Freedom. That's what we Writers live for, write for, need. It's also the very thing that is often frowned upon. Okay, say you've found the dream Literary Agent, your work of fiction or non-fiction has been submitted and accepted by a Traditional Publisher. Almost immediately they begin to chisel and chip at your beautiful work of art. Sure no thing is perfect and almost anything can stand a little buffing. But as a rule, we live by an unspoken creed. Once pen stops writing, notebook is closed, files have been saved, manuscript has been printed, and the laptop powered down; we consider the book done. But au contraire, this is when all of your hard work is susceptible to chops, clips, and changes to say the least. By whom you ask and i'm glad you did! The proofreader, the editor, the illustrator, the Publisher... Yes. When you take the traditional publishing route you surrender creative control. A worry that is never pondered when walking the Self Publish trail. The first and final say belongs to you. But this can be both a blessing and a curse. The blessing of course is the liberty to voice your words in any manner you choose. The curse? Awful books that could have been saved if someone had been there to steer the reigns or give experienced guidance. Instead the freedom to write, print, and publish is taken for granted, giving Self Published Authors a bad name.

My advice: Never go any journey alone. I wasn't a girl scout nor am I familiar with their rules and regulations but i'm certain there is somewhere listed in their little handbook a rule that states simply "Never sell cookies alone!!!" This applies to life. No man is an island- John Donne. Yes utilize that unique voice of the Author but don't publish your first draft or your first revised draft. Don't settle for spellcheck. Consult a 'Proof reader'. This can be your bestfriend, your spouse, your neighbor. We tend to be biased when it comes to our own work, so the outside opinion is always helpful. Next employ an 'Editor'. Be it friend, family or foe. This person does not want to be paid in gold. They simply want recognition. But offer better. Recognition via your published work and 5 free copies. It's a small price to pay for one who is sure to catch that out of place phrase, that sentence that shouldn't be, a word that just does not make sense... or perhaps like most writers you have so much going on that you've unknowingly strayed off topic. Between your 'Proof reader' and your 'Editor' your job will be made easier. What job you ask and i'm glad you did. The job of Author. Wearing all hats is not impossible although it comes pretty close and even then it just isn't advised. So again by all means Push.Promote.Propel.The 1st Amendment (tm), just don't abuse it as you travel the Self Published Road. This aint Easy Street but it can be done. G'luck.

Katandra Shanel Jackson Taylor ©FreedomInk 2011
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