From the Circular File #1: Your Good Deed for the Day

I thought I'd do something fun today and share a few special stories of what I (and other editors) receive in our DMs on a semi-regular basis.

A couple months ago, it seemed that all the "I want something for nothing" people were coming out of the woodwork. I received a note on Messenger from a guy who wrote exactly one sentence:

I'M WANTING EDITS!

Nothing else. All caps.  I knew already I didn't want to deal with someone like this, but I responded politely and asked what he was referring to: a book, an article, something else . . . He replied, "I WROTE A BOOK!"

So I did what I always do in these situations. I gave him my website address, told him to please read the page that listed the services I offer and the pricing involved, and then fill out the contact form so I could learn as much as I could about his project. And . . .

. . . crickets. Which I knew would happen, so I was not surprised but instead was relieved. I have learned over the years to put the ball back in the other person's court to save myself time and aggravation. I have wasted too many hours doing free sample edits on manuscripts that are not even worthy of being classified as first drafts, and telling a writer what will be needed to get their work up to snuff—only to have them say something like, "I don't have much money to spend." Or worse, "I don't have any money. I thought you'd just do it for free."

The following example happened to an editor friend of mine:

This type of stuff happens to her all the time. The same person who sent her this also posted it on an editing "help wanted" group, saying, "Who wants to edit my short story for $10? Think of it as your good deed for the day."

In case you don't know, this is a poor way to approach a group of strangers . . . who happen to be professional editors . . . who earn their living by editing for money so they can feed their families. A good many of those in the group edit for some big-name authors but don't brag about it. When the person was told how passive-agressively insulting her request was, she got belligerent. Belligerent—while asking strangers to work for her for free. A real prize, this one.

She then went back to my friend and asked what she'd charge for it, and was told there was a $75 minimum for any copyediting work. She ridiculed the editor, and I can't remember exactly what the phrasing was, but she basically told my friend she'd gotten too big for her britches and that she (the writer) could easily find a cheaper deal. My friend pointed out that she was being asked to do detailed, skilled work for a dollar amount that would barely buy her a cheap T-shirt at Wal-Mart. The writer came back to her again, a short while later, and bragged to her that she'd gotten someone on Fiverr to do it for something like $20.

As my friend told me this, I reminded her that she was losing nothing by refusing to work with people like this. We also wondered what a $20 edit would end up looking like. I think I have a pretty good idea.

Now, don't get me wrong: I have done my share of free or cheap work when I have deemed it appropriate. Many editors (and cover designers, and formatters, and proofreaders, etc.) do freebies on occasion. Why? Because we're just nice people, I guess. We can't give everything away, of course, because we can't feed our families on good deeds. But it's nice to offer when someone least expects it, simply because we believe in that person's work and want to help them succeed.

I've been on the giving end, and I've been on the receiving end, and I can tell you they both feel great. But it's never, ever come about as the result of bullying strangers.

G = Get Evals from Editors You're Considering

People talk about not knowing how to find a good editor, but when pressed for more detail, they usually don’t have any facts to back up this claim. Mostly, I hear, “they’re so expensive!” without the writer having obtained any quotes, or “I don’t know if they’re good or not” without having looked at any of the editor’s work.

One of the best ways to determine if an editor is qualified is to ask for an evaluation of a small portion of your work. Many, if not most, copyeditors who work with fiction will do a free sample edit on 500–1000 words of your manuscript. Not only does this help the writer to decide whether a particular editor knows his stuff, but it also enables the editor to provide a price quote, based on the level of edits needed. It's not a test for the editor to pass, but rather a courtesy. 

Some editors charge for a sample edit, and that's okay. It doesn't necessarily mean they're shady—it only means they are protective of their available time and where they invest it. Those who charge for a sample edit will typically edit a longer portion, and if the author hires them, that money comes off the total for the job.

I always recommend getting sample edits from at least three to five editors. Ask others who they’ve used and how satisfied they were with the level of service provided, narrow it down to five people, and ask. Each one should do roughly the same job, depending on what you’re looking for—and each one should work on the same portion of your manuscript for comparison's sake. If you only want a proofreader, one editor can do that, but another may make additional suggestions as to sentence structure if your manuscript needs help. Prices vary, but a variety of evals will help you determine what fits best in your budget and revision needs.

