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Guest Blog – Let’s talk about editing

Guest Blog – Let’s talk about editing

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Your writing is perfect. The world needs to hear your voice. You have a unique style that is new and fresh. You’ve written a book—why should you let anyone diminish your tone?

Let’s talk about editing.

To talk about editing, you first need to realise that you’re not special. I’ll repeat that: you’re not special. People have been writing for thousands of years. You’re not new. The world will continue if you write or don’t write.

That is not meant as a downer. Writing something that someone wants to read is a noble pursuit. There is nothing more rewarding as a writer than when someone tells you they enjoyed your book. However, this is about editing, so buckle up.

For a start, editors don’t write the book, you do. The essence of every book contains every author’s own style. Whether you are writing a novel, a children’s book or a family biography, they all contain the author’s particular style. However, they all need editing.

There are several types of editors. A lot of them have different names which all mean the same thing. The first person you need is the structural editor. This is the person who will read your manuscript and tell you if you are making sense. The next, a copy editor who highlights all your mid-picture inconsistencies and wrongdoings. The last one is the proofreader who makes sure the full stops and commas are in the right place.

The common misgiving is that a new writer thinks they don’t need to be edited because they have got everything right. That first draft is perfection, right? Wrong.

The other misgiving is that an editor will change their voice somehow. Also wrong. This is not what an editor does.

Consider this: does Stephen King have a particular style? Does John Grisham have a particular style? Does Jane Harper have a particular style? Obviously, the answer is yes. And yet all of these great writers have editors. Go figure.

The reason is, when we write a first draft we’re putting words on the page (hopefully in a coherent way). The prose is often flabby and sometimes rambling. This is fine and perfectly normal. However, it needs to be edited.

So, as a writer you need to swallow your ego and get over yourself. Realise that you are not God’s gift to writing and find an editor that can and should be brutal on your work. A machete needs to be taken to every first draft. Sentences need to be tight and easily readable.

If you think your work does not require editing, then you are badly mistaken. Editing does not change your style or reduce your voice. On the contrary, it will actually enhance it. Find the right editor who ‘gets’ your work and let them work their magic.

As an example, I was given a self-help book by my sister-in-law that was written by a friend of hers. I read the first ten pages and said that the book had not been edited. My sister-in-law laughed and said that of course it hadn’t been because her voice was “not to be altered” apparently. The thing is, by reading those ten pages I could tell that it had not been edited because it read that way. There was no cadence to the sentences. There was no flow to how it read. It was hard work. I gave up after the ten pages because it was simply too hard. Every sentence jarred because it hadn’t been edited. It wasn’t tight. It wasn’t easy to read.

This is not meant to be a criticism. Anyone who takes the time and has the skill to write anything should be applauded and even nurtured. However, if you think you don’t need your work edited then you are living in a fool’s paradise. Keep writing.

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In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

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What does self-publishing mean?

What does self-publishing mean?

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Self-publishing means more than just uploading a manuscript to KDP or paying someone to publish your book. In a world domineered by traditional publishers who cherry-pick which manuscripts get to be published, self-publishing gives authors’ back their freedom and autonomy. This is because self-publishing gives authors—not publishers—the ability to decide that their stories are worthy of being heard.

Authors who self-publish their books feel the empowerment and fulfilment that self-publishing provides. When you hold your beautifully, professionally designed and printed book in your hands, and you know that you alone have ownership over it, it can be extremely rewarding. The satisfaction and pride you feel when you realise that you have made something that is out on bookshelves and in the hands of readers is unparalleled.

Contents

1. It means authors regaining control​
2. It means having creative freedom
3. It means having your book published quicker
4. It means getting to interact with your readership
5. It means greater financial reward for authors

1. It means authors regaining control

With the advancements of technology and the internet, self-publishing has become so much more accessible and viable for authors who want to publish their book outside of traditional means. It also means that authors can take more control of their publishing journey. There are many ways that you can self-publish a book, including completely independently through services like Kindle Direct Publishing, or assisted through a self-publisher or a hybrid publisher.

