DIGITAL & DOWNLOAD

INSTANT ACCESS

From the Editor, Issue #28-August 2023

Editor’s Letter- Grammarian Gratitude

Ah, editing. The stage of the publishing process every author always seems eager to reach … until they reach it.

Don’t feel bad. Editors get it. We know you’ve probably frowned at your screen in confusion at some of our questions (“How do you want me to style your ellipses?”), or you’ve grumbled not-so-nice words as you opened Microsoft Word’s Track Changes and discovered a new meaning for the phrase “seeing red.” I wouldn’t be surprised if some of you have therapeutically killed us off a time or two in your drafts.

We realize, even though it’s often lumped together under one umbrella, just how much goes into editing: structural edits, beta reads, line edits, copy edits, proofreading. Examination of your story’s pace in act 2. Decisions about style—should you use American spellings as a British author? Between each of those, rewrites, revisions, and probably plenty more of the grumbling I mentioned before.

We know editing takes time, money, and a commitment to seeing the story through to the finish line. That’s why we’re grateful too. As editors, we feel validated when you reach out to us about your work because, let’s be honest, we realize our jobs couldn’t exist without you. And as some of your earliest readers, we see your dedication to making the story better with each round of revisions.

Thank you for trusting us with your books and for taking our suggestions to heart; with every story, we hope they help make the difference between a “good” story and a “great” one.

And hey, even if your editing process involves writing an untimely demise for a grammarian in your books every once in a while, I won’t judge—just as long as you’re willing to consider a few revisions to the scene when your editor reads it.

Nicole Schroeder

Editor in Chief

Nicole Schroeder

Nicole Schroeder is a storyteller at heart. As the editor in chief of Indie Author Magazine, she brings nearly a decade of journalism and editorial experience to the publication, delighting in any opportunity to tell true stories and help others do the same. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the Missouri School of Journalism and minors in English and Spanish. Her previous work includes editorial roles at local publications, and she’s helped edit and produce numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including a Holocaust survivor’s memoir, alongside independent publishers. Her own creative writing has been published in national literary magazines. When she’s not at her writing desk, Nicole is usually in the saddle, cuddling her guinea pigs, or spending time with family. She loves any excuse to talk about Marvel movies and considers National Novel Writing Month its own holiday.

Start or Join a Conversation About This Article:

When Writing Means Business, Storytellers Read Indie Author Magazine

Read Indie Annie's Latest Advice:

Dear Indie Annie,

In the past, I’ve hired editors, cover designers, and even a virtual assistant. Passing off those responsibilities makes sense, but internal formatting always seems so straightforward. At what point is it worth investing in professional formatting services? Frugal Formatter Dear Frugal, Oh my, that moniker sounds like you’re an inhabitant of Middle Earth, but I digress. Formatting your own manuscript seems as simple as building a bookcase from IKEA: just insert tab A into slot

May 1, 2024 No Comments

Dear Indie Annie,

Despite my best marketing efforts, my backlist just isn’t selling. How do I decide whether to go back to the drawing board and refocus the series or cut my losses and unpublish it? At a Crossroads Dear Crossroads, I feel your frustration, love. When a backlist underperforms, it’s like owning a vintage auto that sputters more than it purrs. Do you tune it up or trade it in for a new model? Let’s hash out

April 1, 2024 No Comments

Dear Indie Annie,

I’ve only ever written in one particular genre. I have an audience built there, a decent backlist, and a few ideas for future books. But I just recently got an idea for a story in an entirely different genre—one that I don’t even know I’ll continue past this book. Do I write the new idea or stick with what I know? Pestered by a Plot Bunny Dearest Plot Bunny, The temptation of an off-brand manuscript

March 1, 2024 No Comments

Follow Us

Weekly Tutorial

Sign up for our Newsletter

We’ll send you our best articles, special offers, and industry updates