Coffee Chat 6.0 with Author S.K. Anthony: Blogging from A to Z

"A" you're adorable, "B" you're so beautiful, "C" you're a cutie full of charms . . .
"D" you're a darling and "E" you're exciting and . . . um . . . [Stops, counts on fingers.]
A, B, C, D, E, F, G . . . Oh, yeah.
"F" you're a feather in my arms . . .
"G" you look good to me, "H" you're so heavenly—

Oh, hey, everyone! You're probably wondering why I'm singing the Alphabet Song. Or maybe you're wondering why I can't remember which letter comes next. I'm actually practicing the opening song for the upcoming Loudermilks concert. Not gonna lie, we're doing all the classics.

Mornin', S.K.! How's it going? Have some coffee to jump-start your day.

SKA: [singing] C is for coffee, that's good enough for me. Oh, coffee, coffee, coffee starts with C!

Oh, hey! Good morning! Are we done singing, then?

ER: Do you happen to know the Alphabet Song? 'Cause I know the Alphabet Song. All the way to the end, even. [Mutters.] . . . with a little pause here and there . . .

SKA: Yes, yes I do. I don't even have to read and cheat to sing it—from A to Z, I know them all! I can even write them down backward if you want. Look, Z, Y, X, W—

ER: I know them all too . . . except I have to take off my shoes and socks to I can point to my toes once I run out of fingers to keep my place. I call in one of the kids after I reach the 20th letter.

SKA: Um . . . X, W, V—

ER: Wait, hold up a minute. [Pulls socks back on.]

SKA: Why are you stopping me? Don't tell me you have some other alphabet challenge in mind. Or do you?

ER: I'm not going to ditch the original singing idea, because I know you've been practicing pretty faithfully for the concert and all. And I won't make you say the alphabet backward while standing beside your car, touching your nose with your index finger. But I heard about something cool and wanted to run it by you to see if it's legit. It's called the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. Know it?

SKA: I sure do! I was a chicken last year and didn't join, but this time I went ahead and signed up as soon as I saw the first post about it on Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog. For anyone who doesn't know about this, it's (and keep in mind, I'm taking this directly from their site): 

The brainchild of Arlee Bird, at Tossing it Out, the A to Z Challenge is posting every day in April except Sundays (we get those off for good behavior). And since there are 26 days, that matches the 26 letters of the alphabet. On April 1, blog about something that begins with the letter "A." April 2 is "B," April 3 is "C," and so on. You can use a theme for the month or go random—just as long as it matches the letter of the alphabet for the day.

How fun is that? I'm so excited to be a part of it this year and I'm already thinking of what I'm going to blog about. I'm hoping to get the posts set up before March comes around so I don't run around like a mad woman . . . at least not more than usual. 

ER: Well, there's no point running around like a not-mad woman. It's exhausting. So April's the month, eh?

SKA: April will be an awesome month, I can feel it. I'm even happier that I have a couple friends facing the challenge with me—you included, Lynda.

ER: I've got to admit, I'm psyched about it, too, and just a little bit terrified. I've started thinking of my A to Z topics, but—well, you may not have noticed this, but I tend to go on a bit long in my blog posts. What if I can't keep them short enough? Do you have any advice for me? And do you have a theme for yours yet?

SKA: Based on the little I know about it, but also based on time and how busy everyone will be, I would suggest not going over 250 words. 

ER: But—but—I'm ITALIAN!

SKA: I know, I know . . . that's a challenge in itself for you, but imagine how quickly you'll be done with your posts. My advice is to write one of your regular ones, split it in three . . .

ER: . . . or eight . . .

SKA: . . . and then fix it up to match the day and letter it corresponds to and you'll be done in no time. 

As for my posts, I think, and I'm not sure yet, that I'm going with words and expressions I've made up. I do call myself "an official make-stuff-up-er" on my blog, so I thought I'd give an insight as to what that's all about. Apart from making up whole books, that is. 

If that doesn't work, I might just choose desserts and goodies I'm currently staying away from, and salivate all over my blog. What do you have in mind for a theme?

ER: Mmmm . . . desserts . . .  

Ahem. For my posts, I think this first time out, I'll stick with what I know and give some tips for writers from an editor's viewpoint. I might suspend my Editor's Notes for the Mondays in April, since there will be posts going up every day that relate to editing, anyway. 