1.1 Publishing your book completely independently

Choosing to publish your book without the assistance of a self-publisher / hybrid publisher can be quite difficult, but is possible. There are a few things you need to be aware of when considering this option:

Editing is integral

Everyone would like to think that their book is perfect, but it’s rarely the case. Readers will be able to tell pretty quickly whether a boo has been edited or not. This means that it’s important to consider having someone—if not a professional editor, then a at least a well-read and literate friend/family member—look over your manuscript and correct any errors that are present. There are different kinds of editing, which we go over in our blog post about editing.

Book cover design matters

Everyone knows the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” we’ve even said it a few times in other blog posts, and this is because it’s not true. The first thing that your potential readers will see when they look at your book is the cover. Your book cover is your front-line marketing salesman—its main purpose is to persuade readers to first pick the book up and then to keep it. Having a professional designer create your book cover is an excellent way to ensure that you’re presenting your book well to your potential readers.

Typesetting also matters

The design of a book’s interior is just as important as the book cover, only for different reasons. It focuses on the look of a books interior and how the design interacts with the text, but also focuses on readability, searchability, and accessibility. This means that if your book is typeset correctly, the readers will have an enjoyable reading experience and won’t be distracted by errors in typesetting that draw their eye. If you’re unsure if you can do this properly, it’s always best to hire a professional.

Every book needs an ISBN

While there are some exceptions (read our blog post on ISBNs), every book in the market is required to have an ISBN. ISBNs are International Standard Book Numbers that are required by distributors and retailers for sales tracking and cataloguing purposes. Because ISBNs are unique to their assigned book, while titles and covers can be very similar to each other, ISBNs are instrumental to your book’s online searchability. You must purchase an ISBN for your book. If you live and publish in Australia, Thorpe Bowker is the ISBN provider you need.

You have to organise your own printing

Most if not all self-publishers and hybrid publishers have connections to printers. If you publish your book completely independently, however, you’ll have to approach printers yourself to discuss printing. This can be daunting and confusing as there are many different options out there regarding printers, book formats, paper types, and more.

You’ll need to set up your own distribution methods

If you publish your book through services like KDP, you will automatically be set up on Amazon and can then take it further by approaching other retailers to sell your book. Some online retailers do have specific requirements regarding the formatting and distribution of their books, so make sure to check their guidelines before you publish on them. Bookstore distribution can be a little difficult for self-published authors. This is because bookstores are wary of the quality and sales-value of self-published books as some authors cut corners and do not properly produce their books.

Book marketing is ongoing

Self-published authors have to work hard and continuously to get their books into the minds of readers, but there are certainly strategies that can help. For help on how to do this, read our blog post on marketing for self-published authors.

1.2 Publishing your book with a self-publisher / hybrid publisher

If you decide to publish your book through a self-publisher / hybrid publisher, they will usually assist you with all aspects of your publishing journey. This is not to say that they will force you to do something you don’t want to, however. You, the author, are still the primary authority on all decisions made during the publishing process of your book.

When you choose to go with a self-publisher or hybrid publisher, you can get assistance you with the following:

Editing your book

Whether they do this in-house or out-source editing to partnered companies, they will help you to get your book professionally edited.

Designing your book

These companies often have their own design studios or out-source to freelance designers. It’s good to look at their past covers to determine whether you’re happy with the quality of work they can produce.

Getting the right printer

As I said earlier, printers and publishing companies deal with each other often and usually have connections with one another. When choosing to go with a publisher, they will advise you on format, paper, appropriate printers, and more, taking the stress out of this step.

Organising proper distribution

Not all self-publishing companies do this, but reputable ones provide their authors with an ISBN and enable their book for distribution with online retailers. Some also have contacts or a good reputation with bookstore distributors and retailers and can help you get your book into places like that, too.

Assistance with marketing

Some companies offer marketing services, some don’t. It’s best to do your research when deciding on which company to go with. Green Hill offers marketing services on an hourly basis to our authors.

