Some authors think a book editor’s job is to correct spelling and punctuation, but a book editor does so much more. Yes, part of their job is proofreading a manuscript and correcting spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors; however, a book editor is also a fact checker and a manuscript doctor. In addition, there are different levels and types of book editors.

Copyeditor: Basic copyediting involves reviewing text and correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation. A copyeditor will read your entire manuscript, checking for consistency, redundancy, flow, transition, and the proper use of words. He or she will ensure that the proper tense and tone are maintained throughout the book, and provide suggestions or copywriting to smoothly transition from one thought to the next. Some copyeditors are asked to fact check statistics and sources within the book for accuracy. The copyeditor is also skilled at eliminating confusion, providing clarity, and making sure the author doesn’t lose the reader’s interest. Skilled copyeditors are proficient in maintaining the author’s style and tone, while polishing the manuscript and improving the copy.

Developmental Editor: While the copyeditor receives the book after it has been written, a developmental editor is involved with the writing process, sometimes before the author has even begun to write the book. Developmental editing involves the entire development and organization of the book, the characters, the story line, and the pace in which it is told. The developmental editor often suggests the order in which the chapters are presented, as well as the overall content, flow, and arrangement of text. When the developmental editor is done, the book should be ready to be sent to a copyeditor.

Do you need both? No. Some authors will only need a copyeditor. Depending on their writing skills, some may need different levels of copy editing, from basic to heavy line editing, and even occasional ghostwriting.

Depending on the type of editing desired, what should be a book editor charge? The following book editor rates were suggested by the Editorial Freelancers Association in 2008:

Basic copyediting:       $25 to $40 per hour     Pace: 5 to 10 pages an hour

Heavy copyediting:      $35 to $50 per hour     Pace: 2 to 5 pages an hour

Substantive editing:      $40 to $65 per hour     Pace: 1 to 6 pages per hour

(also called line editing)

Developmental editing: $50 to $80 per hour    Pace: 2 to 5 pages per hour

Of course, rates vary from one book editor to another. Some freelance book editors will work for $10 to $20 per hour, but you can expect experienced book editors to charge $25 or more per hour. Expect to pay more for editing technical writing or specialized subject matter, as well.

A book editor is an expense that you should include in the costs to write and publish your book. Their expertise often means the difference between an okay book and an exceptional book. If you want your book to give you credibility, secure the services of an experienced book editor who will polish it and make your book the very best it can be.

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Editorial Freelancers Association book editor rates obtained at: http://freelancewrite.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=freelancewrite&cdn=careers&tm=60&gps=396_1000_1415_738&f=10&tt=12&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.the-efa.org/res/rates.php

In the publishing industry, different titles are given to different positions, each having a different set of responsibilities. Some of the most common positions are ghostwriters, editors, and developmental editors. Each plays an important role to the author who needs their services. Let’s take a look at each of them and define their contribution to the book writing and publishing process.

• Ghostwriter: A ghostwriter is responsible for writing a book. In exchange for a fee, the ghostwriter completes the manuscript based on the client’s message, material, and ideas. They are usually experienced writers who have knowledge of the publishing industry and help their clients convey a compelling, interesting, and appealing message to the reader. A ghostwriter can be asked to write a book without any input from their client, or they can be asked to communicate often, obtaining the author’s unique message to use as content for the book. The ghostwriter’s byline usually is not included on the book cover, and the author often doesn’t give credit to the ghostwriter for his or her services. However, some ghostwriters are given credit next to the author’s name, using “with the ghostwriter” or “as told to” the ghostwriter.
• Developmental editor: A developmental editor does not write the book, but he or she is responsible for assisting the author with the organization, layout, and delivery of their message. A developmental editor advises the author on the next logical step in the presentation of the material. It’s common for developmental editors to add or eliminate characters in a fiction story, ideas or concepts in a non-fiction story, and to assist the author with the story line. A developmental editor might suggest moving entire chapters or presenting them from a different perspective. They are fundamental in the overall development of the book, but while some do contribute some level of ghostwriting to enhance the flow of the material, they are not usually responsible for the actual writing of the manuscript.
• Editor: The editor is the last person to receive the manuscript. When the author has completed writing his or her book, it is then sent to the editor, who polishes it and checks it for accuracy. The editor proofreads the book, checking it for spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors, and also ensures consistency throughout the story, correcting any areas which conflict. For instance, if the author stated that the main character had brown hair, but later changed that to blonde hair, the editor would catch that and correct it. The editor also ensures proper word usage, verb tense, and consistent tone is used throughout. They look for areas which lack clarity, or are choppy or redundant. They are adept at making sure the book follows a consistent pace, flows well, and transitions between thoughts and ideas. Some editors perform a minimal level of ghostwriting to meet these ends, and some provide suggestions to the author for alternate wording or layout of chapters; however, they are not expected to totally rewrite and/or rearrange the content of the book. When the editor is finished, the book is ready to be formatted for print.

