Editors, Formatters, Proofreaders, Cover Designers, Oh My!

There are times when authors need to hire others like editors, formatters, proofreaders, cover designers, publicists, personal assistants, web designers, social media managers, and photographers to help with book projects. Here are some things I’ve learned through the years.

1. Your writing is a business. If you are hiring someone to do a job or provide a service, make sure you have a contract, statement of work, or a quote.

2. Agree on the price up front. Ask to be notified in advance if there are additional charges.

3. If someone is performing a regular service for you, make sure you agree on the price, the hours, fees, and the billing cycle. You don’t want surprises when the bill comes.

4. If you’re providing requirements or specifications, ensure that your communications are clear. Many designers will provide two or three rounds of changes, and then there are fees if you have other changes.

5. Make sure that you agree ahead of time on deadlines.

6. Keep notes or copies of emails about discussions and agreements. After we talk or have a conference, I always send an email confirming what we agreed to.

7. Make sure to keep all receipts for your accounting and tax records.

8. Keep the contact information in a place where you can find it. If you’re doing all work by email, make sure you have a phone number or mailing address information in case you need it.

9. If you're working with a photographer for professional headshots, ask about how they can be used. Some require specific acknowledgement of copyright.

10. When I’m going to work with someone new, I always ask around for recommendations and check references.

I depend on a whole group of professionals and their talents to help me with my books and book marketing. It feels daunting at first to find the right people, but when you do, you build up a network of skilled resources that is invaluable.

What else would you add to my list?

Revision Tips for Writers

My Editing Assistant, Disney

Every author has a different process or style for writing, revising, editing, and proofreading. You need to find what works for you. Try a technique, and if it doesn’t match your style, do something else. Here’s how I do it.

Writing Drafts 1-6-ish

1. I try to write every day, but sometimes life gets in the way. Do the best you can, but don’t beat yourself up. I find if I skip too many days, I lose my momentum and train of thought. I have to go over my outline again and read what I wrote recently.

2. I do write down my word count totals at the end of each session to keep track of my progress.

3. I start plotting on my big white board. Then, I create a Word document with a few sentences for each chapter. I color code clues, romantic elements, and humor. This helps me see visually where things fall in the story. I update the outline as the story changes. I also use this later to help me with my synopsis.

4. I start writing. I usually type directly into my computer, but sometimes, I do handwrite chapters.

5. I make sure that I start the book in the template that my agent prefers, so I don’t have to reformat later. This makes the cover page, chapter headings, indents, and footers consistent.

6. After I have a few chapters, I print the draft and do a quick reread. I make changes, and then I return to writing.

7. I repeat this for multiple drafts of the book.

8. I also keep a master character list for each book in the series. It has basic facts and what books the character or location appears in. I use this as I’m writing to make sure I don’t repeat character names and that I keep the facts straight.

9. When I think I’m done, I print out the whole WIP (Work in Progress) and do some editing and proofreading. My friend, Mary Burton, calls this the “sloppy copy. I break out the red (or pink or purple) pen and look for plot holes and typos.

Revision

1. I run a spell/grammar check to look for typos.

2. I keep a list of crutch words (overused words) or ones that should be consistent through out the book. My editor has a list, I have one, and so does my agent. I keep adding to my list. I use the find/replace feature in Word to hunt out the problem words and remove them.

3. When I think I’m done with the draft (I’m really not), I send it to an editor that I pay to do her magic. When I get her feedback, I update the WIP and print it again. I do another reread to look for any boo boos I made while making changes.

4. Then I submit it to my critique group. Sometimes, I do this before the independent editor. It just depends on the timing and what projects are going. My group reads 50 pages a month and provides feedback. I make any changes to my WIP and then print another copy and check for typos.

5. I have a small group of beta readers that I send the entire manuscript to for feedback. They read the book like a reader would and provide suggestions and changes.

6. I then send it to my agent who is also a great editor/proofreader. Your publisher will also have editors and/or proofreaders. (There are multiple rounds to the revision process.)

7. I make sure to print a copy of the manuscript after each major revision to ensure that I catch any issues I created while making changes.

When the ARCs Arrive

1. When you get through all the changes, the book will be formatted, and the publisher usually sends a draft or an ARC (Advance Review Copy) for review. Read it carefully. This is usually your last chance to change anything.