Who knows? If this works out well this year, I'll look forward to something more creative next year! Bucket list, places I've never been, favorite foods that could kill me if I ate them often enough . . .

SKA: That is awesome! Editor tips work for me. We haven't completed this challenge yet and I'm already looking forward to next year's. The creator of this is a genius! Now I wonder who else is joining us, and if they have their themes set up.

If you're reading this (and I think you are), share your A to Z plans if you're participating. We'd love to support you throughout the challenge and cheer you along. Well . . . if we're not too tired and too full from all the dessert-eating . . .

ER: Desserts . . .

SKA: Before we go, we'd like to remind you that our Share the Love Giveaway ends next week. If you haven't entered yet, what are you waiting for? Do it. Don't be scared; we don't bite. David Hasselhoff might, though. We're not sure. Still, be a daredevil. Enter and share! Also, be on the lookout for another Facebook Flash Giveaway on Sunday!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can find everyone in the following places:
S.K. Anthony: www.skanthony.com
Easy Reader Editing: you are here. :)
Raymond Esposito: writinginadeadworld.com
Stephen Fender: www.stephenfender.com
Debra Ann Miller: debraamiller.blogspot.com
Sisters Baking Company: www.sistersbaking.com
Sarah YourBetaReader: yourbetareader.blogspot.com

Coffee Chat 5.0 with Author S.K. Anthony: It's Giveaway Time!

It's Thursday and we're back, this time with coffee and . . . a guest! Author Debra Ann Miller is joining us this week to help us promote our latest and greatest idea: the "Share the Love" Valentine's Day giveaway!

Team Lynda (which is what I've decided to call it since it's my blog) has gotten together and is contributing some wonderful prizes for you to win through a Rafflecopter giveaway that will end at midnight on February 13, 2014.

You'll have a chance—many chances, in fact—at being one of the lucky recipients of goodies from a bunch of people who love me enough to send me money on a regular basis. More details on that (the giveaway, not the money) later in this post.

For now, I'll introduce our guest. Debra Ann Miller is the author of Descended, Ascended, and work-in-progress Transcended, all books in the Fallen Guardian Saga. Although she doesn't drink coffee [feel free to insert a loud gasp here], S.K. and I have decided we like her anyway, and have permitted her to drink tea. Unfortunately, Deb has insisted that we call her Queen Mum every time she lifts her teacup. I suppose it's the price we pay for having such a charming, cultured guest, so I'm going with it.

ER: So hey there, S.K. and Mum! I'm glad to have you both here today so we can talk about fun stuff. 

QM: Of course! I've always wanted to have a princess tea party.

SKA: Hey-hey, Lynda! And welcome, Mum. I'll let you both know that I had a sigh of relief when I found out you were having tea, Deb. I wasn't feeling the "sharing my coffee" thing this morning, to be honest. 

ER: I didn't want to be the first to say it, but yes, I was looking at that coffee pot and thinking, Nope. Not enough for three. I even thought about distracting QM by sending her down the hall for a spoon or something, but she came through and wasn't greedy. Bonus points for the queen!

OK, the giveaway thing. Have either of you ever done giveaways before, or entered any yourself?

SKA: Yes and yes. And I've won! Woohoo! Go ahead girls, celebrate with me. 

QM: I've entered several giveaways but don't have the luck of the Irish on my side . . . only in my blood. On the flip side, I've held one as well. It was really cool to have people enter a contest to win a book that I, the Queen Mum, wrote!

And woot woot to you, S.K.! I'll try to remember my etiquette with regard to your winnings.

ER: S.K., I remember when you won that cool necklace from Brandon Ax's giveaway for Elemental. I wanted that pretty bad. Maybe we should have him over for coffee some week and he'll want to give me jewelry, too.

For awhile, I was on a roll with entering giveaways and winning books on Goodreads. I didn't enter more than a dozen, but I won four books in rapid succession. One of them was D.R. Shoultz's Melting Sand, which I did a review for on this blog.  

Mum, what type of giveaways are your favorite? Would you rather win a book, or a gift certificate, or a year's supply of Turtle Wax or Rice-a-Roni, or what?

