How to Properly Edit an eBook
This is an article that’s difficult to write, considering the fact that there are so many types of books out there. There is no way that anyone is going to prescribe one thing for all of them. Nevertheless, it is hoped that the article will help those that are looking to publish their eBooks. But first, here is a bit of brutal advice;
The brutal truth
The brutal truth is that you are probably never going to make it by publishing a book on Amazon or Smashwords. The ground is so overcrowded that it is rather difficult for anyone to make it. You were probably inspired to write by stories that you came across detailing the cases of millions of dollars being made by eBook writers through eBook sales. The truth is that you are, in all likelihood, not going to be one of these people.
Editing your ebook
Anyway, before you achieve your failure, you first need to make sure that your book is properly edited. There are a number of ways through you can do this. As a failed eBook writer myself, I will tell you the tricks that I have so successfully used when editing my books for self-publication;
- First of all, you can pay someone to do the editing on your behalf. This, admittedly is the way to go, particularly if you are a serious writer. You are never going to identify all the kinks in your manuscript by editing your books on your own. It’s easy enough to find cheap book editors on Upwork or Freelancer.
- You can edit your book on your own. This without doubt, is the devil’s option. Yet it is something most of the eBook writers that are out there are doing. In fact, I have never had any of my unsuccessful books edited by anyone. So, how do you self edit an eBook?
Self editing a Book
In order to successfully self edit an eBook, you need to be rather patient. What I do is set the completed manuscript aside for a month or so. Then I go through it several times while correcting any mistakes. Then I set it aside for another month and try to iron things out.
Is it possible to fully edit a book on your own?
To be truthful, you are never going to be able to catch all the mistakes in your book by editing it yourself. However, eBook readers are notoriously forgiving, except for mine who have been lambasting me for leaving them hanging in one of my books. I would have complained, save for the fact that I actually left people hanging in that particular book. After writing it to the end, I just didn’t have the vaguest idea how to conclude it. Anyway, I have been meaning to go back to that book for some time. Maybe I will do it now.
Preparing your book for publication
Feel free to refer to the relevant articles on this blog for quick guides on how to prepare your manuscript for publication on Amazon and Smashwords.