2. Check everything on the front and back covers.

3. Check all of the headers and footers.

4. Check the chapter numbering.

5. Read the book again.

It is such a good feeling to type “The End,” but it really isn’t. The work begins with the revision part.

Riley providing feedback

#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Debra H. Goldstein

I would like to welcome author, Debra H. Goldstein, to the blog for #ThisorThatThursday.

A few of your favorite things: I like dark chocolate, quiet time to read, and hanging with family and friends.

Things you need to throw out: Three dressy dresses I bought six years and twenty less pounds ago.

Things you need for your writing sessions: A comfortable chair and show music blaring.

Things that hamper your writing: My husband, who recently retired, being home during my writing time – he keeps the TV louder than my show music.

Things you love about writing: I love the creative process.

Things you hate about writing: I hate the creative process.

Hardest thing about being a writer: The hardest thing is not letting distractions keep me from sitting and writing.
Easiest thing about being a writer: Coming up with ideas.

Favorite foods: I love pizza, ice cream, and dark chocolate.

Things that make you want to gag: Cottage cheese and tuna fish.

Favorite music or song: Show tunes – I love Broadway shows.

Music that drives you crazy: Heavy metal music drives me crazy.

Favorite beverage: Coca-cola
Something that gives you a sour face: Water

 Favorite smell: The fragrance of roses (especially yellow ones simply because I like the look of them)
Something that makes you hold your nose: My husband’s gym clothing after he’s exercised.

The last thing you ordered online: A copy of Damned if you Do Damned if you Don’t by Marjorie K. Osterman

The last thing you regret buying: a hand scale from Magellan’s to weigh luggage

Things you always put in your books: Humor
Things you never put in your books: My family

Favorite places you’ve been: Barcelona, San Francisco, and New York
Places you never want to go to again: Underground in a coal mine where the seam is only three feet high.

Favorite things to do: Spending time with family and friends; going out to eat; reading; and writing.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: Cooking --- my Sarah Blair character comes by her fear of cooking from scratch naturally

About Debra:

Judge Debra H. Goldstein writes Kensington’s Sarah Blair mystery series (One Taste Too Many, Two Bites Too Many). She also wrote Should Have Played Poker and IPPY Award winning Maze in Blue. Her short stories, including Anthony and Agatha nominated “The Night They Burned Ms. Dixie’s Place,” have appeared in numerous periodicals and anthologies including Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Black Cat Mystery Magazine, and Mystery Weekly. Debra serves on the national boards of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America and is president of the Southeast Chapter of MWA and past president of SinC’s Guppy Chapter. Find out more about Debra at www.DebraHGoldstein.com .

 Let’s Be Social:

https://www.amazon.com/Bites-Many-Sarah-Blair-Mystery-ebook/dp/B07MB4779P

 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/two-bites-too-many-debra-h-goldstein/1130055243

 Website – www.DebraHGoldstein.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DebraHGoldsteinAuthor/

Twitter - @DebraHGoldstein

Instagram – debra.h.goldstein

Bookbub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/debra-h-goldstein.   Debra

Why Should I Join a Writers' Group?

Writing is often a lonely effort. I believe writers at all stages of their careers need opportunities to interact with other writers. I am a member of Sisters in Crime (National, Central Virginia, and Guppies), James River Writers, and International Thriller Writers. These groups are invaluable for the education, support, ideas, and comradery. Here’s why I think you need a writers’ group…

1. You will find critique partners or beta readers. My Sisters in Crime chapter has a mystery critique group. This is a chance for me to get feedback from readers and writers in my genre. I have learned so much from my reviews and the discussions of others’ work. It is a time commitment, but it is well worth it when I’m trying to polish a manuscript.

2. You will learn about publishing opportunities. Many groups publish anthologies. This gives members an opportunity to gain publishing credits and learn about the process. These groups also share information about calls for submission and other opportunities for writers.

3. You will learn stuff. Many offer conferences like James River Writers. It’s a wonderful opportunity to attend panels, discussions, and workshops. They also have pitch opportunities with agents. Sisters in Crime and Guppies offer free or discounted online webinars (live and recorded) to its members. There are also scholarships available for other learning opportunities. Many also have local programs. My SinC-CV chapter has had programs recently on how authors and libraries can work together, crime reporting, and a tour of the courts with the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

4. You will meet readers and writers. These groups are great ways to network and meet others. Many have social events and programs. Some have casual meet ups. You’ll make contacts and have opportunities to share information. I call on my networks for things like blurbs and to fill guest blog posts. It’s also a way to share opportunities and ideas. My writer friends are wealth of information.

