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Editing is a tricky balance in the digital space. Authors often like to get away with as little as possible, but there’s more to it than making sure your text is free of green and red squiggly lines when you read it on screen. Sadly, a lot of digital work out there doesn’t even go that far, and is riddled with so many problems that it can make your initial sales difficult and any repeat sales impossible.

On the flip slide, you can drive your self nuts constantly editing and re-editing your work, never making it to the next step: publishing. Perfection is certainly the enemy of done, but one of those enemies you want to keep very, very close. Edit relentlessly, but don’t forget to publish.

You’ll need to wrap your arms around this whole editing thing, because even if you’re lucky enough to land fat advance, you can’t be ignorant of this process. You’re in charge, remember? Don’t worry; we won’t make you out to be a typesetter, but there is a lot you need to know. Yes, you need to understand what meta data is in an electronic publishing world. You need to know the difference between .mobi and .epub. And more importantly, you need to learn how to seek out, engage and work with other professionals to have the best quality book(s) out on the market. After all, they represent you as much as you represent them.

The good news is that digital publishing opens up many doorways to quality edits. People who can help make sure your book looks (or sounds or plays) fantastic no matter where it is read (listened to or watched). Services that eliminate steps. Software that lets you explore your creativity beyond words. It’s too bad so many authors think that spell check = edited.

Are you up to the task? We can help.

Editing is the second phase of our Digital Publishing Lifecycle. We’re covering a different phase each day, and welcome your thoughts and input.