For Beginners

I think it's only appropriate that I devote my first entry here to helpful tips for you who are just starting out in the world of editing and publishing copy. (Everyone else, please bear with me.) So here it goes...

Okay, so maybe you know someone (even if it's just yourself) who likes your writing enough to think it deserves to be published. Not to be a party pooper, but don't get a big head. Seriously. There may not be anything wrong with wanting a large readership for your writing (as in millions of people); you just need to understand that this sort of thing never just happens overnight, at least not without someone who's in a position to make that promise and deliver on it by meeting you where you are. Should you go that route, always verify first that your publisher has received overall positive reviews which are genuine, meaning no scams.

Now, more power to you if you can achieve that, but otherwise, I recommend starting with something like self-publishing on Amazon Kindle. Assuming you've never used a service like this before and to save time, you'll want to be prepared to ask for help from someone you know who's already familiar with it and can help you through a few questions you'll be asked on the way to publishing which will more than likely catch you off guard otherwise. Yes, it's possible that even what Kindle explains about its own questions won't provide the clarity you want the first time, but have no doubt that it does provide all the tools you need to succeed. Finally, if you get an illustration done to go with your work, make sure it's very professional.

If you're ready to publish, I can set up your work for that on Kindle. In the interim, as you plan to print your work with a publisher, more writers are using the e-book as a good starting point for each book because it can be set up and published in a matter of a few days.