5. You will expand your social media following. When you meet people and network, you connect in person and on the web. I subscribe to lots of author newsletters because I want to keep up with their books. It’s a great way to stay connected. Plus, it will give you ideas for your website, newsletter, and social media platforms.

6. You will find volunteer opportunities. These groups are always looking for volunteers to help with a variety of events or projects. This is a great way to give back and to meet others.

7. You will learn about opportunities for writer appearances. My SinC-CV chapter keeps a speakers’ bureau list. Librarians and book clubs are always contacting us asking for a speaker for their group/event. Also, many of these groups host events where they need speakers/panelists. My SinC-CV group hosts Mysterypalooza which is a writers’ panel and book signing.

My memberships in writing groups are well worth it. I have met so many great writers (and readers) who share their time, energy, and ideas, and they have helped me tremendously get my start on the writing path.

#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Lois Winston

I’d like to welcome author, Lois Winston, to the blog for #ThisorThatThursday.

Things you need for your writing sessions: Complete silence.

Things that hamper your writing: Noise from leaf blowers, snow throwers, lawn mowers, and the incessant barking of the three dogs that live next door.

Things you love about writing: Getting lost in a world of my own creation.

Things you hate about writing: When the words and ideas just don’t come.

Hardest thing about being a writer: Planting my butt in a chair for hours and hours each day.

Easiest thing about being a writer:  You have an excuse for listening to the voices in your head.

Favorite foods: Crème brûlée, chocolate anything, macarons (I once dragged my husband all over Nice, France in search of a patisserie that sold them.

Things that make you want to gag: Peanut butter (I used to have to hold my breath when I made PB&J sandwiches for my kids when they were little.

Favorite music or song: Most Broadway musicals. Right now I’m obsessed with the music from Hamilton.

Music that drives you crazy: If I told you, I’d probably alienate a portion of my readership, which I’d never want to do. Can I lie and say I love all musical genres?

Favorite beverage: Coffee.

Something that gives you a sour face: Beer. I’ve never been able to develop a taste for the stuff.

Favorite smell: Vanilla.

Something that makes you hold your nose: Cigarette and cigar smoke (and peanut butter.)

Something you’re really good at: Getting my protagonist into trouble.

Something you’re really bad at: Speaking French.

Something you like to do: Go to the theater.

Something you wish you’d never done: Gone skiing.

Things you always put in your books: Humor.

Things you never put in your books: Anything of a political nature (I don’t want to alienate readers on either side of the aisle.)

Things that make you happy: Certain members of my family.

Things that drive you crazy: Certain other members of my family.

The nicest thing a reader said to you: I’ve had several readers write to tell me they were going through a very difficult time in their lives, and my books made them laugh when they really needed a good laugh.

The craziest thing a reader said to you: She didn’t like my book because it was nothing like Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series. Huh? Why would she think it would be? I write humorous amateur sleuth mysteries, not hardcore thrillers!

About Lois’s Latest…

Handmade Ho-Ho Homicide

An Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery, Book 8

Two and a half weeks ago magazine crafts editor Anastasia Pollack arrived home to find Ira Pollack, her half-brother-in-law, had blinged out her home with enough Christmas lights to rival Rockefeller Center. Now he’s crammed her small yard with enormous cavorting inflatable characters. She and photojournalist boyfriend and possible spy Zack Barnes pack up the unwanted lawn decorations to return to Ira. They arrive to find his yard the scene of an over-the-top Christmas extravaganza. His neighbors are not happy with the animatronics, laser light show, and blaring music creating traffic jams on their normally quiet street. One of them expresses his displeasure with his fists before running off.

 In the excitement, the deflated lawn ornaments are never returned to Ira. The next morning Anastasia once again heads to his house before work to drop them off. When she arrives, she discovers Ira’s attacker dead in Santa’s sleigh. Ira becomes the prime suspect in the man’s murder and begs Anastasia to help clear his name. But Anastasia has promised her sons she’ll keep her nose out of police business. What’s a reluctant amateur sleuth to do?

