My last installment was about doing everything yourself. If you’re not ready to take on The Whole Enchilada, you’re going to need some professional help.
GET THEE TO AN EDITOR:
I’ve already urged you to use a professional proof editor as the last editor to consult before going to press or sending your digital book out for readers. But you may need more than simple proof reading, you may feel the need to consult with a professional on more global issues in your manuscript.
EMMA DRYDEN has been in children’s book publishing for 25 years. Nearly 19 of those were with Simon & Schuster. Now she has launched a business of her own in which she offers editorial and creative services to authors of children’s books.
My editor, EVELYN FAZIO, has 32 years of publishing experience and has worked at Simon & Schuster/Prentice-Hall, Random House, Marshall Cavendish, and M.E. Sharpe. A former Vice President of E-Content Acquisitions for Baker & Taylor. She’s now freelance editing, and I can highly recommend her. She never guided me wrong with my first two books, and from my experience she has a keen sense about what a book needs to bring it to publication. I hope to work with Evelyn again.
Barbara Watson has recently set up her editing business, and in November I’ll try to lure her onto The Write Game to tell us more about her career and what she offers to writers. Find out more about her EDITING SERVICE.
IF YOU’RE NOT A WHIZ AT MOVIE MAKING . . .
Now I’m going to show you why you need professional help with that book trailer by totally embarrassing myself. Below is what I was pulling together for my book trailer . . . on my own . . . no help except from my computer. Then my primary Critic-Help Mate-Chief-Of-WhackUp-The-Side-Of-The Head (AKA husband) said, “You’ve got to be kidding.” No, he was kinder than that. He put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Get a professional, honey.”
DMS says
Thanks for the helpful advice. I love that you posted about these fabulous editors! It is always nice to be reminded of this crucial step!
For some reason I wasn't able to view your first trailer- though I am very curious to see it. I think it is awesome that your husband is so supportive and wanted you to spend money on a book trailer. The one you have now is one of my favorites of all the ones I have seen! I love it!
~Jess
Beverly Stowe McClure says
Thanks for the advice and the contacts, Lee. My work definitely needs lots of editing. 🙂
J.L. Campbell says
Hi, Lee,
The editors I've worked with so far have been top notch and taught me lots.
Christina Morley says
Hi Lee! I saw your comment on the Kid Lit blog hop and found your neat website. My 4-year-old scrolled several times over your books and watched them move. lol 😀 I'm following you because your last name is the same as my mom's and step-dad's – McKenzie (he's very Scottish)! And, after having read this post, I'm also interested in your knowledge of publishing. I was lucky that my husband's aunt was willing to offer her services to edit my book for free. I've been posting it a bit at a time on my blog Happy Moms, Happy Homes and would love to see it in book form too.
Tina – mom of 4 and author of 5 blogs
http://happymomshappyhomes.blogspot.com
nutschell says
Ooh Emma Dryden is awesome! SHe was one of our speakers/faculty members at the SCBWI WOrking WRiters retreat 3 years ago:)
Nutschell
http://www.thewritingnut.com
Rose Munevar says
I've used Barbara's editing/content services and can definitely recommend her. I'm using her suggestions to revise my novel and I think it will be better for it.
Kelly Polark says
I couldn't watch your first trailer either…
Thank you for the great tips and names for editors!
LynNerdKelley says
Emma Dryden rocks! I love that woman. She was one of the speakers at the Working Writers Retreat I attended in L.A. three years ago. She's the one who inspired me to start a website. Her suggestions about what to put on it somehow clicked with me. Then I started my blog a while after that, but she knows her stuff.
I clicked on the link to watch your attempt at a book trailer but it didn't come up. 🙁 I LOVE the trailer Misty Taggart designed for you. It's great. Thanks for her link and for the other two editors, along with Emma's.
Elizabeth Seckman says
Great advice.
Beth says
Lee, do you feel the trailer helped you generate sales?
Libby says
I love the "Get a professional, honey." Love it. My husband would do the same.
Cecilia Robert says
Lee, I big hug to you! Totally needed this info, especially the trailer part. I've been trying to do one for my YA and to tell you the truth, it's a disaster..lol Thanks so much!
Angela Ackerman says
Good to have some personal recommendations…thanks for sharing, Lee!
Angela
Larissa says
Great tips, and thanks for the links!
Lynn Proctor says
wow so much good advice!
Southpaw says
Thanks for the tips and the resources.
LTM says
Oh my goodness!!! I don't mean YOUR book trailer–it's awesome! I mean ME making a book trailer. What to do… 😀 LOL–sorry! <3
LTM says
Very cool, Lee! Editing is such a necessary step–I hope everyone uses these guys's services! And ahh, the book trailer… hmm…
Good stuff! :o) <3
Talli Roland says
It's so hard to find the right editor, so the tips are very much appreciated!
Natalie Aguirre says
Thanks for the tips on editors Lee. So excited for Barbara and her new service.