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2. It means having creative freedom

In the same vein as maintaining control, self-publishing also allows authors to exert control over the creative aspects of their publishing journey, both the book itself and the author’s “author persona”.

2.1 Control your book design

Only extremely established authors in the traditional publishing sphere have any kind of say over their book cover or typesetting design. On the other hand, self-published authors maintain control over the design of their book—both the cover and the typesetting.

This can happen in one of two ways:

  1. You can design your book yourself: If you have access to design software and an aptitude for design, you may be able to make your own book cover and typesetting. The Adobe Suite is best for this. If you do choose to DIY, however, make sure that you do your research and get in contact with your printer—they will need you to meet specific parameters.
  2. Hire a professional book designer: Whether you contract a freelance book designer or go through a self-publisher / hybrid publisher, having a professional, experience, and trade-educated book designer is always a good idea. This will mean that your book will be up to market quality and can compete with others in the genre. You’ll be able to give the designer a creative brief of what you want on the cover, and they will give you options and suggest great ideas that you might not have thought of.

2.2 Control your author persona

Many traditionally published authors are forced to have their social media accounts filtered by a marketing team. Meanwhile, as a self-published author, you have complete control over your author persona and how you present yourself to readers. More on this point later in point 4.

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3. It means having your book published quicker

Having your book published through traditional means could anywhere from 12 months and three years. This doesn’t even account for the time it takes to find and be accepted by a literary agent or the time it takes for a publisher to accept your manuscript for publishing. On the contrary, self-publishers and hybrid publishers are much quicker plus you don’t have to worry about finding a literary agent. If things go smoothly, you could be holding your book in 6-8 weeks—this is the timeline you’ll get with Green Hill Publishing. That is an undeniably more appealing timeline, right?

A short timeline like this can be especially important for those with ill loved ones, or businesses with strict deadlines that need to be met. It also means that you won’t have to wait a year or more to see your idea be fully realised and achieve the dream of being a published author.

Your timeline with self-publishing can be pushed out if you get editing, ghost writing, illustration, or other extra production services. However, if your self-publisher or hybrid publisher suggests these things, it’s usually for a reason. It’s up to you whether you decide to take it on board or not.

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4. It means getting to interact with your readership

To be in control of your author persona means that you are in charge of your social media, your book events, your launches, your website—everything. In doing this, you have the freedom to interact with your readers in your own way. You can interact with what people are posting about you as an author and your book, allowing you to answer their questions, pose your own, receive feedback, and interact with their creativity (e.g. fanart and fanfiction).

Self-published authors also have control over their own marketing. This includes promotional social media marketing, book launches and events, and author websites. When you have control over these aspects of your author persona, you can write your own blog posts, host your own livestreams and webinars, create videos and graphics, and use any number of other marketing strategies to ger your readers to interact with you and each other. This all means that you can present your author persona how you want—choosing your own aesthetic and strategies without the influence of a marketing team. This lets you show your readers the real you.

Doing all of this fosters a closer relationship between author and audience, building a community of loyal fans and helping you to appreciate your readers more.

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5. It means greater financial reward for authors

Typically, traditionally published authors only see a small percentage of their book’s profits. This can be around 10-15%. On the other hand, self-published authors receive a much higher percentage. If you put time into your publishing project—from the first spark of inspiration, to having a professionally edited and designed book, to organising printing, and finally to marketing—you as a self-published author could see 70% or more of your book’s profits. This is a much higher percentage and more fairly reflects the effort and work that you, the author, have put into your book.

For many authors, this means that their writing is funded and their career as an author is viable financially. While financial success is not guaranteed for authors—self-published and traditionally published alike—self-published authors not only receive more of their sales profits, they can better control their income and what they invest in, like publicists, agents, and their next publishing project.

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Interested in publishing your book but unsure where to start or what is even involved? Tell us about your project and we will post you a copy of our:

 

The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

 

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

submit your project details

Is self-publishing a fantasy novel viable?

Is self-publishing a fantasy novel viable?

