I was hoping to avoid this issue, but there is something I wish to address.
Now, with the release of my first novel I’ve gotten good reviews… really good ones. But there has been one recurring issue namely “errors”. Now first off, I am not afraid to admit they exist. There are grammatical errors and whatnot in the book and I’ve done 3 corrections of the entire novel already to eliminate as many as possible. In the new 2nd edition, there are still some, but from what I’ve been told they are not a lot… thank the heavens.
On the other hand, on FB and elsewhere I’ve had well-meaning people suggest or offer their ‘professional editing’ services. They bring up the importance of putting out a good product, that it’s my introduction to the audience and world, and how you should never put out a book that isn’t polished to perfection. And I agree. It IS important to make sure the story/book you put out is as polished as you can get it. And I thought I had at first. I’d had English teachers and people with good eyes catch a good 90% of things I’d overlooked. But there were still errors that got past all of us.
Yet the words… “A professional editor would’ve caught all of that” comes up fairly often. So why didn’t I get one. The answer is simple. I’m living in poverty. Every dime my wife and I get goes to keeping a roof over our heads, paying for expensive medicines for our asthma and other chronic health issues, and putting food on the table. We’ve been surviving on loans and help from family for the last few years, while Helen (my wife) tries to get her B. A. Degree. I got a A. S. degree a year ago, but that hasn’t helped me on the job front. Most places now want a B. A. for even lower level office work.
I started writing partly to keep my spirits up when everything fell apart while I was doing estate, which led us to this situation. And when I finished my novel, I tried my damnedest to get it edited through the avenues available to me. But I could not, and still cannot, afford to get it redone “professionally”. And for that, I apologize. But luckily according to the latest reviewer who gave me the 5 stars, she had the new improved 2nd edition, there aren’t that many errors any more. And it doesn’t disrupt the flow of the story or the enjoyment of it. And the fact that all the earlier reviewers still gave it 4 and even a 5 star rating, means I did something right.
I hope by the time my 2nd novel “The Ship” is ready, I can get some more professional editing done. But if I can’t I’m just going to work twice as hard to make sure the final product is in even better shape than my first book. It sucks to be in my position and we’re doing what we can. In time, things will improve.
So I ask everyone who picks up the book, to please forgive its shortcomings. And for those who are professional editors, please don’t keep offering services I cannot afford or saying how much better the piece could be. I’m fully aware of it and reminders don’t always help. Because they don’t just let me know it’s not perfect, it reminds me even more where I’m still at.
How J. K. Rowling managed to get Harry Potter and his friends professionally edited when she was struggling just as badly, I don’t know. Maybe her publisher helped. I don’t have one, just myself Createspace and Smashwords. And they charge a pretty penny as well.
Sorry if this entry is a little bit of a downer, I just wanted everyone to understand why’s and wherefore’s of what I’ve created. I will try and to better in the future. And when I can afford it, my work will get the professional treatment. Until then, bear with me and thanks for all the continuing support. Please help spread the word that “THE BRIDGE” is out there. The fact that this book has earned 4 and 5 star ratings, even with its ‘warts’ tells me I’ve created something special. And I’d like to see it flourish.
If you wish, here is my website where folks can find links to all the different formats of the book, as well as news and updates on the sequels under way:
http://allankrummenacker.wix.com/allan-krummenacker
Thanks again all of you for coming and reading this blog. And for all the support you’ve given me. I’ll try to make the next entry more upbeat. Take care and happy reading everyone.
I hear you, Allan. I, too, am up against it financially. But I also know that I ‘must’ have a competent second set of eyes edit my work. I am in the envious position of having an editor as a friend. Her rates are low to begin with but we barter for other things as well.
If the last edition has only a few grammatical errors I think you’ll be fine this time. Even professionally edited books have a few. I have not read a book in years that was letter perfect.
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Thanks Yvonne, my wife keeps saying the same thing about professionally edited books.
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Allan, I recently read a book by a well published author and found an error or two. I am fortunate that my daughter’s boyfriend is a book editor and did the first edit for me for free. I know how expensive it is. Recently I read a book that had tons of errors in it. It scared me. So even though I have edited the book myself and had it done, I am making a final run through for errors (found two) and to look for anything that I want to change. It is my final go through. I see this as a learning experience. Maybe one of them should have offered to do it for you for free if they feel so strongly about it that they felt compelled to tell you. There is no doubt a professional makes a difference. There were things that had to be changed in mine including the two spaces between sentences (when did that become the new accepted way?). Hang in there. I am still trying to get through the mountains of books on my shelf. I plan on ordering your books soon. Is the second edition available on kindle at amazon?
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Thanks Kathryn. And in answer to your question, yes the 2nd edition is available for Kindle on Amazon. Glad you had some great help behind you. Keep it up.
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Rowling wasn’t as hard up as they make out. Keep at it.
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I intend to, thanks Steve.
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My husband is an English teacher and even he misses a few mistakes. The important thing about writing is that you finished it. Keep proofing, keep having other sets of eyes look at it, and don’t worry about spending money for editing.
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Thanks Darlene, that helps more than you know. I’ll just keep looking more closely on the next one.
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I found this video today when I was browsing my reader. Thought of you. It’s Stephen Fry talking about writing and the love of words and story. Have a look:
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I liked it. Very amusing.
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I hear you on the hiring an editor, Allan and am in the same boat. So, I work extra hard at it, try to catch as much as I can- I have wonderful readers who are true gems. Keep at it, believe in yourself. Good storytelling shines through…Even with editors, things can be missed, I’ve read top authors with sentences I tripped over, missing words, etc. A lot of editors are authors turned editors, (another story for later time). I do refresh with some grammar sites of do’s and don’ts. But for right now, the whole pkg is me and time-consuming, but working with what I have. (Why I’ve been MIA lately b/c I am getting my new releases prepped) May you get even more great reviews!
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Thanks Amber, keeping my fingers crossed that your new release is a big hit. May it get lot of great reviews when it comes out.
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I’ve read many ‘professionally edited’ books dripping with errors. The main thing is that your book is Out There where it belongs. Congratulations! Rock on.
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Thank you Steven, that helps a lot!
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