Buy Links

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VG2QZXV/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=Handmade+Ho-Ho+Homicide&qid=1563673299&s=gateway&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=loiswins-20&linkId=cbd92af3c45b1134cb5408cc8450e3b4&language=en_US

 Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/handmade-ho-ho-homicide

 Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/handmade-ho-ho-homicide-lois-winston/1132607263?ean=2940163093748

 iTunes https://books.apple.com/us/book/handmade-ho-ho-homicide/id1473711082

About Lois:

USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Lois Winston writes mystery, romance, romantic suspense, chick lit, women’s fiction, children’s chapter books, and nonfiction under her own name and her Emma Carlyle pen name. Kirkus Reviews dubbed her critically acclaimed Anastasia Pollack Crafting Mystery series, “North Jersey’s more mature answer to Stephanie Plum.” In addition, Lois is a former literary agent and an award-winning craft and needlework designer who often draws much of her source material for both her characters and plots from her experiences in the crafts industry.

 Let’s Be Social:

Website: www.loiswinston.com

Newsletter sign-up: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z1z1u5

Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers blog: www.anastasiapollack.blogspot.com

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/anasleuth

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Anasleuth

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/722763.Lois_Winston

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lois-winston

Does Pop Culture Influence Your Writing?

I am a first generation Sesame Street kid and first generation MTV. I watched a lot of 70s and 80s TV (pre-cable). Movies, music, and TV were a staple along with prepackaged food like TV dinners, Kool Aid, Pop Rocks, and Fizzies (which you can still buy). I also watched hours of reruns of shows from previous generations on the other two channels that we had (besides the three major networks). (That’s how I became a Monkees’ fan.) I read fan magazines like Teen Beat and Tiger Beat.

My love for mysteries started out with Saturday morning cartoons: Scooby-Doo, Josie and the Pussycats, and of course, Nancy Drew. When The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew came out, I was glued to the set weekly for the mysteries and Shaun Cassidy.

Pop culture appears frequently in my stories, novellas, and novels. My private investigator, Delanie Fitzgerald, is an 80s girl, too. She likes driving her Mustang, 80s music, and gadgets. She is always getting involved in some sort of craze such as larping (Live Action Role Playing), roller derby, Renaissance Faires, or Comicon from today’s social media and techno-flavored world. My ,mysteries are set in present day, so the characters go places, watch TV, and explore social media. That gadgets of 2019 will one day be from “the past” very soon. I like the nostalgia of days gone by. It’s fun to watch movies and see the “technology,” tools, or fads of the day.

When you refer to copyrighted or trademarked materials, make sure to respect the trademark/copyright with the spelling/punctuation of the name. Also, avoid using a trademark to represent all types. For example, Xerox is a brand. It shouldn’t represent all photocopiers.

I like to use real places and events in my stories. Most of mine are set in Virginia, and I love to share the history, culture, and the places. When I use real locations or events, I do not have the crimes take place there. I always make up the location.

Happy reading and watch out for the pop culture references.

#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Frances Aylor

I would like to welcome author, Frances Aylor to the blog this week for #ThisorThatThursday!

A few of your favorite things: Pictures of my family & friends, my travels, fun things I’ve done. These connect me with past and present and inspire me to plan interesting experiences for the future.

Things you need to throw out: Old textbooks. I keep thinking I’ll reread them some day to keep my mind sharp, but the odds of revisiting Latin or intermediate accounting or my Spanish-language version of Don Quixote are pretty slim.

Things you love about writing: Talking to book clubs, having them discuss my characters as real people and not just something I molded together from imagination and memories.

Things you hate about writing: Struggling to get my ideas on paper, working much too long to get a sentence, a paragraph or an image just right.

Favorite music or song: Anything by Jason Mraz. He’s from my hometown and sings upbeat songs about happiness and love. I especially like “Have It All.”

Music that drives you crazy: When rock song I’ve loved get turned into the background for TV commercials. They’re messing up good memories!

Something you’re really good at:  Music. I play the piano and organ and was even a church organist many years ago.

Something you’re really bad at: Singing. I can’t hit high notes anymore. I’m always singing an octave below everyone else.

Last best thing you ate: Salted caramel ice cream. Terrific mix of sweet and salty.

