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In the era of self-publishing, work is no longer subject to the scrutiny of professional
editors. This leaves the job of proofreading to the writer themselves.
Follow these steps to create pieces that look amazing and get your point across with power:
1. Allow time to pass. If your deadline allows for it, create space in-between the finishing
of the draft, and the revision process. 2. Simplify whenever you can.
Look for words
that could be replaced with a more simple word. You should count on the average reader
online to have a lower-than-average reading level. Not that this is necessarily true,
but if you keep that in mind while writing, you will create content that will be read
by all. Work with white space. Do not have multiple
big, intimidate paragraphs. Break these paragraphs into multiple, smaller paragraphs. This is
soothing to the readers eyes. 3. Format, format, format.
Arrange your
writing in the same format that you will be publishing it. If you are writing your eBook
for the Amazon Kindle, I recommend creating your work in HTML format. eBook Creator Masters
Program provides incredible software for doing just that.
4. Have a friend read your work to you. If it is not too time consuming that is. It is
easier to spot errors in a piece of text you have been working on recently, when a third
party reads the work out loud. 5. Consistency, consistency, consistency.
You
need to ensure that you are writing in the same perspective throughout your piece (first
person versus third person, etc). Your writing style also needs to remain consistent. You
goal is to create a comfortable reality for your reader.
6. Take advantage of Microsoft Word's tools.
Check your grammar. Check for spelling mistakes.
The tools in Microsoft Word make this very easy, though you will still need to review
it yourself. This program will catch most errors.
7. Pay attention to your graphics.
You need to ensure all of your design elements are
error free. This is your job, it is up to you and no one else.
8. Jump the technical hurdles.
No matter the format you have chosen to utilize for
self-publishing purposes, make sure you include a table of contents. As well as title pages,
and a copyright warning. 9. Know your target audience.
Ensure that
every, single, word on that page was written for your reader. This work simply cannot be
about satisfying your own needs. In the end, the piece is for your reader.
10. Rinse and repeat.
Proofreading is a long process. It needs to be done multiple
times if you want to appear professional. These 10 tips will definitely help you sell
self-published eBooks.