Self publishing is negatively viewed by the masses, and rightly so. This
is because many authors still believe that investing in professional editing is
unnecessary. If the story is good, they reason, that should suffice. Look at Fifty Shades of Gray. The writing is not
great, yet the novel is a best seller.
Last
week, I downloaded a New Adult (NA) novel (not the one in the picture) after a
friend told me the price had dropped to $0.99. The potential for a great read
was there, but the author chose to skip on professional editing. It was ridden
with typos (e.g. We had a picnic, though she didn’t each much), missing words,
confusing sentences. While I enjoyed the story, the lack of line and copy editing*
left a bad taste, and I won’t buy anymore of the author’s books.
But
it seems I’m alone in this believe that self-published books need to be
properly edited. The book (which is $3.99, again) received 111 five-stars, 29
four-stars, 5 three-stars, and only 1 two-star rating on Amazon. When I wrote this post, it was ranked #178 in
paid Kindle books (# 6 in Teen Romances). On Goodreads, the average rating was
4.29 stars (4121 readers rated the book). I was shocked. It seems that most
people who read the book didn’t care that the level of editing was well below
the standard of NYC.
What
saddens me is that this might be the new standard for all our books, now that
NYC is starting to compete with the self-published e-books on pricing. With the
reduction of price, there will be the reduction in the time spent on editing.
This level of editing could be the wave of the future.
Do you care if a book is poorly edited, just as long as the story is
compelling? If you self publish, do you hire a professional editor to ensure
your writing and story is the best it can be? Do you expect to see poorly
edited book from NYC, now that they’re trying to complete with the pricing of
self-published books?
*Six
or seven beta readers were listed in the back of the book. The Secret of Ella and Micha byJessica Sorensen is also $0.99 and
the writing is solid. Jessica obviously takes great pride in her books and craft.
As soon as her new book (The Coincidence
of Callie & Kayden) was released this week, I downloaded it.
46 comments:
I very much appreciate a book that has been edited so it reads well. I've read some with poor dialogue punctuation that left me wondering about the editing.
It depends for me. I'll read a book and enjoy the story. Sometimes the poor editing doesn't jump out at me like it does some, but I do think it affects my decision the next time the author releases a book.
I just purchased this book too! Love the cover!
Yeah, poor editing is very distracting to me as well. I want to enjoy the story but if I'm gritting my teeth throughout, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. So yeah, the good writing, mostly typo free book stands out and I'll end up recommending those books to others. I agree that investing in an editor should figure into the SP author's plans. As much as picking out that cover. :-))
I completely agree, and I hate the thought of standards falling and readers not even noticing. I would hate to put out a book that had even one error in it - professional editing is a necessity not a luxury, and it really should continue that way.
I think it's critical if you self-publish that you pay for professional editing if you want a professional book unless you have amazing critique partners willing to take on the job. It gives self-publishing a bad name not to do that and yourself as a writer. I would stop reading such a book even if I liked the story idea.
I've honestly thought about putting out a self pub book without professional editing. Not because I don't think my books need it but because I can't AFFORD it. And if I wait until I can afford it, well, I don't think I'll ever actually go through with putting out a self-pub book. However, once her book started breaking records and the money coming in, I don't see why the author couldn't have taken the time to have the book revamped and re-released with better editing. That's what I would do. *scraches head*
You are not alone! I've harped for years that self-published authors need to hire an editor. They can't afford not to, because it's their reputation on the line. Just like that author you read lost future scales because she skipped part of the process. If they want to compete with the big boys, a professional editor is a MUST.
Ok, I'll admit IF the story is really gripping, then I can overlook the occasional typo, but poor editing does fragment my reading experience and pulls me out of the story which if done too often, quickly becomes irritating. When I read, I like to have a mechanical pencil in hand to make corrections on the page if it needs, something I can't do with an e-reader, but then again, I don't own one. I think I'll more likely to stop reading a book that has too many typos and copy editing issues on an e-reader than one in physical print.
If the story is good I can overlook a word or two misspelled, but not every bleeping page or something like that.
Do you expect to see poorly edited book from NYC
I already (and for some time) have seen poorly edited (even poorly copyedited) trad-pub books, well before the DoJ decided that high-price collusion was a no-no. The cost-cutting in NYC has been going on for some time, and I think it has more to do with profit-focus and consolidation than trying to "compete" with self-publishing on price (which they're not doing, as far as I can see).
I use a copyeditor. I self-publish. I know how much it costs, and believe me, it's not something that NYC (or self-publishers) should skip on, even if the story will still sell. At least, that's my philosophy. YMMV
I agree with you, Stina. And everyone on here, it seems. PAY FOR EDITING! It'll be worth it in the end. I have seen poorly edited print books, sad to say. But more often, poorly edited Self-pub do seem to be the norm. They are getting so much better, it's rare!
