There are two factors that provide mental arguments when it comes to asking for help. The first is admitting that you cannot solve the problem and perform the task to completion. The second is money.
With YouTube and Google, getting fast, mostly accurate information is at your fingertips. Writing the books, it turns out, has been the easy part. When it comes to a point in the story that I don’t know how it will bridge, I wait. Sometimes an hour, a day, a week. Then, usually when I am on the treadmill for a fast walk, it comes. It is quite exhilarating. A rush. Getting off the treadmill and getting it written down is key as it can leave as quick as it came.
The first manuscript draft is always raw. The second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. bring the story to something I envisioned but works, overall, for those who may eventually pick up the book. This is the hope. It is one thing admitting the book needs an outside expert to design a cover or the interior. However, admitting the words need a full, outside edit is another. Truth is, it does. That’s where it goes awry.
An edit comes in many shapes and sizes. Since tapping into the world of FIVERR and global experts, which I have made small contracts for some components of the book process in the past, I have yet to contract an editor.
There is the simple edit for grammar and syntax. Formatting is an option. Then, do you want the outsider to give you feedback and recommendations as to structure. This last part is where I have stopped as I’m sure there is much that an expert can offer to put my concept and words into a structure that will be the most beneficial to the most readers. A better flow. Besides the worry that my concept will be lost, this is the highest cost in all editing services.
Two of the five novels, with the main character, Christian O’Donnell, are completed. They are CLAP and Alien Alchemy. The choice to have the books edited by someone other than myself or friends, has been made. However, I am drawing the line at feedback and recommendations. That leaves cost for each book. Staying in budget, a must.
The quotes are coming in from FIVERR. It is incredible how many people I have worked with around the globe. This is an unexpected surprise from when I started writing. A good surprise. I enjoy contracting with those from different countries, cultures, backgrounds, as well as those in America. My books are meant to reach out to people and bring something new or something they can relate to. Before the book is published, it has already done this when I contract with a person who has the skills I need to add to the book and they are halfway around the world.
The process of finding an agent or publisher, that has not occurred outside of the children’s book (Mr. Longstory meets Mr. Longstory), which will be for another blog, was too time consuming, so independent author avenue was chosen. There is a committment to creating a better book. Google or YouTube would provide what I needed. Wrong. The process of writing and publishing is fascinating. Learning is continuous. It has been five years since beginning this process and I’m just scratching the surface. It has taken that long to wear me down to admitting help is a good thing. My work will be better with outside input. Reaching people in corners of their world by tapping corners of my mind is still a passion.
For the second argument I give to myself, with a few more sacrifices, the money will be found.
Trying to do it all takes away from what you as the writer have the most of and should spend the most time doing, writing. When to ask for help? My advise is today.
Blessings,
Finn
BOSS your GOAL (ByG)
