If I had to choose one best piece of advice, it would be to hire an editor. I know a lot of authors claim they self-edit their books and do just fine. But as an author and editor, I can tell you their books would be exponentially better if they had used an editor. I thought my book was in decent shape when I sent it off to my editor, and she found a lot of errors and had some very valid comments regarding structure and plotline.
I’ve heard lots of self-published authors say that apps/programs are just as good as an editor. I’m sure you’ve heard of some of them: Grammarly, ProWritingAid, AutoCrit. The truth is a lot of programs are incredibly helpful, but only a human editor can detect voice, style preferences, and tone. And sometimes the program’s suggestions are incorrect and can actually create more errors.
I used all three of the above-mentioned programs on my novel in varying stages of drafts. I am absolutely certain that if I published it without an editor, I would receive negative reviews based on silly things like typos, repetitions, and even some minor plot holes.
I highly recommend you self-edit as much as you can even if you plan on hiring an editor. It will help strengthen your writing skills. There are some steps you can follow if you choose to self-edit.
1. Start with the big-picture things like plotline, story flow, and character development. Make sure everything in your novel has a reason to be there and that it’s in the right place.
2. Then move to the mid-level details like chapter/paragraph length, sentence structure, removing excess words (think adverbs and filler words).
3. Finally, work on grammar and punctuation.
4. Then, once you’ve done all that, go back and read your manuscript and do it again.
Another editing tip is to have someone else read it. Think of someone besides your mom or best friend, unless they also happen to be authors. You want someone who isn’t going to say your story is amazing when you really have a giant plot hole that all your characters fell into on page 126. Also choose someone who regularly reads the genre you’re writing. They may not catch everything, but they will find things you either didn’t see or knew were wrong but not sure how to fix. That other pair of eyes on it can make a huge difference.
Once you’ve done all that, consider the pros and cons of hiring an editor. Editors can be expensive, which is why I think a lot of self-published authors go without. If you’re getting a lot of feedback that includes things like “Good story but a lot of typos that made it hard to read,” then you need an editor. A lot of us will take payments over time and even offer discounted rates if we really want to work with you. Take some time to interview a few editors, get some samples, and discuss terms. Assume that everything is negotiable until they tell you otherwise.
In the meantime, take some classes about writing and editing. Increase your writing skills so you can do a lot of the editing yourself and save a little money. And don’t go with the cheapest editor you can find. Go with the right one. I have a video on the Resources page of my website that discusses why and how to hire an editor. Hopefully that will help you make the best decision for your manuscript.
Witches of Willowbrook
Book One
Alena Orrison
Genre: Low Fantasy / Witchy Fantasy
Publisher: Spirited Ink Press
Date of Publication: 10/19/2023
ISBN: 979-8-9880131-0-5
ASIN: B0CJGWNPJ5
Number of pages: 313
Word Count: 86,692
Cover Artist: Aspire Book Covers
Tagline: Will her grief and his betrayal make her Willowbrook's worst natural disaster?
Book Description:
When Jessica loses both parents in a car accident, she seeks to honor their legacy of service in Willowbrook. Her parents loved the town and its people, and despite her desire for solitude, Jessica becomes interested in the lives of those around her.
Grief-struck and juggling the garden along with her own business has Jessica stressed. She soon discovers the unpredictable weather reflects her internal turmoil.
Fearful of her powers and worried about the town's reaction, Jessica takes her brother's advice to attend a grief counseling group and begin meditating. She thinks she can restrain her magic if she can control her emotions. A witch from Willowbrook's coven contacts her and offers to teach Jessica how to use her magic. But learning does not come easy. Jessica's power spirals. The more she tries to rein it in, the wilder it becomes.
Then Zane, an attractive reporter from the city, arrives to do an investigative story on Willowbrook's odd weather patterns. Jessica realizes if her secret gets out, everyone she loves could be in danger of a witch hunt. Wanting a change of pace, Zane moves to Willowbrook. Jessica worries he'll be caught in the devastation of her powers.
Can she learn to control her magic before she creates a Natural Disaster? And can she keep Zane from revealing everything?
Excerpt:
I
clenched my jaw in frustration. The front door suddenly flew open as a gust of
wind whipped down the street. “See? I lose control even when I try to keep it.”
“That’s
because you’re trying too hard,” Donna responded.
I
shook my head. “No, I am following Sofia’s directions, but I can’t keep it in
if I feel an intense emotion. Which is apparently all the time lately. Wait.
What are your powers?”
Donna
gave a slight smile. “I was wondering when you’d ask. I’m not a witch.”
“What?
But Sofia—”
Donna
interrupted me. “I know all about the witches and the Circle. My mom was a
witch. I do not have any powers, however. None manifested when I turned
thirteen or sixteen, and nothing happened when I was in that boating accident.
I am mundane. So not only did your parents love you unconditionally until they
died, but you’re also a successful business owner and a powerful witch. What am
I? I’m just a tax accountant. My parents thought nothing I did was good enough,
not even when I was named valedictorian. And I do not have magic.”
“But,
Donna, we used to be friends. Best friends. What happened?”
Donna
shook her head. “It doesn’t matter now. The bottom line is you’re amazing and
everything this town wants, while I’m never good enough for anything. I’m not
good enough to have magic, own a business, or even have a long-term
relationship, let alone get married. Why are you even talking to me about this?
Pity? Is that it?” Donna stood, snatching her jacket from the chair. “I don’t
need your pity. I need you to quit acting like you don’t realize how special
you are and to… to leave me alone!” Donna yelled the last phrase, then stomped
out of the coffee shop.
I stared after her, sitting perfectly still and
ignoring the curious glances of the patrons as they quietly murmured to each
other. The light from the windows dimmed and black clouds started covering the
sky. Hard rain pelted the roof, drowning out the sound of conversations.
The lights flickered, eliciting a few gasps from the customers. I tried to
reign in the anger, but deep yoga breaths weren’t helping. The longer I thought
about what Donna said, the angrier I became. Thunder exploded directly over the
building, and the electricity finally gave in to a mightier power. Several
customers went to look out the window, apparently gauging their chances at
making it home in the deluge.
About the Author:
Alena Orrison is an award-winning author and a freelance writer and editor. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English, with an emphasis in Creative Writing. She started writing stories when she was three years old by telling them to her mom, who wrote them down. She has been editing professionally since 2015. Alena has several articles and stories published online and in anthologies.
She currently lives in North Idaho with her husband, four children, two grandchildren, mom, three dogs, five cats, and a varying number of chickens. When she is not spending time with family and friends, gardening, boating, hiking, or at the gym, she is reading and writing. Alena also likes to crochet and spin yarn for some downtime. Some of her favorite authors include Ann McCaffrey, Elizabeth Cunningham, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Erin Morgenstern. You can visit her at alenaorrison.net
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