QM: It depends. I think it should fit the blog and the topic. If it's a book blogger, then I'd expect to see a book, or a Nook, or a fish on a hook.

ER: I think I'd worry if I won a fish on a hook, but you never know. It might have been a really great contest to suck me into the whole fish-on-a-hook excitement.

QM: Any Dr. Seuss fans in the house? Maybe I should slow down on the sipping here; my analogies are misunderstood. I'm just saying, the prize should complement the contest.

ER: But you know, if I really liked fish, with or without hooks, that might be a pretty awesome contest.

QM: With that in mind, maybe we should check out Trip Advisor and see what kind of giveaways they're offering. Hmm, a plane, or a train, or a sweet ticket to Maine?

ER: Well, S.K. seems to be the contest-winner among us, and I'll bet she has a fish on a hook somewhere in her prize collection. She's won everything else lately. In fact, S.K., didn't you just win two contests in December alone?

QM: Did I mention, I've won NOTHING . . . EVER?? Just checking . . . continue please . . .

[ER looks around frantically to see where SK has gone, while trying to casually slide the teapot out of the Queen Mum's reach.]

SKA: A fish on a hook! I didn't win that, but someone once gave us a fish with a hook holding a tiny clock . . . for our office desk. Umm, no. Sweet, though. I guess . . . Want it, Mum?

Lynda, yes! I won the Fire Elemental necklace during the Ashes release (second book in The Light Bringer's Saga). We can nudge him and see if you'll "win" something. You too, Mum. You've won my heart, but maybe that's not enough. [Shrugs.]

More recently, I won two awesome giveaways. One was from author Tara Tyler: I won a signed paperback of her debut novel, Pop Travel, a bookmark, and a cool bracelet that's featured in the book. And the other one was from our very own Stephen Fender. I won the signed set of the Kestrel Saga (The Army of Light, Icarus, and Second Earth), a custom T-shirt, and some delicious treats from Sisters Baking Company. 

ER: So I'm thinking the best strategy at this point would be to have S.K. enter all the contests for us from this point on, right?

QM: I'd like to second that motion! [Raises tea cup in salute, a bit unsteady but sincere nonetheless.]

ER: We've created a monster!

SKA: But we love it!

ER: About those contests . . .

SKA: You know . . . Now I won't share! I tried winning the lottery . . . and that didn't happen. Bummer. But sure, I can enter for you guys. IF you stop saying I suck for winning!

ER: Ahem . . . the contest, remember? We're doing a giveaway! And we have some really great prizes that will provide something for everyone, from S.K. Anthony, Easy Reader Editing, Raymond Esposito, Stephen Fender, our own Queen Mum, Debra Ann Miller, Sisters Bakery, and YourBetaReader. Why don't you tell our readers what they can win and how they can win it, S.K.?

SKA: Well, I'm not sure how else to say this, but they can win by, um . . . entering? [Laughing hysterically . . . alone . . .]  Sorry, I had to. [Clears throat.]

Okay, so back to business. We have a little Rafflecopter that you can read, click, share, etc.

You can win:

• GRAND PRIZE: 1 signed copy of Descended, 1 signed copy of Kinetic with swag pack, 1 signed copy of You and Me Against the World (limited edition), 1 signed copy of The Army of Light packaged with 1 bag of Rain City Crunch {US only}
• THE EDITOR'S PAY IT FORWARD DEAL: You and a friend of your choosing will each receive a 20% discount on a full copy edit and/or proofreading services from Easy Reader Editing, AND a separate 20% discount on a content/substantive edit from Sarah YourBetaReader.
• (2 winners) FOR THE eBOOK LOVERS: 1 copy of Descended and Ascended, 1 copy of Kinetic, 1 copy of You and Me Against the World and 1 copy of All Our Foolish Schemes 
• (2 winners) The Fallen Guardian Saga, Books 1 & 2: Descended and Ascended {US only}
• (1 winner) The Kestrel Saga: signed copy of The Army of Light and 1 bag of Rain City Crunch {US only}
• (4 winners) The Creepers Saga, Book 1: You and Me Against the World {US only}
• (3 winners) The Luminaries Series: signed copy of Kinetic with Swag Pack (notebook, pen & bookmark) {US only}

Let us know if you're an author or just a lovely reader (authors, you're lovely too; calm down!) so we can make sure we don't end up with a reader winning an editing package. Imagine how confused we'll make the poor dears when we try to edit their thoughts. No bueno. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And if you think these prizes are awesome, wait until you see what you could have won. Ready? Okay, Lynda, take it over!