Last thing you regret eating: Escargot in a restaurant in a Mexican airport. I was trying to be adventurous. My stomach rebelled.

The last thing you ordered online: Dryer sheets. I now have enough to last ten years.

The last thing you regret buying: An online rug. It looked bright and crisp on the website, but was a muddy burgundy when I rolled it out in my den. Really heavy and awkward to roll back up and return.

Things you always put in your books: I like happy endings: for the good guys to win and the bad guys to receive justice.

Things you never put in your books: Excessive violence.

Favorite books (or genre): I love mysteries, suspense and thrillers. In the Woods by Tana French is a favorite. Books you wouldn’t buy:  Books that are too scary, violent or gory.

Things that make you happy: Being with my family, traveling to new places, meeting fun people.

Things that drive you crazy: People who are so focused on their own opinions that they won’t listen to other points of view.

Best thing you’ve ever done:  Marry my high-school sweetheart. He’s kind, supportive of all the crazy things I do, and even after all these years still tells me how much he loves me.

Biggest mistake: Investing in rental property. It seemed so easy when we read the book. We bought 3 houses and sold them within a year when collecting from tenants became too much of a hassle.

Most daring thing you’ve ever done:  Jumping off a 4,000 foot mountain in Switzerland to go paragliding.

Something you chickened out from doing: Scuba diving. The thought of being hundreds of feet underwater and getting nudged by a shark terrifies me.

 Let’s Be Social:

Website and blog: https://francesaylor.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FrancesAylorAuthor/

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Frances-Aylor

About Frances:

Frances Aylor, CFA combines her investing experience and love of travel (she has visited over 30 countries) in her financial thrillers. Money Grab is her first novel. She has also written several short stories, including "The Girl in the Airport" in the Deadly Southern Charm anthology. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and is currently the president of Sisters in Crime - Central Virginia.

What Have You Done for Your Writing Life Lately?

My work style is more productive with tasks, deadlines, and lists. I’m an IT manager (an ESTJ with Myers Briggs and Red/Dominance with the DISC). I have the same style and preferences in my writing life.

1. I am a list maker. There is a certain level of satisfaction with crossing off items when they’re done. I also like to see what was accomplished. I make lists to make sure I hit deadlines and keep promises.

2. Continuing education and training are important. There are always new things to learn. There are a lot of low cost/free courses on book marketing and the writing craft. Check out YouTube. Also a lot of writing groups offer courses and conferences. James River Writers offers a great conference in Richmond each year that covers all aspects of the writing life. My Sisters in Crime and Guppy chapters offer courses and stipends to promote learning.

3. Years ago when I decided that I wanted to write a novel, I bought or checked out every writing book I could get my hands on. Finally, I had to stop reading and start writing. You learn by writing, revising, and editing. The pile of how-to books went to the Friends of the Library book sale. (I did keep two. Stephen King’s ON WRITING and Janet Evanovich’s HOW I WRITE.) Just do it! Sit down and start writing (or outlining).

4. Find a critique partner, group, or beta readers in your genre to help you improve your writing. My critique group and beta readers are great for pointing out plot holes and inconsistencies. You agree to read their work, and they read yours. My Sisters in Crime - Central Virginia group just returned from summer hiatus, so I’m excited to get back in the swing of reviewing manuscripts.

5. If you’re getting ready to query a manuscript to an agent or editor, make sure you have everything ready to go. You may not need all of this to send out the query letter, but if you get a request for follow up information, you’ll need to have it. I build out a file for each book. Include:

• A Professional Headshot

• Summary of Your Story

• An Elevator Pitch for Your Story

• Your Author Biography

• A List of Links for All Your Social Media Sites

• A Synopsis (with the Ending)

• A Character List

My News from Last Week…

Last week was full of news. I found out that the Library of Virginia added my Delanie Fitzgerald books to their permanent, Virginia Writers’ collection. That is exciting. I love the LoV. If you’re in #RVA, you have to stop and see it. It’s part library, museum, and historical archives.

I was also very fortunate last week to sign with a literary agent for my cozy series set in Charlottesville. I am very excited to work with her team, and her stable of authors have been so welcoming and encouraging!

I also passed my Professional Scrum Master exam last week. Look out IT world!

What things have you done this week for your writing life?