I have recently completed the final draft of 'In Liam's Wake', with 'From Johann to Tannenbaum' at the editor's and along the way, the journey to self-publishing it hasn't been an easy one for a number of reasons.


Rules of Writing.
Rules? What rules?

Here is where the disillusion comes in. Many writers (arguably, all) have an author they either admire or hope to emulate, and not all writers follow traditional rules. So when you ask a question about a 'rule' for punctuation or grammar, five different people give you five differ answers and at least two people will say a quote from their own favorite author as if this is now a 'rule' because someone famous did it. It is not.

You are NOT Stephen King, JK Rowlings etc. etc. just because an author before you has done it, does not make it the norm.

One of the most dangerous things I think an author can do is compare themselves to these well established names. I feel uncomfortable when I ask a question and someone answers "Well, Tolkin did it."

It's one thing to be a big name and throw rules and caution to the wind. If you are a small time indie writer, you are best to keep your nose clean and learn the proper rules.

Indie Muggins
Sadly, due to the cost of self-publishing, many authors are forced to look for the most inexpensive route they can. Namely, with editors.

So let's say that editing costs 10 dollars. You only have 1 dollar. You pass up a 6 dollar editor even, and go to the one marked 1 dollar. Because that one is RIGHT in your price bracket. Hell, maybe you save for a bit and head for the 2 dollar editor. You get the editing done, you've paid then you get better at writing and look back and realize 'oh crap, that editor was awful'. You are out 1-2 dollars. Now imagine if this so-called editor does it to 100 people? or more. That's money in their pocket.

So what can you do? GET BETTER. The only way you can spot the phonies is if you are a better writer yourself. Read creative writing tutorials, critique fellow author's works, ask questions, get your ego bruised, but get it bruised OFTEN. Once you are better at punctuation and writing, you can spot the wannabes easier. It won't be perfect, but it'll help.

Regardless of which, don't give up. Indie authors are incredibly supportive of each other. If you ever feel overwhelmed or discouraged, seek out your own indie kind, and let them prop you up for a bit.

Good luck.