While most authors will not use the services of all three of these professionals, each is valuable in the book writing process, depending on the author’s needs. As an independent publisher and book coach, I help my clients find the services that best suit their needs. If you are interested in learning more, contact me at alicia@aliciadunams.com for a complimentary strategy session.

Don’t judge a book by its cover is a cliché that’s also a myth. People will judge your book by its cover.  It’s the first impression that conveys your book’s message, your brand, and most importantly, makes readers want to buy it. Since a book cover is so significant in your book’s success, you have to squeeze all the power you can from the things you include on it.

There are nine things every non-fiction book cover must include in order to generate appeal and interest, and to make your book an effective marketing tool for your business.

1.         Your photograph should be on the front cover. Including your picture on the front cover is a great branding tool. It’s worked for bestselling authors Suze Orman and Dr. Phil. Oprah and Rachel Ray aren’t shy, either, and their picture is on the front of every issue of their magazine. If, however, you feel that your platform takes a back seat to the information in your book, you should include your photo on the back cover. Regardless where you choose to put it, your photograph should always be included somewhere on the front or back cover of your book. It helps readers connect with you and gives them that personal feeling of ‘knowing’ you.

2.         Include an endorsement on the front or back cover. A high-profile endorsement from a celebrity or someone who is well-known in your field would be optimal for the front cover. It serves as an advertisement for your book, immediately generating interest and providing your book with added credibility. Endorsements are one of the easiest and most effective ways to generate interest and attention.

3.         Your website address should be included on your book cover. Whether you choose to put it on the front of the book with a free offer or on the back with your bio is your choice. Just know that your book is a marketing tool that will help you build traffic to your website and generate sales and clients. You have to let your readers know how to find you, and your website is the perfect way to do that.

4.         The features and benefits from your book should be included. What takeways will your readers receive from your book?  Why should they buy your book? What do you have to tell them that they really want to know? A short paragraph wetting their appetite and letting them know what your book will do for them is a good way to do this. So are bullet points and additional testimonials which reinforce your message and the content of your book.

5.         Your name must always be on the front and back cover of your book. Always. Your name is your brand. Promote yourself. Promote your brand.

6.         The back cover of your book should include a short bio of the author, letting readers know the most salient aspects of your life, your business, and your career. Who are you? Why did you write this book? What do you do and who do you do it for? Why is it important to you and to the reader? Keep it brief and to the point. You always have an opportunity to include a full-length bio in the interior pages of your book. This is a great area to reinforce your brand or industry tag name, such as Pete Carcione, The Greengrocer, or John Doe, America’s Most Requested Hypnotist, etc.

7.         The ISBN/Barcode should be included on the back cover. This is true if you are going to sell your book through online retail establishments like Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com and if your book will be available at physical retail establishments. However, if you’re only going to make your book available through your website or at the back of the room, you won’t need to include the ISBN/Barcode on the back of your book. Your graphic designer will be skilled in the placement of the barcode on the back cover.