Self-publishing isn’t just for memoirs and family histories – it’s a fantastic option for fantasy novels, too! It offers a direct way for authors to share their unique and imaginative stories no matter how niche or controversial their topics may be.

Contents

1. Why self-publishing works so well for fantasy
2. Recent success stories in self-published fantasy
3. Tips for self-publishing your fantasy novel
4. Marketing strategies for self-published fantasy novels

clock - estimated reading time  Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

1. Why self-publishing works so well for fantasy

Self-publishing offers a fantastic opportunity for fantasy authors. This approach is not just viable; it also provides numerous advantages. Let’s explore some reasons why:

 

1.1 Control over series-potential and world-building

Fantasy writing emphasises detailed world-building and character development across multiple books. As a self-published author, you have complete control! You decide the length of your series, control the pacing, and bring your creative vision to life without restrictions.

Unlike traditional publishers that often impose limits on series length and story changes, self-publishing lets you carve your own path. Picture creating a vast fantasy realm filled with rich histories and diverse cultures. Self-publishing empowers you to connect every aspect of your story seamlessly, keeping readers captivated by your attention to detail.

Creating a series of fantasy book over a standalone also helps build a loyal fan base. Readers love diving into ongoing adventures, and you can keep them engaged with each new release.

 

1.2 Allows you to explore niche or controversial topics

Fantasy literature goes beyond just dragons and wizards; it’s a rich genre that embraces diverse themes and intricate narratives. Self-publishing empowers authors to explore niche or unconventional topics that often don’t fit the traditional publishing mould. Whether you want to blend fantasy with cyberpunk elements, delve into dark, morally complex characters, or explore controversial political themes through a fantasy lens, self-publishing gives you the creative freedom to do so.

This unique ability to break boundaries appeals to readers who are over having fantasy gatekept and instead crave fresh perspectives and original storytelling. Additionally, niche topics often attract dedicated audiences. By engaging with these communities, you can build a loyal readership that champions your work and shares it with others.

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2. Recent success stories in self-published fantasy

Still unsure if self-publishing your fantasy novel is the right choice? Have a look at some inspiring success stories of other fantasy authors who started their journey self-published:

 

2.1 Wight – Cradle Series

Will Wight’s Cradle series shines as a prime example of how self-publishing can achieve massive success. Wight used Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) to launch his epic fantasy series, which were his debut novels. With engaging characters and a captivating storyline, he captured the hearts of fantasy fans worldwide and became a New York Times and Kindle best-selling author.

Wight consistently released new content and actively engaged with his audience on platforms like Reddit. By connecting with readers directly, he built a passionate following eager for each new instalment. The Cradle series consistently ranks high on Amazon’s charts, proving that self-publishing fantasy novels can lead to substantial financial rewards.

 

2.2 Sarah J Maas – Assassin’s Blade Novella

Sarah J. Maas’ Assassin’s Blade novella is a remarkable success in the fantasy genre. While most know her for her more recent achievements in traditional publishing, Maas started out by publishing stories online, independent of any publisher. These stories gained so much readership interest, she later gained a traditional publishing deal for her now-acclaimed debut Throne of Glass series.

This strategic choice allowed her to prove her story’s viability and readership long before a traditional publisher was on the scene.

 

2.3 Rachel Aaron – Heartstrikers Series

Rachel Aaron’s Heartstrikers series is another prime example of successful self-publishing in the fantasy genre. By taking control of her writing career through self-publishing, Aaron created a captivating urban fantasy world filled with dragons, magic, and intricate plots. Her commitment to high-quality storytelling and effective marketing strategies built a loyal fan base and earned a host of positive reviews on platforms like Goodreads.

The Heartstrikers series not only showcases Aaron’s talent but also highlights the growing opportunities for self-published authors in today’s competitive market. This success story shows how writers can carve out their niche, engage readers, and thrive as independent authors.

