A book cover of high quality design is the other thing I’ve read that you can’t afford to skimp on, because like it or not, people do judge a book by its cover.

“if you’re planning on self-publishing, professional editing is one of the 2 most important things to invest in.”

What is the other important thing to invest in?

How does one choose an editor? Rachel, have you written an article on this question?
Tanks to everyone here.
Sherrie

I’ve decided to go the self-publishing route, and when I was fairly confident that I had a strong book, I sent it off to an editor, since everything I had read stressed the importance of quality editing when trying to self-publish. It was the most eye-opening experience I’ve had, and well worth the cost. She pointed out many flaws that I hadn’t seen or consider minor, and as a result, I basically scrapped the book and the series, and started over. And I’m glad I did, because looking back, I see that it wasn’t nearly to the level necessary. I’ve learned a lot since that experience and I’m seeing that all the advice was accurate: if you’re planning on self-publishing, professional editing is one of the 2 most important things to invest in.

I believe there are so many different reading ‘audiences’. I will say that I often struggle with literary novels. There have been some that I have read and enjoyed but I find it a lot more pleasant and rewarding to slip into the Rain Wilds or the island of Thisby.

I do pay careful attention to craft and read all that I can about the development of those skills to enhance my writing because I feel it essential to always strive to improve. I do not use the varied audiences as permission not to commit my writing life to being an eternal ‘student’.

However, I also feel strongly that there will always be audiences that prefer and are able to appreciate magnificent literary works just as there will always be readers who love and prefer to escape into the wonderful and varied worlds of genre fiction.

I am glad of the variety of writing levels because I know that each kind of reader is catered for.

And so long as people are reading and loving it, I am a happy, happy person.

Kerry,
well put:)

Of course, there are books that have both story and craft, and that is what we all strive for. Those books that have both will be the ones that last for generations.

Vaughn,
It would shock me if anybody actually reads the comments here including Ms. Gardner other than for the obvious, to see the divide of ones own self. This is a blog about “self” don’t you know? Everyone throwing darts at the board looking to see whom can strike closest to a personal bulls eye. No one really keeping score. No one really winning here. All just playing the lottery of who’s and wooh’s. Individuals attempting to codify his/her own measure of hireling. Perhaps you’ve noticed you never see THE stephen king climbing these rung? Perhaps a raven or two, nevermore? It’s all just biscuits and jam though, don’t you think? I do love this forum, nonetheless.