8.         If you’re promoting a free offer, and you should be, someone should be able to see that offer immediately.  A free offer is a bonus you offer to people who have purchased your book, such as Bonus Offer: Free 15-minute consultation with John Doe, America’s Most Requested Hypnotist. This is applicable to authors who are using their book as a business card or brochure. The free offer is a way to promote your book, and gear readers to your business and other products and services.

9.         Last, but definitely not least, your book cover should include your book’s title and subtitle. Your title can have a hook, pack a punch, or be simple and to the point. Give it considerable thought, but don’t make it too long. You want to have room to display it prominently, and you definitely want to keep it short enough that people will remember it. If your book has a subtitle, and I recommend that all non-fiction books should, include the sub-title, which is a way to expand and elaborate on what your book is about in more detail. Again, don’t get too wordy!

If you have these nine things on your book cover, you now have more than an outside package to hold your book together—you have a cover that attracts readers, generates interest, promotes you, your business and your brand, and will generate book sales and increase your business.

Printed books or ebooks are the traditional mode for authors to convey their message. Their readers turn the pages, reading along as the author shares his or her insights. Audiobooks, on the other hand, give people an opportunity to ‘read’ a book by listening to it. No paper is necessary or long hours spent in front of a computer screen.

Which is better? That depends on who you ask. Some people don’t like to read or they don’t have the time to set aside specifically to read a book. They may prefer an audiobook, which gives them the opportunity to listen to a book while they’re driving or commuting, or even while they’re doing routine tasks around the house. Yet, others prefer the print version of a book, enjoying the written page, the ability to turn back at whim, or to curl up with a good book.

Continue reading article here.

It seems I upset a few people last week when I asked people to
unsubscribe for being “unserious” about writing a book.

I’m sorry.

But, I am also glad I said it.

Let me explain.

I got three angry emails from subscribers, and I ended up having
wonderful long conversations with all three. I got to learn about them
and their businesses. They were all happy I reached out to them.
I feel really good about this.

Truth be told, I want you to succeed and to succeed ridiculously.

Yet, to succeed you need to act.

Action requires getting out of you comfort zone and
MAKING THINGS HAPPEN.

So, with all that said – what one thing are you going to accomplish today to write your book,
market your business, or make more money? – AD

Getting reviews on Amazon.com are a great way to add credibility to your book and entice others to purchase it. While we’d all like every one of those reviews to be a five-star endorsement, that’s not likely. It’s not feasible to expect it, either. Logically, not every person who reads your book is going to give it top billing on Amazon.com—some may even give it a one or two-star rating. Others may deem your book to be somewhere in the middle, giving it three or four stars.

Why would your book receive a low rating? There are many reasons, and not all of them mean that your book is poorly written. Let’s look at some reasons books are given less than favorable ratings by Amazon.com customers.

1.         Your book is well written, but the reader doesn’t completely believe in your message or philosophy.

2.         The book conveys a message that appeals to many, but a few think it could have been written better.

3.         The reviewer had difficulty with their Amazon.com order. It wasn’t received on a timely basis or they had a negative buying experience with Amazon.com, so they took it out on you and your book, giving you a negative review because they were unhappy with Amazon.

4.         The reviewer is a competitor or someone who has a personal reason to attack you or your book.

5.         Your book really may need improvement.

Yes, you should expect to receive some biased, or even negative reviews. Every book is not a bestseller. Even bestsellers receive negative reviews. You should expect it. There should be a variety of ratings, and most people look at the average rating, not just one poor rating rendered by an unhappy customer.

But, what if you do receive a negative rating, and you don’t believe it is justified? What can you do about it? Well, there are several ways you can approach it, and depending on your situation, you may find success in either countering the rating or having it removed entirely.

1.         Each rating gives the author an opportunity to comment. Use this avenue to respond to a negative review if you believe the reviewer misinterpreted something in your book. Be kind and courteous, and brief, but point out where you believe the reviewer may have misconstrued your message. Do not attack! This will only serve to further any negative impressions and will flame the situation.