ER: Well . . . I've got to tell everyone, we had a whole different list of prizes. After searching high and low through our houses, we came up with a pile of goodies that rivaled any ancient treasure. In fact, we came to think of it as the Mother of All Prizes. Had we gone with our first choices, you could have won these lovely things: one like-new VCR; one 13" TV with built-in VCR for Pong; one Pong; one StarTac cell phone; one Walkman that only stops every five minutes when walking slowly; some 1979 issues of MAD Magazine; one JVC camcorder with VHS tapes; one life-size velvet Hasselhoff portrait with Labrador puppies; one unread copy of How to Win Friends and Influence People; one handful of Scrabble letters that spell ERMAGAWD I LUV WINGER TOO; one mix tape of favorite Liberace songs; one empty box of Thin Mints.

This was a terrific group effort, but we came to realize we'd love giving the items much, much more than anyone would love winning them. Thus, the second—and final—giveaway list was created.

What are you waiting for? Share the love!


You can find everyone in the following places:
S.K. Anthony: www.skanthony.com
Easy Reader Editing: you are here. :)
Raymond Esposito: writinginadeadworld.com
Stephen Fender: www.stephenfender.com
Debra Ann Miller: debraamiller.blogspot.com
Sisters Baking Company: www.sistersbaking.com
Sarah YourBetaReader: yourbetareader.blogspot.com

Editor's Notes #2: The Reader Doesn't Care

I've been stalking the Goodreads forums lately, and having a wonderful time of it. Granted, I'm sure there are other great writers' sites out there, but I've found the discussions on GR to be stimulating, sometimes very uncomfortable, and always informative.

One of my favorite threads lately has been going 'round and 'round about self-published authors (SPAs), their problems, and how to get readers to buy their books. I could write a year's worth of blog posts based on any one of those threads, but the SPA thread has me captivated.

This week's topic deals with the not-ready-for-prime-time books out there that are damaging the reputation of those SPAs whose work is as good as—or better than, in some cases—that published by the Big Five. Specifically, we'll talk about excuses given for poor work.

The writers I like to call "premature publishers" (because "author" doesn't really fit their abilities) are the ones who are typically in a rush to get their books published because they want the world to see the results of their hard work. There's no time to wait. That book has to get out there because the world needs them!

The problem lies in the fact that the reader expects a published book to be finished. Completed. Done. As close to "perfect" as possible.

"Finished" to the premature publishers means "I'm done writing." Period.

Having an idea and getting it written on paper (real or virtual) is a wonderful start, but it is exactly that: a start. As S.K. Anthony stated in our second Coffee Chat, after the first draft is written, that's when the real work begins. Revisions, tweaks, overhauls—whatever name you call them, it boils down to the same thing: making your work the best it can be.

One of the things I find frustrating is when an author becomes defensive after receiving a bad review. If someone gives a one-star review based on something dumb, like "I've always hated that color of yellow on a book cover," or "I can't believe someone kicked a kitten in this book!" then yes, the author has every right to be indignant about that review. However, many new authors seem unable to deal with bad reviews that mention editing, immature writing habits or style, plot holes, or pretty much anything that doesn't include the words "OMG I loved it!"

Some of the authors I've conversed with on GR are quick to tell others they learned a lot more from the negative reviews than the positive ones, though they would always prefer good reviews over bad. But it seems those who learn from criticism (even when it's not constructively phrased) are in the minority. Many premature publishers are full of excuses—overflowing with them, really—as to why their book has uncorrected issues.

Guess what? The reader doesn't care what kind of problems you had. Whether your book was offered as a freebie or purchased for whatever amount, the reader has every right to expect it to be complete and polished. Someone (known only as Tura) on the SPA thread on Goodreads put it perfectly:

I think a good thing to remember is the reader does not care. Yes, just writing a book is an achievement, but it doesn't mean everyone has to praise you. So forget the excuses people use when they complain reviews are harsh:

*"It's my first attempt." The reader does not care.

