Happy Friday! We made it and it is time to celebrate, rest and relax for two days.
I’m not blogging as much these days. My novel has my full attention, so if you don’t hear from me as often as in the past, you now know the reason.
Toda
y let’s talk about editing….but first….
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Steve Martin
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
I’m in the editing stage of the novel now. I edited the novel myself….twice….and then did the smartest thing I have done in a very long time…I turned it over to an editor.
My friend Jaye is now editing the book for me. You can find her as JayeWisdom on HubPages right here.
Why do I say it was a smart move on my part? As writers, we become too close to our book. It is only natural. Even after self-editing twice we miss things….things that are so obvious to another reader. I’m not just talking about grammar mistakes. I’m also talking about voice, character development, scenes, and on and on. We have the story in our minds, and we think we have done everything properly, but it takes a new set of eyes to actually see our book for what it is.
If you have the money then hire an editor. It will be money well-spent.
PROMPT OF THE DAY
You know what to do. Hopefully some ideas will be born from this picture.
CONTEST OF THE DAY
Moon City Poetry Awards is accepting submissions right now, with a deadline of May 1st. I believe the entry fee is $25 for those interested. You can find the guidelines right here.
THAT’S ALL FOR THIS WEEK
But never fear, I will return next week with more information, thoughts, ideas and tips. Have a great weekend and thank you.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
So glad you are taking a bit of time off here and there. I must say I am trying my best to do the same in the upcoming weeks. As I said, I am trying to focus on Tuesdays (during the week), as well as weekends. Plus two weeks from now the girls will be off all week, so I am going to try not to blog as much that week and hope the weather will allow me to get out a bit more with them, too. And seriously so excited about your novel and please keep us posted as you progress with editing and hopefully publishing soon, too! Happy weekend now 🙂
Janine, you and I have been going hard for awhile now, and I don’t think it will hurt us to back off a bit. Enjoy that down time. Thank you and have a great weekend.
Good for you, Bill! Keep me in your back pocket the next time you need an editor. Editing is one of the services I provide. I actually enjoy it! 🙂
Can’t wait until your book comes out. I’m going to try to hold out for the paperback version so I can give it a home on my book shelf right along side your first novel.
Thank you Sha. This and the first novel are like night and day. This one….well, I really like it. 🙂
Am glad you are focussed on your goal and no matter what!
Hiring an editor is a good advice. I check out Jay and her writing and will take your recommendation when I need one for any upcoming titles.
Have a good weekend, Bill
May you get the inspiration to bring about changes in your one character that needed re-write. 🙂
Thank you Ruchira. I think I’ve got it now for that character. A couple more things to add and I’ll be there. Have a great weekend.
I learned what you’ve said here the hard way. Our editing only gets us so far, then its time to send our baby to the editor!
For sure, Donna, and I had to learn the hard way as well my friend.
Hopefully others hear what we are saying and take the wise advice you give in this blog post.
Hopefully indeed, Donna!
Smart move, Bill. When I was an editor in the tech industry, we had “first eyes” and “second eyes” for everything that went out to production. Even with all that attention to editing, mistakes were still found after the final production. The first eyes pointed the finger at the second eyes and the second eyes pointed the finger at the first eyes. It didn’t matter. We’re all human. Mistakes are inevitable.
Hiring a professional for a “final eyes” look at your novel is a very good idea. And, Bill, don’t lose any sleep when you find yet another typo once it’s produced. I’ve seen the most obvious errors in highly acclaimed best sellers and they (supposedly) have the best editors the industry can find. I’m still so excited about what you are doing and can hardly wait to read your novel. I know it will be amazingly awesome. I’m so glad you’re publishing another novel. I’m a true follower of your work and look forward to reading every novel you write. Yes! I’m going to be one of THOSE fans. Have a great evening and weekend, Bill.
Marlene, you are a great cheerleader. Thank you so much! You are right of course. Almost every novel I read I find a misspelling or grammatical error, so it happens to all of us. I’m putting the finishing touches on it now. I think you’ll find this quite different from the first novel and I hope you like it. Thank you so much!
Hello Bill. Soo happy for you.Speechless. Grateful for another lesson.. ” To be, or not to be,that is the question:”. ( You have resurrected memories of editing / publishing my only book; seems to be a head-spinner.)
Make a greatest weekend. Peace.
Thank you Michael my friend. I am happy with this book and satisfied with the job I have done. Now we will see if anyone else enjoys it. 🙂 Have a peaceful and relaxing weekend my friend.
bill
Welllll…i’m hoping that i can hire a pro next time. Maybe. There is also a school of thought that a good self-edit is best…I’m torn – paying someone thousands of dollars is prohibitive – at least in the beginning..
kind of a catch 22..
Happy weekend, dear Billxx
Sis, if I subscribed to that self-edit theory nobody would ever read a book written by me. 🙂 You can find someone to edit for under $500…I did it for another Hubber for $300…have a great weekend my friend.
Good for you for making your novel a priority. That’s great. And it makes perfect sense to get an editor. When I worked at that advertising company last year doing copywriting, I couldn’t believe the amount of things I looked over time and time again – I felt so stupid! But even the most careful of us miss a thing or two, so a fresh pair of eyes is always an excellent idea. 🙂 I’m making my book a priority too. No more writing “if” I have time at the end of the day because then it just won’t happen. I’ve realised I’m at my best between 8h30 and 12h30 so that’s when I do all my writing – including an hour for my book. Have a super Monday!
Good for you, Mel! These books will not write themselves,and it is so easy to make an excuse and never get the book done. Good luck with yours dear friend and enjoy your week.
Ah ha! There you are…great article about Epilogues on hub too…I followed the links after reading and ended up here:)
Good luck with the writing Bill! WTG…the end is near!
Thanks Kelly….there are days when I wonder if the end is ever near. 🙂 Have a great week now that winter has ended.