These are related but not the same thing. Let’s begin with editing first.

The essence of editing is that you are getting someone’s writing or book manuscript ready for publication. But there are different types of editing.

If you are great with content organization or story structure, you might consider developmental editing. That means thinking through the structure and flow of the book on the front end. Or, it could mean re-working a book that has not been properly organized or written. Maybe the author is stuck and needs expert help.

You could also consider line editing, copyediting, or proofreading. Line editing is more of an art than a science. It mainly concerns making sure sentences flow as well as possible. Copyediting mainly focuses on the mechanics of language, ensuring that the writing adheres to correct English usage, grammar, punctuation, citations, and so forth. Proofreading literally refers to reading the proof, which is the final version just before or after it goes to print as a last measure of defense against errors.

Another form of editing is working for a magazine or publication. A few years ago, I worked for The Good Men Project as a lead editor. This means people sent me articles, and I decided which ones to run in my sections, which are also called “verticals” in the publications world. Then, I would give the authors feedback if I needed changes. I almost always made changes in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and so forth. It did not pay very well but the experience was absolutely priceless because I learned to think, write, and edit quickly.

If you enjoy the self-publishing process, you can also help others navigate their way through getting their book published. If you are detail-oriented and like to manage complex projects, you can help people get their book cover and interior formatting designed, manage editors, get their book uploaded to Amazon and other online vendors, and market their book.

The bottom line is that if you can write and publish your own books, you can also help other people do the same thing. Most of the writers I know, no matter their level of success, do some type of client work in addition to writing for themselves.

I really like doing client work as one of my income streams because I learn something from every project. Whether you are editing or helping other people publish their books, it’s a great way to serve authors and make money at the same time.

Question: Have you ever considered helping other writers with editing or publishing services? What specific services could you offer?

The post Making Money as a Writer: Editing & Publishing Services appeared first on Daily Writer | Essential Habits for Impact & Influence.

Today we have amazing opportunities to create, publish, and distribute our self-published books. One of the greatest tools created for self-publishers in recent years is the Vellum app, which is software that helps you create ebooks and print books that look amazing.

I’ve been a heavy Vellum user for years, so I was excited to chat with one of the co-creators, Brad West. Brad has been in the world of indie publishing for over ten years. Before that, he was a senior software developer at Pixar Animation Studios.

In this conversation, Brad shares the fascinating story of how and why he and his co-creators developed Vellum. He also shares his thoughts on the future of self-publishing.

The post Vellum Co-Founder Brad West on Creating Beautiful Books appeared first on Daily Writer | Essential Habits for Impact & Influence.

In this conversation, Liz helps us understand the ins and outs of book proposals, the elements that make them successful, and why you should create a book proposal even if you self-publish.

Trust me, you’re going to want to take notes on this conversation, because Liz is going to save you countless hours of heartache and confusion by laying out how to create a powerful book proposal!

The post How to Create a Powerful Book Proposal with Liz Morrow appeared first on Daily Writer | Essential Habits for Impact & Influence.

This is the third entry in our mini-series on dealing with rejection.

The publishing world has changed radically in the last fifteen years or so. In the past, you would have to go through some kind of gatekeeper in order to get your message heard by others. This typically meant finding an agent, who would then pitch your book to publishers until one of them offered you a contract.

But you no longer need to do this. Of course, you still CAN, but there are plenty of other options, such as hybrid publishing or self-publishing. You don’t need anybody’s permission these days to get your writing out to readers.

Rejection doesn’t only happen when it comes to publishing. You can also be rejected by podcasters, social media people, book reviewers, collaborators, and clients, among others. The possibility of rejection lies around every single corner.

And so does the possibility of acceptance. As my friend Vincent Pugliese, host of The Total Life Freedom Podcast says, “Go where you’re celebrated.”

For every person who rejects you, there are a hundred who will love you. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find and gather those people. Then YOU will become the gatekeeper who has the power and credibility to help others.

Daily Question: Are you relying on any gatekeepers for your success? What can you do to move past them and create your own success?

The post You Don’t Need a Gatekeeper appeared first on Daily Writer | Essential Habits for Impact & Influence.

Book formatting is one of the last things authors think about when creating their book. However, it’s absolutely vital since that’s where readers spend all their time. My guest today is here to help us get a handle on this critical area of success for your book.

Jody Skinner is a proofreader, book designer, and avid reader. As founder of both Skinner Self-Publishing Services and Smidgen Press, she is living her best book-nerd life now. Both companies keep her hopping, from coaching first-time authors in the end stages of publishing to bringing old books back to life for the modern reader.

A proud military spouse, Jody loves meeting new people, Ubering her three teens, and drinking just one more cup of Earl Grey. Puns always appreciated.

In this conversation, Jody helps us get a better handle on book formatting. She tackles such questions as: How important is attractive and professional-looking formatting to a book’s success? What kinds of formatting programs are available to everyday writers? Why should we consider using the Vellum app?

Check out the links below to connect with Jody on social media, buy her book, and discover more about Vellum:

Try Vellum for 99 Cents

Learn More About Jody’s Self-Publishing Company, Skinner Self-Publishing Services

Find Out More About Smidgen Press

Purchase Jody’s Book on Amazon

Connect with Jody on Instagram

Follow Jody on Facebook

Check Out Smidgen Press on Facebook

Discover Smidgen Press on Instagram

The post Jody Skinner: Creating Beautiful Formatting for Your Book appeared first on Daily Writer | Essential Habits for Impact & Influence.