*"I had a really hard time while writing, for one reason or another." The reader does not care.

*"I wrote from my own experience." Well, so did many others. The reader does not care.

*"My family and friends all loved it." The reader . . . And so on. 

The unknown reader has a million books to choose from, and will go to whatever pleases her/him. You can't really argue anyone into liking your book; you can only show it to them. 

I don't expect every book I pick up to be an instant classic. Nor do I expect every book to have the same level of writing skill. What I do expect is readability and cohesiveness, not excuses.

I've heard many writers talk about the expenses of publishing. Writing costs nothing as long as you have a pencil and paper. Publishing has its costs, though. Content editing. Cover design. Proofreading. Printing. This is all part of the package from the moment the first word hits the page. 

Think of it in terms of purchasing a home. You have the money to buy a house. Do you have the money to live in it? You'll need basic tools, money for utilities, furniture, and groceries. You may need a lawnmower. You need money for taxes. You need more than just the price of a building.

To simplify further, let's say you have the money for the down payment, but no way of paying closing costs. What do you do? You continue to save, cutting expenses for months or even years in order to set the money aside. You don't tell the Realtor he should still give you the house because you've always wanted one, or because you're having another child and need the extra room, or because you've been saving and saving and you just can't wait any longer. 

The Realtor doesn't care about any of those things. If you can't pay, he will find another buyer.

The reader can be thought of in the same way. If you can't produce an adequate product, he'll find another author. I've heard writers talk about eating Ramen noodles, red beans & rice, and peanut butter sandwiches for months so they could save, dollar by dollar, for editing and a decent-quality cover. If you're self-publishing, there's no rush to get your book out there other than your own urgency to get people to read it. You're following no deadline but your own. 

Count the cost. The full cost, from soup to nuts. Save for it and pay for it before hitting that "publish" button. The reader doesn't care what you couldn't do. He only cares about what you did. Why give something other than your best?

Editor's Notes #1: WHY, Writers, WHY?

I need to rant a little. Or perhaps a lot. This may sound harsh, but this is what's going through my brain right now.

Not for the first time, I found myself reading a book description that was so poorly written, I wanted to grab the author, shake her, and scream, "THIS is where you're supposed to sell me on the idea that your book is worth reading, and you can't even write a description of it without errors?"

One hundred fifty words. That's all you need for a book description. One. Hundred. Fifty. Words.

If a writer is incapable of writing less than two hundred words in a readable manner, then there is nothing—NOTHING—that will convince me to read 70,000 more words penned by that same writer. In the case of this particular book description, only 20,000 more, but even ten more words would have put me over the edge.

Okay . . . perhaps my overwhelming sense of curiosity would convince me. For research purposes, you see. After all, what if the author didn't have time to write the (all-important) book description and asked her sibling/cousin/neighbor/babysitter to do it? Maybe someone on Fiverr did it for $5.00 to help pay the rent. I don't know.

Flash forward in time . . .

I have now downloaded the book, free of charge. I have read all of four pages of it and have decided that I can't go on. To clarify: I can go on living; I just can't go on reading. Honestly, two pages were enough, but I wanted to give it a fair shot by reading at least ten percent of the book. I couldn't make it that far, and didn't see any reason why I should force myself to do so.

[Note: I had to pause here for chocolate. That book bothered me in a big way.]

As I lurk and often participate on various Goodreads threads, I'm pleasantly encouraged by the number of authors who actively seek out advice from others (and follow it!) so they can improve their writing. Whether it's a work in progress or a book that's getting not-so-great ratings for whatever reason, they genuinely want to know how to make it better . . . and how to keep the same thing from happening next time.

Conversely, I'm astounded at the number of people who are on Goodreads who have access to these same threads but who don't take advantage of them. If I were an author and I saw a thread titled, "Why don't more people read self-published authors?" or "What's the best way for self-pub authors to get more readers?" my first thought would be to go to those threads and see what kind of advice I could glean, free of charge. There are discussions about editors, book covers, marketing plans, where to self-publish, dos and don'ts . . . you name it, these people have covered it thoroughly. A tremendous AND FREE resource is right there, available with one click.

A writer can put his or her heart and soul into a story—and it can be a wonderful, clever story—but if a reader can't get past the errors that are easily fixable, the story will never be discovered.