THE SELF-PUBLISHING PIT

         

   Okay, world.  You have stepped on my last nerve. I spend part of my day reading articles, documents, and comments in the news and social media.  As a writer, who strives to keep well-honed communication skills, I’m especially interested in reviews and comments regarding “things” literary.  The amazing fallout from this experience is the fact that my writing comrades continue to “put pen to paper” when they are so unfairly bombarded by those who read their work, and believe me, writing is work.  Critics are the writer’s best friend when properly informed, credible, and well-intentioned.  The writer’s worst nightmare is poor editing, especially when self-publishing, and the writer is his own worst enemy when he attempts to edit his own work. I concede some of us do need to review or reconsider our ability to create interesting, informative, well-written publications.  With these statements in the open, I have something to say to the reading public.

    As we all know, well-written publications materialize on the book shelves of America daily, and many professional, talented authors enjoy successful popularity with the reading public, and I applaud each one.  Writing of life’s ventures to provide knowledge and entertainment between the covers of a book is a talent second to none.  I agree that as “wannabe” writers, we are, at times, clueless to the fact that our creations are inept and boring. Creative folks are often sensitive and annoyed, even bitter, when critiqued or edited with the intent to cause improvement.  In my view, the mature writer accepts the critique, learns from its content, and moves on to the next project.  

   However, we have responsibility as readers also.  Mean-spirited, condescending, misinformed, inappropriate comments intended to “discipline” the writer, the publisher, or the editor,  often for the wrong reasons, may simply result in destroying that fledgling talent forever.  In my view, I urge those who offer critique, and we do covet your opinion of our work, to refrain from declaring the writer as “stupid, illiterate, ignorant, dumb, lazy, or some other selected four letter word of choice.  I have observed this attitude in all venues and genres of writing.

   As readers, we must understand that a finished product, whether poorly edited or primitive in creation, represents many hours of mental labor, research, and fortitude.  Certainly, a writer needs to investigate, educate, and work toward perfection in his journey to success.  However, as readers, we must give writers a break. We have the writer’s undivided attention when we begin our critique with some positive comment about his work.  In my experience with editing, I find that each writer’s work has some point to praise, even if it is only for ambition and determination.   Our points to consider for correction or change are more readily digested when the writer feels we respect his efforts, although we may find them inferior. Many times, I feel the response to inappropriate remarks should be, “Okay, let me see YOU rewrite this piece.”

   We should take advantage of opportunities to review, be an informed reviewer, offer positive suggestions, and engage in communication with the writer. Be truthful and accurate in making suggestions for the amateur. In the same way that harsh, unkind remarks invite failure, simply offering praise will not benefit the writer when, indeed, the piece is poorly written and needs major rewrite.  We must understand that some errors in grammar, spelling, or facts presented are going to occur in the best edited, professionally published work. My writer friend penned this appropriate adage, “Only God is perfect; the rest of us need editing.” 

     In summary, self-published writers must strive to improve editing, research thoroughly, and listen to their reader’s suggestions. Self-publishing can be a nightmare or a dream achieved for a writer, and we must recognize the pitfalls. We appreciate our readers, we wish to provide excellence, and we appreciate your heart-felt, informed feedback. Reader, you can be certain this writer is listening.  Now, it’s your turn to talk; just be kind, please.