So, I'm confused, which one was it that had the typos? One of Jessica's books? I just finished Ella and Micha last night, loved the story, but writing did get on my nerves a little. I tend to edit when I read, lol. It's a terrible habit. Wish I could stop. But the story was amazing, and that's really what she's known for. For as popular as she is, I'm a little sad to know she hasn't hired an editor all ready. Strange since I also heard she got picked up for publishing.
Gosh, I hope this isn't the new standard, Stina. There are those self-pubbed authors who do take the time to have their work properly edited. I appreciate their effort in maintaining and keeping true to the elements of the art of writing.
Oh I do hope writers take pride in themselves enough to make their stories sparkle and shine like perfect diamonds before letting their babies lose into the reading world!!
Take care
x
Writers today need to know how to proofread their own work, because even in mainstream-published fiction more errors are creeping through.
And paying for a 'professional' edit only helps if the editor actually knows something, which is not always the case.
So: if you don't know how to do it yourself, learn.
It's really funny to me that people would put out subpar pieces of writing like that. Maybe it's just the perfectionist in me, but self-publish or traditional-publish, my book has to be pretty darn close to 100% perfect before I'd ever agree to release it. I judge writers based on typos and I hold myself to the same standard.
I plan on self publishing, but my work is and will be edited by a professional. I'm aware others don't put the time and money into the editing process, and I think that's a shame.
Megan, Jessica's book isn't the one that was poorly edited. That's why I made the comment at the end. I love her writing, and wanted to promote her book (and not mention the author of the poorly edited book). I don't know if Jessica uses an editor, but I thought her writing was strong.
Stina, her writing is very strong! That's why I was confused :) Thanks for clearing that up. I bought her new book over the weekend. VERY excited to read it, as I've just finished Ella and Micha. Like I mentioned, the editing thing is a VERY bad habit. I kind of hate it, and I do it with all books. Urgh... Do you? It's always a sentence structure thing, personal preference.
Kind of you not to mention the book you read. Loved your quote, though. Hilarious. And so true how a wrong word or poor grammar/punctuation can take us out of the story.
Poor editing DRIVES ME NUTS and definitely detracts from my enjoyment of a story. If there are too many mistakes, I won't keep reading. It's sloppy work and suggests that the author was more concerned with getting the story out there in a hurry then in making sure it was the best it could be first. I hope the level of correctness doesn't slip.
Like Susan, I've also read a number of traditionally published books with some embarrassing typos and errors. Self-published or traditionally published, it always makes me wonder how attentive the editor was, or if an editor was even used.
I really have nothing against self publishing. I do, however, have a huge beef with typos and such. But that applies to anything published :P
Oh, I absolutely DO care if a book is well edited and executed. It's impossible to really turn off my internal editor and just read once I find errors, and then it becomes a chore to slog through a book and see the lost opportunities, especially if it's a book I might have loved. I have so many books in my TBR stack, not to mention critiques that I do for others, that I don't see the point of it. I still expect that the big publishers and small publishers will find a way to deal with all this in the near future, and that the public will help self-published authors discover the importance of editing by reflecting the need for professionalism via sales. Maybe I'm terribly naive to think so, but at least I'm hopeful.
Great post! (As usual!)
Hope you are doing well!
Martina
I agree--the lack of editing is my primary concern with self-published titles. You bring up a great point with the pricing problem. It's not sustainable to sell traditionally edited books for $0.99, and the current price wars make me concerned that editing will become less common. (As someone whose day job is copy editing, I find this very worrisome.)
Oh, this is one of my pet peeves. If a book is filled with typos, misused words, and poor grammar, unless the story is really, really good, I won't finish it. On the other hand, if I catch two or three misspelled or misused words in a really good novel, I'll overlook it. But I find the general trend towards poor editing to be worrisome.
I care if ANY book is poorly edited. I just finished a book that was put out by a Big Six with a blurb by Tom Perrotta and, at some point, I stopped counting the typos, plot holes, bad dialogue, etc.
I do care about editing, but you said something I want to point out. 50 Shades of Gray--at this point traditionally published--is horribly edited. (I haven't read this, but everyone I know seems to agree so I believe it). I can think of some best sellers that came out before self publishing was a trend that were just as horribly edited, and no one complains about it. I do believe self published authors should use an editor, and as a writer I use an editor. But I wish people complained when traditionally published books lacked in editing.
No I'm with you. I can't stand shoddy editing.
Honestly, though, I doubt NYC will be stupid enough to cut-back on edits, as that's where they have most self-publishers beaten hands down. They will, however, probably cut back further on the amount of new titles they'll take on so they can be sure of huge sales at lower prices.
Sometimes I can look past it if the story is good, but like you, I probably wouldn't jump at reading another one of the author's book. Everything you put out there is a representation of yourself. If you don't want to pay for editing, at least get a few people you know have an eye for detail look for spelling mistakes. Just saying.
Yes! Editing matters!
Poor editing in a traditioonally published book leaves me feeling sorry for the author. In the case of a self-pubbed author, well, ultimately, there is only one person to "blame".
