How do you 'produce' a novel?

[monkeytree]

Hi

Looking for some advice please

I'm just over half way of editing the first draft of my novel which is approx 80.000 words long. I plan to self publish.
What comes next?
I plan to do a second edit myself and potentially a third but could do with some professional input ie someone to check and correct grammar and someone to final edit plus illustrate front cover (I have an idea in mind) Is this costly? Has anyone paid someone independently to do this? Which comes first? Any advice gratefully received

[ImperialBlether]

Why are you intending to self publish? Why wouldn't you approach an agent?

[Nutterfly]

Hi, the costs vary hugely depending on what you need but it's not worth skimping.
Firstly, it's really worth getting your book as polished as possible before sending on to the editor. It'll make the process a lot smoother.
I'd recommend trying to find a few beta readers too -- people who'll read your story and just give some overall feedback. There are a number of sites online where you can find beta readers, although it's usually a swap thing.
As far as editing goes, it depends on what you need as there are different types of edits. The most expensive is structural or developmental editing where they'll look at absolutely everything and help you develop the story. If you're a newbie, this may be the best option. You can then get anything up to just plain proofreading where someone will check for typos and obvious errors.
The cost is anything from £100 for a proofread to a few thousand. I'd say don't spend more than £1000 though.
Covers, it depends. You can get some really nice ready-made covers for maybe £60, but commissioning ones from scratch will cost up to around £600.
Finally, watch for sharks. Self-publishing is a huge industry, and there are plenty of professionals but just as many bottom feeders trying to make a quick buck. Make sure you google anyone before you give them money.
It's also worth taking a look at accrispin.blogspot.co.uk/ which is the Writer Beware website.
I've got a 'self-publishing basics' page on my website where I've got all my recommendations (editors etc) and stuff you need. I don't like linking on here (I like to keep MN and real life separate!) so let me know if you want me to PM you a link.

Oh, and good luck :)

[schmalex]

What about a structural edit? I think that needs to come first before copy editing.

I am also intrigued as to why you would self-publish if you haven't tried the traditional route.

[welshmist]

Find authors on FB there are many and ask their advice.

[monkeytree]

Hi
Thank you for your replies so far, yes I could do with some structural editing I think. I've never really written anything before, certainly never had anything published but this book practically wrote itself. I've written it for myself more than anything and probably don't consider my book worthy enough to approach anyone to publish it although I'm feeling quite proud of it, that's why I thought I'd go ahead and self publish. I wouldn't have a clue who to send it to for consideration. I have an acquaintance in rl who could probably give me some advice although they've written children's books rather than a novel. I have a bit of money to spend on this but obviously don't want to spend loads, I am a sahm and have no personal income of my own but I do have a generous dh thankfully X

[monkeytree]

I'm nervous about people reading my book before it's published and basically writing it as their own (beta readers) this book is special to me and I don't see myself writing another one in a hurry!

[Nutterfly]

With regards the self-publishing vs traditional route, I think it very much depends what you're looking for.
Traditional, you get an advance (which may or may not be decent), the peace of mind that it'll be professional if you're unsure, but also take the risk that your book may not get picked up, and probably have to deal with endless rounds of agent/publisher submissions.
Self-publishing is more like being self-employed. You take on all the risks and hard work.. but you also get all the rewards (royalties are higher) and control over your own business.
I chose self-pubbing without trying the traditional route first, because I liked the idea that if I worked hard and did it right, success was wholly in my hands (and has been).
(Sorry if this is a bit of a hijack but a couple of posters have mentioned it)

[Nutterfly]

Ah, cross-post. If you're only planning on the one, traditional route might be better. You only tend to make money and see a return on investment after you've written a few as a self-pubber.

[WooWooWitchetyWoo]

I'd be very careful if working with developmental/completion editors at the rates mentioned above OP. I don't differentiate between private commissions and work for publishers - I produce to the same standard no matter the client, but you should always get someone who has a proven track record and can direct you to other projects.

There are a lot of scammers out there and I get approached far too often by people who have paid a fortune (more than I charge, and I'm not cheap!) and it needs started again from scratch.

[elephantscansing]

I'd recommend looking at the SfEP's Directory - www.sfep.org.uk/directory - for qualified fiction editors - type in any search terms to get what you're looking for.

The SfEP's suggested minimum hourly rate for editing is £27. Many editors will charge less, esp. for self-publishing authors, but bear in mind you get what you pay for.

Writers normally choose the following:
developmental/structural editing
copy-editing
proofreading

if they can afford it.

[monkeytree]

Many thanks for all of your replies x