new authors. They discuss writing, publishing, marketing, and they provide information. There are places to get your work critiqued. The problem when you get a bunch of authors together is that there is sometimes a rift between traditionally published authors and Indies. Get over it. Some people are going to look down on you no matter what. Keep on writing and promoting.
When I need to check someone out, be it a person or publisher, I google the name and "Absolute Write". There is bound to be a thread and discussion on there to answer your questions.
Editing & Proofreading - Know the Difference
Editing & Proofreading are sometimes incorrectly used interchangeably. There are different levels of editing:
How to choose an editor as an Indie author?
I've been looking around for an editor. My books were beta read, reviewed, and proofread by friends, family, and other authors (usually in exchange for me making their book covers or banners). I am the type of person who cannot see the errors in my own work because I know what is supposed to be on the page. My brain sees the correct word. :( Not helpful as a self-pub'd.
It seems that reputable editing services will plainly state on their site what their prices are per word or page. They specifically state what they are looking for. They are willing to list their authors on their sites-- which you should immediately go to Amazon and check out the "free preview" and determine whether the work was edited properly. If they produced horribly edited books, most likely they will make your book horrible as well.
Ask for a sample. Some places offer a free sample of anywhere from 1 page (250 words) - 1,000 words. If you don't like the first 1,000 words, you are not going to like their work at 100,000 words.
I personally have decided to go with Xterraweb and Pelican Proofing. Both offer reasonable rates for Indie authors. Both women are incredibly reliable and open to discussion. They are active on Facebook groups, making them accessible. They both promote actively promote Indie authors.
Xterrabweb states on their website that they do a two-fold of editing & proofing for one price. You can't beat that. They also offer a sample of 2,000 words! That is great. Plus they break the payment into two portions: 50% down when you sign the contract, and 50% when the services are rendered. That is more than acceptable. Rates on their website are quoted as "$1.20 - $2.00 per page" or 250 words.
- Developmental or Substantive
- Copy Editing
- Proofreading or Line Editing
How to choose an editor as an Indie author?
I've been looking around for an editor. My books were beta read, reviewed, and proofread by friends, family, and other authors (usually in exchange for me making their book covers or banners). I am the type of person who cannot see the errors in my own work because I know what is supposed to be on the page. My brain sees the correct word. :( Not helpful as a self-pub'd.
It seems that reputable editing services will plainly state on their site what their prices are per word or page. They specifically state what they are looking for. They are willing to list their authors on their sites-- which you should immediately go to Amazon and check out the "free preview" and determine whether the work was edited properly. If they produced horribly edited books, most likely they will make your book horrible as well.
Ask for a sample. Some places offer a free sample of anywhere from 1 page (250 words) - 1,000 words. If you don't like the first 1,000 words, you are not going to like their work at 100,000 words.
I personally have decided to go with Xterraweb and Pelican Proofing. Both offer reasonable rates for Indie authors. Both women are incredibly reliable and open to discussion. They are active on Facebook groups, making them accessible. They both promote actively promote Indie authors.
Xterrabweb states on their website that they do a two-fold of editing & proofing for one price. You can't beat that. They also offer a sample of 2,000 words! That is great. Plus they break the payment into two portions: 50% down when you sign the contract, and 50% when the services are rendered. That is more than acceptable. Rates on their website are quoted as "$1.20 - $2.00 per page" or 250 words.
*** I admit I met the owners of Pelican Proofing and Xterraweb Editing in Facebook Groups. They are on my friends list. We have promoted each other on many occasions. I do not know either outside of the book world (or in real life). In no way am I trying to influence authors to use their services. I'm stating that is who I am going to use after researching. My best advice to you is to ask other authors who are happy with their editors, then read their books.
Thank you for visiting my website.
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