If the story is good, I can still think it's good despite the errors. But, no, I will never ignore them. I will say "great story, shame about all the typos and cut-off sentences".
I also find errors distracting, taking me out of the story, and so it WILL affect my eventual rating for the book when I review...
Sad to say, but I have seen several poorly edited books from NYC, both before I made the decision to self publish and after.
I have two critique partners (no cost), a professional developmental and line editor (paid) and a copyeditor/proofreader (paid). Yes, each editor is expensive. Each editor is also priceless.
I don't ever plan to put my work in the marketplace unedited.
I can't handle typos in published books; it gets very frustrating. There is a great benefit in professional editing, and it is well worth it.
I don't enjoy books that haven't been edited properly and I'm also unlikely to buy something else from the same author.
i cant stand catching so many typos & repetition and poor grammar! basics a writer should edit out themselves anyway! so distracting! but maybe because i write. i am glad you said this, i thought i was alone thinking this way, very hesitant to self pub because i didnt want to be judged in the same group!
ps, my horrid lack of caps & punctuation is due to quick typing on ipad...my ms's are good!
=)
I haven't found it a horrible problem yet but yes, it probably would influence my decision on whether to buy an author's future books.
Oh, yes, it bothers me very much when a book has typos, no matter how good the story is. I'm surprised that book had such high ratings, and so many of them.
That would have bothered me too. I know typos creep in, even in NY published books, but there is a difference between finding one typo in a book...and a book riddled with them. If I ever self-pubbed, I would absolutely hire an editor.
I do care. I find it distracting. A little I can handle, and if I have some kind of connection with the author I'll even let them know where I see a problem.
First, kudos to the writer who is so talented that a person is willing to tolerate the need for editing and keep on reading. However, as someone who has self-published, this hurts to hear. I spent literally months refining, editing, going through beta and gamma reads, and paying people to proof my work. Even after all that I gave the book additional passes. I did this not only out of pride, but because of the stigma attached to self-publishing. Is it wrong to expect the same of others?
Poorly edited books can come from anywhere. I recently read a trad book that had a typo on the very first page! Book was still great. I've read self-pub books that are nearly perfect and some that need a lot of work. Same with trad publishers. Editing is so important and can make a huge difference.
But I can't say I've ever read a book that didn't have at least one typo. Those little buggers like to hide. :)
Thanks for voicing this, Stina! I hope self-pubbed authors really take your advice seriously. It is a BIG distraction when there are so many errors that could have so easily been fixed by hiring a copy editor.
I do appreciate a well-edited book, but it is interesting that some can be best sellers without it.
I do hope people strive to self pub their very best work. I enjoy many selfpubbed books, and I am glad the stigma is decreasing.
Of the 4 self-pubbed books I've read so far, all from bloggers I'm familiar with, I've been really impressed with the copy-editing. Laura Pauling, Susan Kaye Quinn, Elle Strauss and just finished Laurel Garver's first book.
But, I'm not surprised to hear that many are skipping the copy-editing step. Just as important as copy editing I think is an experienced book editor, the kind that has worked for one of the big six (I have heard of a couple that have left and are now offering their services... for a stiff price but I think well worth it). I think the more people you have on your team to help a book, the better. The CPs and betas are still just the first and second steps. The ease of self-publishing just makes it too easy to rush to publication.
I think self-pubbed books should be polished and edited too. Granted the story could still be good, but we should take enough pride in our work to make sure it gives a good impression in every way possible. :)
I think that self-published books should be properly edited. I feel it shows that the author takes pride in their work and wants to put their best work out there for people to read. I understand that a few mistakes might slip by, but when a book is riddled with very noticeable mistakes, I think it can hurt the author's chance of selling future books.
First, MAJOR cover envy for that one... That would actually be the perfect cover for TTALG... drat. :D LOL! I need to read her books.
As for your question, as a former editor and a now-Indie author who takes great pains to release well-edited books, it drives me crayzay!
But whatcha gonna do? When ROUGE was w/S&S, I got the "line edited" version back, and then I spent two more weeks editing it again (of course, I was also removing/revising). But I found loads of stuff that had just been either missed or not cared about.
It's sad. :o| <3
Hi Stina. Wonderful site, great article. And such is the reason for all the bad connotations that accompany self-publishing: nobody seems to edit (professionally). Crap, I'm such a stickler, I line/copy edit my emails...heck, I copy edit the initials of my name.
I look forward to following you. :)
Good editing is kind of a deal breaker for me. If I'm stumbling over typos and having to re-read to figure out confusing or wordy phrases, I'll put the book down. As a writer and mother of toddlers, my reading time is sacred; if an author is unable or unwilling to put in the time to edit properly, why should I give up my time to read it?
It does worry me, the issue of declining standards among readers. I worry that some will say: If the readers don't care, then what's the problem? Weak writing and poor editing shouldn't become the norm. As authors, it's up to us to maintain and even raise the standard. For this, a proper edit is a necessity, not a luxury.
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