Self-Publishing Wizard or Wannabe: How to Hire the Best Editor, Designer, or Book Guide

by Mary E. Neighbour, TBD

Overview

This is the first book of its kind.

Written for authors and self-publishers, this pocket guide takes the worry out of hiring editors, book designers, and book-production freelancers who are true industry professionals—not wannabes. 

Author Mary E. Neighbour draws upon thirty years of experience to invitingly and convincingly introduce authors to the intricate world of pub­lishing. Chapters deftly cover:

-Distinctions between wannabes and wizards

-Terminology used by professionals

-Publishing industry standards

-Signs of a true professional

-Sample questions to ask job candidates

-Notes pages, so this guide also serves as a workbook

Don’t hire anyone until you read Wizard or Wannabe!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780996254168
Publisher:	MediaNeighbours.com
Publication date:	03/31/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	130
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Some have called Mary E. Neighbour a "book shepherd," though she wields a red pencil far more expertly than a herding rod. Since the dawn of the self-publishing revolution, she and her husband have provided publishing assistance to scores of writers through their company, MediaNeighbours. Passionate about helping authors become indie publishers and making their work shine in the world, with a combined professional expertise of over fifty years in editing and design, this family team has helped authors' books win notable awards like the Ben Franklin, Foreword Reviews IndieFab, Eric Hoffer and Montaigne Medal, IPPY, National Indie Excellence, Nautilus, and more. Mary is also the author of a work of historical fiction, Speak Right On: Conjuring the Slave Narrative of Dred Scott (Toby Press 2006; Upriver, Downriver Books 2015). Like Dorothy in Oz, Mary believes there's no place like home, and she does most of her work remotely, occasionally traveling into town to network with authors and book-loving folks from all spheres. In 2019 she organized Indie Author Day - Santa Fe. She is co-founder and past president of the Association of Publishers for Special Sales-Santa Fe and a Partner Member of the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi). Her other memberships include the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), New Mexico Book Association (NMBA), and New Mexico Book Co-op.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Your Journey from Writer to Self-publisher

Chapter 1: Relationships with Wizards & Wannabes

Chapter 2: How to Spot a True Editor

Terminology

Standards

Telltale Signs

Interview Questions

Chapter 3: How to Spot a True Cover Designer

Terminology

Standards

Telltale Signs

Interview Questions 

Chapter 4: How to Spot a True Interior Designer

Terminology

Standards

Telltale Signs

Interview Questions

Chapter 5: How to Spot a True Book Shepherd

Terminology

Standards

Telltale Signs

Interview Questions

Conclusion

Editorial Reviews

Neighbour packs her slender, no-nonsense manual with lots of useful lore ... and provides a trove of practical tips for vetting prospective freelancers.... The author’s brisk, lucid prose is lit by tart humor. Authors who are serious about making a mark with their books will find a wealth of information and insights here. A helpful, reassuring guide to putting together a publishing team. -Kirkus Reviews

This cannot be over-emphasized: "Wizard Or Wannabe" should be considered mandatory reading for any author considering self-publication -- it will save time, money, and avoiding the frustrations of trial and error in the process of turning a manuscript into a book. Thoroughly "user friendly" in tone, commentary, and format, "Wizard Or Wannabe" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Writing/Publishing instructional reference collections. -James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review

This book should be required reading for authors entering the world of self-publishing. Neighbour succinctly lays out the landscape of what new authors will face to help them make good choices in publishing their books in a professional way. -Robin Cutler, Director of IngramSpark

Self-Publishing Wizard or Wannabe will help you hire qualified editors, designers, producers, and book coaches.... I especially liked the “ask” and “listen for” scripts at the end of each segment. Spend your money on the book and hire with confidence! -Carla King, author of Self-Publishing Boot Camp

The most expensive part of self-publishing is making a mistake, and the biggest mistake you can make is to work with an unprofessional freelancer.... Mary Neighbour provides concrete tips and interview questions that ensure those you hire will be true publishing professionals. -Brian Jud, Executive Director of the Association of Publishers for Special Sales (APSS)

Mary Neighbour’s smart, sophisticated how-to guide shows you the booby traps to avoid, and the specific questions to ask people before hiring them. You’ll understand the industry terminology and best practices, [and the] book will save you time because chapters are broken out according to the type of person you want to hire. This valuable guide will help you avoid problems and keep you from going broke. -Joan Stewart, The Publicity Hound

From the Publisher