The other night, I handed my manuscript over to a trusted person for a copy edit. Thankfully, this person (who has very good editing skills and is very detail oriented) has agreed to work pro bono as I currently have no money. This person is not a professional editor otherwise I’d put his name out there for all the world to see. Already, he’s found mistakes I had no idea existed. There are some changes he’s recommended that I don’t think would help, but others have been immensely helpful and will make this a better book.
For those who decide to self-publish, get outside eyes to look at your manuscript once you’ve revised and (supposedly) cleaned it up. I learned years ago with short stories that it’s always a good idea to get someone else to read it before you send it out. For a novel, with all its twists and turns, that becomes a necessity.
Yesterday, I looked up information regarding taxes, DBAs and business names, sole proprietor v. a LLC or incorporation, possible software needs and costs, state requirements, county requirements, and city requirements. Oh, and I also looked into domains and hosting. I get tired just writing all that. It was a full day but very productive.
Today, I focus on the skeleton to my novel’s sequel but not much. I need to focus on my family and enjoy the holiday season. Only three more days to Christmas!
Final note: I will more than likely not blog again until the 27th. Can’t promise I won’t, though. 😉
Amy Keeley 