Independent (or self) publishers are responsible for absolutely every decision surrounding their books. In essence, they are their own business. So suddenly, if you decide to self publish, you are faced with a myriad of choices that have nothing to do with what your characters say or do in the text. These decisions happen in the real world, and can't be changed as easily as a scene that isn't quite working.
Having chosen to self publish, you've started down a path with many forks, each one demanding you make a decision. These include:
- Choosing an editor
- Notice I didn't say whether to hire an editor. Editing and proofreading aren't optional if you want to produce a quality product.
- Once your text has gone through your own revisions, and possibly been vetted by beta readers or a critique group, it's time to bring in a professional. Editing and writing (or revising) are different skills. A good editor will help you fix your story on every level, from big-picture plot and character development issues, to that awkward scene with stilted dialogue.
- Many freelance editors exist, and many more people exist who call themselves editors but who aren't in fact good at editing. This latter group usually charges less than qualified editors, but remember, you get what you pay for. And you need to respect the work and time of qualified editors. Skimping on the cost means sabotaging your project.
- If you're looking for a fantastic editor, check out the awesome ladies at Touchstone Editing!
