I reviewed several books for SPAWNews this week. Note: I only review books for writers, artists and authors. One of those I reviewed is for editors. It’s Starting Your Career as a Freelance Editor—a Guide to Working with Authors, Books, Newsletters, Magazines, Websites, and More by Mary Embree. This 230-page book was published by Allworth Press this year.
If you are considering a career as an editor, I suggest you study it from cover to cover.
Not only does Mary explain the ins and outs of the business, she tells how she got started as an editor. And, in chapter two, you’ll be treated to stories from four additional editors as they tell how they got started in this business. I’m one of those editors.
I’ve been thinking about all of the books I’ve written and all of those I’ve contributed to. I have 36 published books of my own, and I can only guess that I have provided material, quotes and/or testimonials for dozens more. These are books on authorship and publishing mostly. But I am also included in one fashion or another in books on grandparenting, spirituality, marketing, parenting, health/fitness as well as children’s books, a poetry book and even novels.
Once you have established yourself in your field or genre, you may be asked to participate in similar books by other authors. They will ask you for a testimonial, a quote or permission to use material from one of your books or ebooks. You’ll receive invitations to speak to groups and appear on radio shows and podcasts.
But this will happen only if you are putting yourself out there as an expert and/or can offer a fresh perspective in your field or genre, you are a good writer and you hire an editor before publishing and you are constantly reaching out to your audience, the media, etc.
There’s enormous competition for authors/speakers today in every field and genre. Those who are being noticed aren’t necessarily the best—but they are the ones making the most noise. If their work stands up to their hype, they will get the most prestigious invitations. Keep this in mind as you work on your novel or nonfiction books. If you ultimately want sales, you’ll have to be proactive in promoting yourself.
Let me ask you this, whether you are writing your book or you have a book in hand, what are you doing to get noticed? PLFry620@yahoo.com
http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com
Some of you know that I offer free ebooks for authors from my Patricia Fry website. I offered “50 Reasons Why You Should Write That Book.” Now I have “50 Ways to Promote Your Ebook.” I’m thinking about writing one on “50 Ways for Authors to Prepare for Success.” Good idea?