As more books are published in a variety of ways (traditional, self-pub, hybrid, assisted), a whole crop of people with expertise (real or claimed!) have popped up ready to help the harried author by doing all the big and little tasks associated with preparing a book for submission. Here a just a few of the current players.
Ghostwriters
You have a great idea but no idea where to start, and not a lot of interest or talent in writing. A ghostwriter will shape your notes into the book you envision – and put your name on the front cover!
Writing Coach
You have an idea and sort of like to write but don’t know where to start or if your story is sellable. A writing coach will take you step by step through the nuts and bolts, teaching and supporting your writing.
Copy Editor
You have an idea and like to write but that whole grammar and punctuation thing is a mystery. A developmental editor will go through line by line and rearrange and correct sentences to today’s standards. They will not be looking at the overall ideas but sentence structure and correct usage.
Professional Critiques
You finished a story but don’t know if it is good or how to make it better. The professional critique will look at arc, structure, and character development and perhaps suggest other titles on the same subject or type of book to study as you work to improve.
Sensitivity Readers
You finished the manuscript but are not sure how certain topics, references, and language will be perceived by others. Sensitivity readers are experts in language and attitudes and are a guarantee to the publisher that this book will not create any issues.
Website design
You can negotiate the web but how do you set up a link or make separate pages on a website? A web page designer will develop a page with as many bells and whistles as you like to show prospective agents you are professional.
Virtual assistant
You like Facebook but IG reels, TikTok, and things “formerly known as something else” are baffling! A virtual assistant will help you select your target population, and establish, and update your social and promotional activities across media.
Endorsers and Influencers
Your manuscript is great, but no one knows who you are. You can find picture book influencers with several thousand followers. A mention or review on that post or blog gets wide attention, whatever the fame of the influencer.
Hey, this book-writing stuff could be easy!
Freelance editors, graphic designers, readers, and virtual assistants are available all over the internet. (Caveat: find someone who has personally used the service and check it out thoroughly.)
The catch: every person listed above will cost money! From $75 minimum for a sensitivity reader to $500-$750 for a ghost-written picture book. The virtual assistant works for $15-20/hour spent on your platform. Setting up a webpage initially is around $1500, and maintaining is extra.
Ask Some Questions
Do you need some help, or is the entire job done for you?
Do you just need instructions on how to do it?
Is your time for writing worth more than you will pay for the service?
Will you need this same kind of help for the next book?
Best wishes!
With over 1.7 M books sold, multi award winning author Robin Currie led children’s departments of Midwestern public libraries, but still needs help from spell check. She has over 40 published picture books and writes stories to read and read again!
