Aspiring authors often have a difficult time getting established publishing companies to look at their manuscripts, which is why many choose to self-publish. The problem is that in the interest of saving money, many self-publishers eliminate a key element from the publishing process - skilled copy editing. That is why there are thousands of poorly-written self-published books on the market, and one of the reasons the literary world has traditionally looked down on self-publishing.
Think about it: you spent hours researching and writing about your subject. You believed in yourself and your project, were enthusiastic, highly-motivated, and willing to do whatever it took to put your book into the hands of the reading public. But then you sabotaged all your hard work by failing--usually in the interest of saving money--to submit your manuscript to a copy editor prior to submitting it to the printer.
There are a few things serious self-publishers must realize. First and foremost, self-publishing is a business. Not only are you marketing the book your have written, but you are marketing yourself. Therefore, preparing for your "grand opening"--which in your case is the day your book hits the shelves at your local book dealer--is key to your business's success.
Secondly, it is important to recognize your limitations. Writing a book makes you an author, but not necessarily a writer. Nearly every high school graduate can string enough words together to be understood. But great, even good writing requires a strong knowledge of grammar and a consistent, painstaking commitment to practicing the craft. The rich and famous know this, which is why they often hire writers to help them pen their memoirs. That doesn't mean that only skilled writers can and should write books; what it means is that if grammar and spelling aren't your strong points, you should hire a copy editor to proofread your manuscript.
Other reasons copy editing is essential to self-publishers:
1. Good copy editing lends credibility to your work. Credibility gained on your first self-publishing endeavor creates a following of loyal customers for your next project.
2. Good copy editing makes you look like a good writer. You may not have great writing and grammar skills, but a copy editor's job is to make you look like you do!
3. Good copy editing sells more books. No one wants to spend hard-earned money on a poorly proofread book. Remember, you are in business to sell your product.
In the past, self-publishing was viewed as being strictly for amateurs, but attitudes are steadily changing. One of the ways self-publishing can gain respectability is for self-publishers to view hiring a copy editor not as an unnecessary expense, but as a crucial factor in their publishing success.
-Karen S. Green
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