 

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3. Tips for self-publishing your fantasy novel

 

3.1 Invest in detailed world-building

World-building is the backbone of any fantasy novel. Readers crave rich, immersive environments they can lose themselves in. Take the time to flesh out your world’s history, geography, cultures, and magic systems. However, consistency is key – ensure your world adheres to its own rules and logic.

Investing in world-building not only enhances your story’s depth but also lays the foundation for future instalments. Readers who connect with your world will eagerly anticipate returning to it with each new book.

 

3.2 Get an eye-catching cover and well-made book interior

Never underestimate the importance of a captivating book cover in attracting readers. Your book cover is more often than not a reader’s first impression of you and your book, making it a crucial marketing tool. Collaborating with a talented and experienced book cover designer who understands the nuances of the fantasy genre can greatly enhance your cover’s appeal.

A well-designed cover should effectively convey the essence of your story and align with genre expectations without trying to say too much. Simple yet effective covers are best.

For the interior, there is more to it than simply putting words on a page. Typesetting and interior book design play essential roles in not only making your book attractive, but also in making your book an enjoyable reading experience and conveying quality and professionalism.

 

3.3 Use series potential to attract long-term fans

Fantasy storytelling thrives on epic sagas and interconnected narratives. To maximise your success, plan your book series from the very beginning. Create a detailed roadmap that outlines the main plot, character development, and key events. This strategic foresight helps you plant the seeds of foreshadowing for future instalments, keeping readers engaged and eager for more.

 

3.4 Build your community with genre-focused marketing

Engage with your audience by establishing a strong online presence – your author platform. Using your author platforms, join fantasy-themed forums, subreddits, and social media groups to interact with fans. On your own accounts and author website, share valuable insights into your writing process, offer behind-the-scenes glimpses, and provide sneak peeks of upcoming book releases.

Doing all of this promotes community interaction and loyalty, fostering a sense of belonging for readers. The more engaged your audience is, the more likely they are to promote your novels and keep coming back for future editions and sequels.

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4. Marketing strategies for self-published fantasy novels

Writing a captivating novel is just the beginning; effective book marketing plays a crucial role in reaching a larger audience. By using marketing strategies, authors can significantly boost their visibility and connect with readers, maximising their book’s reach in today’s competitive literary market.

 

4.1 Create a visual presence on social media

Visual content reigns supreme on social media. To effectively engage your audience, use eye-catching graphics, stunning book covers, captivating character art, and engaging videos. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are perfect for showcasing your fantasy world with visually appealing content. You can use interactive posts, polls, and Q&A sessions to boost engagement as well, generating interest and readership loyalty.

Be sure to regularly share updates on your writing process and upcoming book releases. The key to keeping readers excited about your work is to establish a strong, consistent, and appealing author brand across your platforms.

 

4.2 Leverage Kindle Unlimited (KU) for extra visibility on your eBook

Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited (KU) program offers a fantastic opportunity for self-published authors to boost their book’s visibility. By enrolling in Kindle Unlimited, authors let readers access their eBooks for free through a subscription service, significantly broadening their audience reach.

Participating in the KU program can also improve your book’s ranking on Amazon’s bestseller charts, making it more visible to potential buyers. This extensive reach introduces your work to new readers who might not have discovered it otherwise, ultimately increasing your book sales and loyal readership.

 

4.3 Connect with fantasy bloggers and Bookstagrammers

Contacting influencers in the fantasy community is a powerful way to boost your book’s visibility, allowing you to tap into their dedicated followers who value their recommendations. To get started, be sure to do your research to ensure the reviewer or influencer aligns to your marketing needs (there isn’t much use sending a fantasy novel to someone who only reviews non-fiction books!). When you’ve received interest and approval, then you can organise sending out review copies of your book to them or participate in author interviews and features on their platforms.

These collaborations often lead to increased exposure, positive reviews, and a growing readership. In turn, this helps to enhance your credibility as a self-published author and connect you with a larger audience who are passionate about fantasy novels.

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The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Interested in publishing your book but unsure where to start or what is even involved? Tell us about your project and we will post you a copy of our:

 

The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

 

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

submit your project details