Have you ever read a book and spotted a mistake? Do you know it is highly unlikely that an error-free book exists?
‘I’m writing a book. I won’t make any blunders!’ I hear you say.
Desperate to read it, friends and family might ask what it’s about and when it will be on sale. Of course, you’re maybe only on page three or four in your notes, but the story is in your head; it’s only a matter of getting it onto paper. Time passes and whether you write every day, week, or month, finally you pour yourself a glass of wine to celebrate the end. The relief and pride are incredible.
Perhaps you let a friend read a chapter and ask them to tell you if they see any howlers and you wait for the response. It’s not what you expected because they say they’ve noticed a couple of things that weren’t correct, but they can’t remember what they were. So, now you know there’s something wrong. It might have been better to let your auntie’s brother-in-law read the whole thing. After all, he’s an English teacher.
‘Splendid book! Well done!’ he announces after two months.
No mention of any grammar or spelling mistakes, but you know there are at least a couple. Only then do you realise he’s being kind; doesn’t want to deflate you the way it would his third-year English class. You decide to read it again and spot ten bloopers in the first two chapters. You empty that bottle of wine and employ Google, asking what you should do now.
Moral of the story? Get a professional editor as soon as you finish your manuscript. Someone you don’t know. Pay for their services. It’s the most important part of the process and worth every penny. You’ll get honest feedback.
‘What’s taking you so long?’ your cousin asks.
‘You wouldn’t understand.’
Writing the script was your job, editing it is an editor’s job. Different editing services exist, starting with a basic proof, punctuation and grammar check through to a more complex developmental edit. The cost reflects the service. Strive for perfection; there should be no errors.
Now all that’s left to do is find someone to design the cover.
What about your nephew? He won a box of crayons for his drawings at the nursery.
Hmm… maybe not.
