Self-publishing is all the rage these days, to the point that self-published books are actually getting recognized by the establishment. Reviewers no longer automatically turn up their noses at a self-published book. Traditional publishers consider adding successful self-published books–defined as those that have sold at least 5,000 copies according to one literary agent–to their lists. On occasion, publishers even court self-published authors.
Successful self-publishing, however, demands that you self-publish like a pro.
To self-publish like a pro, you need to hire, yes, professionals, including a:
- Developmental editor or writing coach to make sure that the organization and flow of your book works, and that you’ve delivered on the book’s promise. After writing the manuscript, you can no longer tell if it works (even if you think you can) and your friends and family most likely aren’t qualified to do the job.
- Line editor or writing coach to elevate the quality of the writing. This could be the same person as your developmental editor.
- Copy editor who will look at your manuscript even more closely, focusing on fact-checking, inconsistencies, grammar, etc. The copy editor needs fresh eyes, so make sure the professional you bring on isn’t your line editor.
- Proofreader who gives the manuscript a final once-over after the copy editing changes have been made.
- Graphic designer to create your book’s cover and format the interior pages.
This may seem like a lot of steps and a lot of expense. But these professionals will make the difference between an amateurish and a professional effort.
That doesn’t just help you and your book, that helps elevate self-publishing as a whole. So do us all a favor and self-publish like a pro.
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