Indie Publishing Proofreading Errors?

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, or a great weekend if you don’t follow the American celebrations. Either way, I’m big on gratitude. It gives me a greater sense of happiness. I feel blessed to be able to do what I love.

I’m thankful for computers that simplify a writer’s life. I don’t know if I could pursue writing the old-fashioned way. The old ink quill would scratch out more than what is left in its wake. I much prefer highlighting and deleting and the ever valuable insert capability for a clean, organized look. Spell check is another terrific tool. Drafts and revisions are a writer’s life to which the computer aids tremendously.

Lately I've noticed proofreading errors—some that a computer should catch, some not—in Indie books that give me cause to wonder if a few self-published authors are not getting enough critical eyes on their works before publishing. It’s usually something simple such as omitting small words like ‘to’. Content for the most part has been great and I want to put in the disclaimer that this post is not aimed at anyone in particular or someone whose book I have reviewed.

I tend to read slowly and catch more of these mistakes because of that. New to e-reading, I couldn't say if the trend has changed. Early Indies fought to prove their quality without traditional publishing. I’m grateful for the strides made and for more books to choose from. I’m proud to have several Indies within my circle of writer friends. I may even become one of them someday.

Still, I’m wondering if you've noticed or is it just me. What’s your experience? Have self-publishers slacked off editing steps in order to write that next book? Or have you noticed a decline in quality from well-known traditionally published authors who are cranking books out?

New Books Shout

Two exciting new books are out this month. First, Michelle Jefferies' Emergence about a hit man with a conscience is here. Technical suspense, secret agents and bad boys gone good. I didn't receive my copy yet so I have yet to read this one. When I get it, I'll share my review. This is Jefferies' first novel in the series.
Here's the back cover blurb:
Hit man Antony Danic has never killed an innocent man. At least, the corporation he works for has never given him a reason to think otherwise--until now. Reeling from a series of demanding assignments, the assassin is desperate for some downtime. As he sits on a beach in Tahiti watching his wife play in the ocean, a messenger from his employer delivers a death threat. In a matter of seconds, the hunter has become the hunted. While Antony scrambles to find a way out of his "till death do us part" contract, he's faced with the decision of a lifetime: kill another innocent man, or do what's right--even if it puts his family in jeopardy.

Next, Cheri Chesley's second historical romance  is just out. The Tyrant King is the second in this series of three. I enjoyed The Peasant Queen and look forward to getting my copy of this one too. Cheri has a 'spread the word' contest going on her blog through today. You'll also find a tab to read the first chapter. This is a great way to see if you like it first. But watch out--you just might become hooked. 
About this book:
Krystal’s peaceful life as queen of Fayterra is shattered when a stranger arrives with a connection to Jareth that threatens to change everything. Soon her loved ones are threatened, her people are under attack, and Krystal must face a devastating loss. As the future becomes bleaker and the mystery continues to unravel, Krystal’s enemies will learn just how far she will go to defend the people she loves.

Book Review - Created

Teenage spies? Sounds great already! I'm coming in on the third and final book of Author Cindy M. Hogan's Watched series with Created. I didn't read the first two, so I missed a few things but read the first chapter of Watched on Cindy's blog. That helped, but not a requirement to enjoy this one. Hogan does a good job filling in what reminders or backstory a reader needs without spoiling the other books. 

It's a plus when an author can get a series out so close together for her fans. And did Hogan convert me into a fan? Yes! Not only was it a fun read with suspense, romance, and twists, I found myself (my name, actually) featured in the book. I don't recall entering the contest but my first name was given to one character and last name to another. Ha! That was a delightful surprise!

Hogan gives enough details about the spy lessons and equipment for plausibility but left me hoping for more details in a couple places. That's just the adult in me. YA will love it. There's a good mix of sorting through relationships and coming into the development of ones self as seen through the teen voice. The pace was great throughout and kept me wanting to read. 

You can find out more about the author and her books here. Read her first chapter and you'll find yourself wanting more.

The Next Big Thing Blog Hop

I’m excited to share with you The Next Big Thing. It comes from little ol’ me! This is a blog hop that celebrates what various writers are working on and their hopes to become a great success. Lisa at www.lisaswinton.blogspot.com/ tagged me and I’ll tag someone below. Feel free to jump into the game if you wish by posting your next big thing and a tag or two.

What is the working title of your book?

I chose my recently finished MS, The Seventh City. Just about ready to submit.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

A favorite story in the Book of Mormon, but from the Lamanite perspective of a fictional character.

What genre does your book fall under?

If there isn’t a genre called Book of Mormon Fiction, there should be. It’s growing. Others might call it historical (Meso-America) and there is definitely sweet romance in my story. There’s some coming of age and suspense as well. But we’ll call this a YA Historical Romance.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Hmm. Does Catherine-Zeta-Jones have a daughter? Karlinah, the protagonist,  is a spunky and beautiful sixteen-year-old widow. The villain reminds me of Jafar in “Aladdin” but I suppose we’d have to get someone real.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

King Lamoni’s daughter hides a secret that prevents her chance for happiness.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

More than a year because I kept it at the pace of my critique group.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

I’ve enjoyed books by Heather Moore and others in this genre, and wanted to write something uplifting. Making B of M stories come alive is harder than I figured because you have to weave together fiction with nonfiction.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

Karlinah’s secret involves a murder.

Like the Grandfather from The Princess Bride says, “There’s saving the princess, sword fighting, killing with sling shots, a murdered prince, robbers, false love, abuse, kidnapping, escape, torture, and true love.” Sorry, no pirates.

I’m tagging Liesel Hill at www.musingsonfantasia.blogspot.com

Have a great week! You won't want to miss next week's book review.