Put Your Best Work Forward

In the uncertain times of writing and publishing, I see many writers putting out substandard work, especially when self-publishing. A couple of years ago, I worked with one such author. Her stories were interesting, and I could see talent, but her grammar and mechanics were horrible. When I taught fifth grade, ninety-eight percent of them did much better. She indicated she couldn't afford to hire an editor, so I edited three or four of her novels for free. It took a long time, because there were many mistakes. After I began publishing, I became too busy with my own work. I regret that its so easy for a few mistakes to slip through my novels, but they aren't laden with errors, and I do try hard, as do my editors.

I also read well over 200 books a year. One of my favorite Christian authors, who is very well-known, has become a great disappointment to me. It's like she still pumps out books, but the joy has gone out of writing for her, and it shows. I won't buy any of her newer novels. Her first works are great.

I strongly believe readers deserve our best. I have heard of writers getting tired of reading through their manuscripts and books again and again. I know I have read through some of mine over thirty times, but I have never become bored with one yet. I can pick up any one of them now and still enjoy them. If the writer gets bored with a story, I suspect many of the readers will too.  So, I encourage all writers to keep their standards high. This is one way to make our craft strong and to keep readers coming back.

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