Before literary works can be released to the general public, they have to go through a rigorous scrutiny process. Book copyediting is not as simple as it sounds. It requires a specific set of skills and is quite different from proofreading. The professional will look at grammar, spellings, syntax, and punctuation. They are known as publishing partners by people in the business.
This stage in the publishing process is not just about spell check. A lot more is done. It has not be ensured that the book does not cause legal issues before it comes out. That there are no technical issues with the story itself or with character development. The story also has to be consistent. There also has to have proper continuity. It is very technical work actually. In traditional publishing, there are standard principles to adhere to. The work has to be in compliance.
Before getting to this point, there is a manuscript critique. This is a big picture scrutiny of the writing. Then there is more detail scrutiny called the comprehensive edit which is a line by line assessment. After these two stages, your manuscript is deemed ready for the professional to fine tooth comb it until there is not a single error or issue. At this point, the final script is being prepared for production. Proofreading is the last step before mass production of the book and release.
Usually, in traditional printing the house will take care of these things for the writer. However, in self-publishing the writer is responsible for finding people to do these things. People who will do it well. Produce irreprehensible results. One may do it but there is a condition called typo blindness. This condition will prevent the writer from noting blatant mistakes. Mistakes that could turn a good story into a bad reader review catnip.
However, when one is self-publishing and on a budget thus cannot hire a professional they may as well do it. First, after it is done let the work breathe for a bit. Give it a week. Write a synopsis, let it breathe for a few more days then start the process. This will lend some semblance of fresh eyes to the work. Also, have some close people read it and submit their own corrections. Take advantage of loved ones so to speak. If the script is not too long, printing it out might enhance some of the errors thus making them easier to spot.
Just a few tips that one may already know. No harm in reiterating. Passive sentences are hard to read. Put vivid action verbs in place of those. Use as little adverbs and adjectives as possible. Instead, use descriptive language. This will color the story better. It paints a better image in the mind of the reader.
Read the work aloud. Shorten sentences that seem like a mouthful. Correct those that feel awkward when reading aloud. The instinct is almost always right. Minimize emphases like italics and exclamation marks. This gives an amateurish feel to the literature.
Do not expect this stage to be simple or short. Some of the corrections will be simple. Others will be downright heartbreaking. Such is the life of a writer. Suck it up and let the process bear a ruby out of the rough.
This stage in the publishing process is not just about spell check. A lot more is done. It has not be ensured that the book does not cause legal issues before it comes out. That there are no technical issues with the story itself or with character development. The story also has to be consistent. There also has to have proper continuity. It is very technical work actually. In traditional publishing, there are standard principles to adhere to. The work has to be in compliance.
Before getting to this point, there is a manuscript critique. This is a big picture scrutiny of the writing. Then there is more detail scrutiny called the comprehensive edit which is a line by line assessment. After these two stages, your manuscript is deemed ready for the professional to fine tooth comb it until there is not a single error or issue. At this point, the final script is being prepared for production. Proofreading is the last step before mass production of the book and release.
Usually, in traditional printing the house will take care of these things for the writer. However, in self-publishing the writer is responsible for finding people to do these things. People who will do it well. Produce irreprehensible results. One may do it but there is a condition called typo blindness. This condition will prevent the writer from noting blatant mistakes. Mistakes that could turn a good story into a bad reader review catnip.
However, when one is self-publishing and on a budget thus cannot hire a professional they may as well do it. First, after it is done let the work breathe for a bit. Give it a week. Write a synopsis, let it breathe for a few more days then start the process. This will lend some semblance of fresh eyes to the work. Also, have some close people read it and submit their own corrections. Take advantage of loved ones so to speak. If the script is not too long, printing it out might enhance some of the errors thus making them easier to spot.
Just a few tips that one may already know. No harm in reiterating. Passive sentences are hard to read. Put vivid action verbs in place of those. Use as little adverbs and adjectives as possible. Instead, use descriptive language. This will color the story better. It paints a better image in the mind of the reader.
Read the work aloud. Shorten sentences that seem like a mouthful. Correct those that feel awkward when reading aloud. The instinct is almost always right. Minimize emphases like italics and exclamation marks. This gives an amateurish feel to the literature.
Do not expect this stage to be simple or short. Some of the corrections will be simple. Others will be downright heartbreaking. Such is the life of a writer. Suck it up and let the process bear a ruby out of the rough.
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You can find complete details about the advantages you get when you use professional book copyediting services at http://www.hcnediting.com/services-and-fees right now.
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