As you begin your journey as an indie author, you’ll quickly notice that there are other key players in the self-publishing industry that you need to have in your corner – people whose expertise you will rely on. From the careful and objective eye of eBook editors to the attention to detail of a skilled proofreader to the artistic eye of an eBook cover designer, you’ll need to build relationships with dedicated professionals you can count on to make what you write even better. Finding a reliable contractor takes time; a smart move for any indie author is building relationships with different professionals.
One of the most important relationships you can cultivate as a writer is the one you have with eBook editors. An eBook editor is the individual who will be charged with telling you when you need to cut your favorite passage and points out gaps in the flow of your story. You will rely on your editor to help ensure that your eBook makes sense, flows well, and is complete. Building a relationship with your editor requires you to:
Trust Their Intuition
It may seem obvious, but as a writer, you need to be receptive to the criticism and recommended changes offered by your eBook editor. While you certainly have the final say, at the very least you should consider what your editor has proposed. The eBook market is a competitive one, and honesty regarding your content and the flow of your writing is exactly what you need. If you reject everything your editor has to say, you’re wasting their time and your money.
Follow Up
Once you’ve received feedback on your eBook, that's only the beginning of the editorial process. It’s a good idea to ask your editor questions and discuss your content. Demonstrate trust in your editor and treat him or her as someone with whom you are collaborating. Together, you can accomplish so much more working together on your eBook rather than accepting blanket changes that you’re not happy about, while conveying trust in your editor's skills at the same time.
Be Humble
The editor’s job is not an easy one, as their sole purpose is to challenge your eBook and how it’s been written. It’s important not to take criticisms too personally; your editor can help you see your eBook objectively. Listen to your editor’s thoughts and ideas, even if not all of them align with your overall vision of the eBook; they can see your writing as your audience would.
As an indie author, you are charged with writing, publishing, and often marketing your own eBook, but developing relationships with professionals, such as eBook editors, can make the process more successful.