2.         Click “Report This” next to the comment. Use this avenue if you believe that someone gave your book a bad review based on situations beyond your control, like a negative buying experience. You should also use this approach if the review is personal, abusive, or obscene. (If you click “Report This” for those reasons, you can also ask several friends and associates to “Report This,” as well, giving Amazon.com additional reasons to support removing the review. This process is automated, and if Amazon.com receives nine or more “Report This” clicks, the review should be deleted.

3.         If you know the individual who gave you the poor review, you can contact them and offer a remedy to the situation in exchange for removing their poor review. Did they have a negative business experience with you or your company in the past? Offer to make it right; then make sure you do. Then kindly request they remove the negative review. Reviewers have the ability to remove reviews within 60 days of posting them.

4.         Negative reviews are usually only given weight when they are numerous. If your book has a lot of four and five star ratings, but only two negative reviews, it shouldn’t affect sales. However, if one or two bad reviews still bother you, you can outnumber them by asking more people to post reviews of your book (make sure the people you ask are going to post a positive review). Then, two bad reviews out of 100 won’t seem like such a big deal to you or to prospective buyers.

As you can see, there are opportunities to improve your Amazon.com book rating. However, remember that not every book appeals to everyone. Take a look at all of your reviews, not just the negative ones. Do your positive reviews outnumber any bad ones? Are the reviews impacting sales? Do the bad reviews share a consistent message? If so, you might want to go back and look at your book objectively and see if it does need improvement. If not, you can be happy knowing that your book is receiving a higher percentage of favorable reviews than unfavorable ones, and that’s a good thing.

Whether you’re a novice or you’ve dabbed a bit in the speaking arena, you, too, can become an in-demand professional speaker. There are several things you should do to create the interest and the engagements that will lead to a successful speaking career. Let’s review the five most important ones.

1.         Write a book. Yes, write a book. Authoring a book makes you an authority (that’s where the word ‘author’ comes from!). A book immediately makes you an expert in your industry or field. Are you a relationship coach or a fitness guru? Having a book with your name and picture on the cover will immediately create interest in you and your message and will add credibility to the fact that you are the go-to source in your field. It gives you an advantage over someone who hasn’t authored a book.

2.         Create a speaker’s sheet. A speaker’s sheet is a one or two-page introduction to you. It reveals who you are, as well as your expertise and relevant experience and background. Make it professional, but keep it as brief and to the point as possible, while injecting some of your unique personality into it to give the reader a flavor of your style. Include a high-resolution photograph and a brief synopsis of the topics you are available to speak about.

3.         Join Toastmasters. The best speakers are those who are comfortable speaking in front of groups. Join Toastmasters or other local organizations that help you refine your speaking skills and gain that level of comfort and ease in front of an audience. You’ll also learn how to really connect with your audience, a trait great speakers have perfected. Practice makes perfect, and this is a fantastic way to get that experience and to network with others in the speaking industry.

4.         Start speaking! Start small. Volunteer to speak at local libraries and rotary clubs. Don’t overlook the possibility of being a guest speaker for a parents’ group, an advisory group, or even a writer’s association. There are many clubs and organizations in every community that are looking for valuable content for their audience. Send them a letter, along with your speaker’s sheet, and let them know that you’re available for their next monthly meeting. This builds up your speaking experience, as well as your resume. It also increases your exposure within your community. Before long, organizations will begin contacting you as the go-to expert in your field.

5.         Take it on the road. Now that you have a book in hand and you’ve established yourself as a valuable speaker in the community and your local media, take your show on the road. Attend relevant seminars and workshops in your industry and network with the attendees and the hosts. These are the people who will ultimately be looking for a speaker in your industry in the future. Promote yourself through professional speaking sites and organizations. Make sure you include positive feedback and testimonials you’ve received in the past. With your expertise, experience, promotional material (speaker’s sheet), and your book, you’ve got everything to offer the next time someone is looking for the perfect speaker for their next event.

A celebrity endorsement is quite possibly the greatest sales boost you can give your book. Imagine a famous celebrity’s plug for your book on the front cover, enticing readers to buy it! The fact of the matter is that celebrities sell, which is why many companies use celebrities as sponsors and spokespersons for their products in commercials.

