Oh no! Not editing! Writers dread the process, but editing is a necessary part of publishing a great book. Listen to the interview with Catherine Jones Payne of Quill Pen Editorial Services and her perspective as an author and editor and how a great professional extra “set of eyes” can change and impact a book.
In this episode:
Catherine shares her background and how she got into editing.
What does Catherine enjoy about editing?
Why does a writer need an editor?
What are the different kinds of editing?
Catherine shares about her own writing – mermaids, murder, and mayhem.
Writer Sarah Akines interviews author Scott Hawkins in our latest Interbrews episode to talk about his first book, The Library at Mount Char, how he got into writing and publication, and how Stephen King poops out books like muffins.
Listen here:
In this episode we talk with Scott about:
How long it took him to get into publication
His original title and technical books he’s published
The importance of Beta readers and writing workshops
How languages shape our worldview
Character development and background sketches
The importance of having a great, successful first novel
Athena Dean Holtz is the co-founder of Redemption Press and host of Always Faithful Radio Group, mentions the book Nam Vet: Making Peace with your Past (paperback here | e-book here) and how it sold 10,000 copies before it got a press behind it and has gone on to sell hundreds of thousands. Self-publishing can be an incredible tool, especially if you have an already-built audience.
Athena’s Publishing Tips
Be teachable!!! Use an editor, and critique group!
Have someone critique who isn’t your “yes” person and doesn’t know your entire back story. Too much familiarity can cause your reader to subconsciously fill in the gaps.
A speaker (or anyone who has a built-in audience) may need product right away – and self-publishing is a great way to fill this need.
Recommends Lightning Source for Print on Demand
Take the Time to Set Up:
Cover
Editing & Critiquing
Layout
Walk around Barnes and Noble and check out what you like. Write down your themes and commonalities so you can get the branding you want.
