How to Submit Your Manuscript Part 2

Once your editor is finished, you’ll want to hire a proofreader.

PROOFREADING: Don’t just pick anyone. Find someone with OCD, if possible. Someone meticulous. A good speller. Someone who knows proper grammar and syntax. Someone who’s conscientious about everything they do, regardless of what it is. You want someone with a good set of eyeballs. Someone who can catch every single error, whether typographical or spelling.

Fine at least ONE proofreader. Preferably two, if you can. Then, when they are finished, go back over it yourself. Remember, spell-check isn’t enough. You might have spelled “to” when you meant to spell “too”, something a computer won’t catch.

***ALERT*** It often takes only one error to signal to a finicky reader that your book was not professionally done. There are lots of self-appointed critics and arbiters of taste waiting in the wings to throw bricks at you.

Don’t hand them any bricks.

Take pride in your work.

Proofreaders are expected to do the following:
1) fact check
2) correct typos
3) spell check
4) check for consistency in plot or factual statements
5) grammatical errors you or your editor may have missed

The prices charged by post proofreaders ranges from $1.00 to $2.50 per page, depending on:
1) the complexity of the subject matter
2) time constraints, i.e.. how quick you need the job done. And
3) the potential for repeat business. In other words, if they think you’ll be a regular customer, you might get a better rate.

Today, most proofreaders utilize Microsoft Word “track changes”, thus providing you – the author – the opportunity to say yea or nay to any changes or deletions made. In lieu of Word, the proofreader might prefer the old fashioned way of accepting a hard copy.

Note: Do not attempt to cut corners here just to save money. Do not attempt to edit or proofread your own book. Unless of course, you ARE an editor yourself. Even then, it’s advisable to get a set of more objective eyes to give an honest opinion and catch mistakes you might have made.

When shopping around for an editor, it’s important to know the difference between the types of editors.
1) Developmental Editors – look at the overall big picture, and how your book holds together to coherently get your story or
message across to the reader.
2) Copy Editor – considers the quality of your grammar and sentence structure, and smooths over any syntax you may have inadvertently butchered.

For nonfiction – you might consider hiring a Subject Matter Expert (SME), or at least hire an editor who is an expert in your book’s field of interest.

***ALERT*** Always do your best to ensure you’ve got the most competent people you can find and/or afford. You might even consider comparison shopping. Send one or two chapters to two or three different editors, and see who does the best job.

GETTING ENDORSEMENTS – Do you know anyone personally who might provide your book with a blurb? Your grandmother doesn’t count. The person must be either well-known, an expert in their field, or otherwise competent to speak on your work. If you happen to get lucky enough to get an endorsement from a real celebrity, consider putting it on the cover of your book. Don’t be afraid to ask for endorsements. The worst they can tell you is no. Or to phuck off.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST – AVOIDING RIPOFFS – As someone who speaks from experience, there are plenty of so-called “publishing professionals” out there who are dying to take your money. My enthusiasm and naiveté left me vulnerable to scammers who were more more than willing to relieve me of my money. Often the only thing making a person a “publishing professional” is the fact that they call themselves one. If you’ve written a book, chances are you’re excited about it, and eager to share your soon-to-be-best-seller with the world. You will invariably encounter inflated prices and substandard work. Being aware of that fact ahead of time will help you avoid the pitfalls of the business. So just be aware, there are sharks in the water. Perform due diligence before paying for services. Check references wherever possible, and if it’s NOT possible, go elsewhere. GOOD LUCK!