How do you get a celebrity to endorse your book? Quite simply, you ask.

Most people automatically think it’s impossible to get a celebrity endorsement, so they don’t bother asking. However, there are many celebrities who will be happy to help you, if you make it easy for them.

Celebrities are busy people, and frankly, while they might be well-known in their industry, they aren’t always writers. That’s why your request for an endorsement should be accompanied by sample ore prewritten endorsements that they can easily personalize or stamp their approval and name to.

The proper way to request a celebrity endorsement is to write a letter, which includes the following information:

1. A personal greeting

2. A brief introduction of you and your book

3. A copy of the book cover, or a review copy of your book

4. A kind request asking for an endorsement, telling the celebrity how their endorsement will benefit you and your book.

5. Prewritten sample endorsements for their review. Celebrities don’t have to do endorse your book, so if you do the job for them, making it as painless and easy as possible, they are more likely to accommodate your request. I recommend writing as many as 50 sample endorsements, giving them a wide variety from which to choose.

6. Let the celebrity know that you will be heavily marketing your book and that his/her endorsement will receive a large amount of publicity.

7. Finish the letter with a note of appreciation for their time and consideration.

8. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for their convenience in returning the endorsement.

Once your letter is done, you can submit it to 60,000 plus celebrities and their represents by obtaining their contact information at http://contactanycelebrity.com. The first seven days membership to contactanycelebrity.com is only $1. It’s a great resource to help you get the celebrity endorsement that will take your book to instant stardom!

With a society that is often prone to rush to litigation, the use of legal disclaimers in books have grown in popularity and are often strongly recommended. These disclaimers are suitable when your book offers health, fitness, diet, or financial advice. They also serve to protect the author and the publisher against liability when their book’s topic might invade someone’s privacy or result in a claim of defamation. In addition, when you provide instructional information or advice, it’s a good idea to protect yourself and your product from being held liable for the results achieved from their use or implementation.

That said, how do you, as an author, craft a legal disclaimer that will protect you and your book? It really isn’t that difficult. The easiest way to find the technical language that should be included in a legal disclaimer is to review disclaimers contained in books similar to yours and revise or mirror them. For instance, if your book offers financial advice, review the legal disclaimers in bestselling books that offer financial advice. It’s recommended that you select books published by a traditional publishing house, which has a legal staff who pens their disclaimers.

Here are a few samples of legal disclaimers used in books to get you started:

The information provided in this book is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. This book is not meant to be used, nor should it be used, to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. The publisher and author are not responsible for any specific health or allergy needs that may require medical supervision and are not liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application or preparation, to any person reading or following the information in this book. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement of any websites or other sources. Readers should be aware that the websites listed in this book may change.

Here is a disclaimer from a motivational book written in the Chicken Soup style, containing different chapters from different authors.

This book is designed to provide information and motivation to our readers. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged to render any type of psychological, legal, or any other kind of professional advice. The content of each article is the sole expression and opinion of its author, and not necessarily that of the publisher. No warranties or guarantees are expressed or implied by the publisher’s choice to include any of the content in this volume. Neither the publisher nor the individual author(s) shall be liable for any physical, psychological, emotional, financial, or commercial damages, including, but not limited to, special, incidental, consequential or other damages. Our views and rights are the same: You are responsible for your own choices, actions, and results.

Here’s the legal disclaimer from a book which outlines a program for business administrators:

This book is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The author and publisher are not offering it as legal, accounting, or other professional services advice. While best efforts have been used in preparing this book, the author and publisher make no representations or warranties of any kind and assume no liabilities of any kind with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness of use for a particular purpose. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be held liable or responsible to any person or entity with respect to any loss or incidental or consequential damages caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information or programs contained herein. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. Every company is different and the advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should seek the services of a competent professional before beginning any improvement program. The story and its characters and entities are fictional. Any likeness to actual persons, either living or dead, is strictly coincidental.

As you can see, a legal disclaimer doesn’t have to be a lengthy contract. It’s a small amount of work, though, that can offer a large amount of defense and protection.