I've seen many changes in the book industry over my 30 years as a senior acquisitions editor in commercial publishing. The most recent is the eBook revolution. Technology has empowered authors to take control of their books, self-publishing them in either print or digital formats. As a result, literary agents and traditional publishers are competing to acquire rights at a frantic pace. The traditional way of publishing is being challenged, and you as an author have opportunities like never before--either to submit to a New York publisher, a small press, or to self-publish your book on Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and other eReaders.

However, despite the changes that have taken place, the one thing that will make your book successful remains the strength of the manuscript. The author's attention to the tone, structure, and professional presentation of the text itself is critical to a book's success. Whether, fiction or nonfiction, self-published or published by a traditional publisher, readers expect the best of each book they buy.

In the fast-paced world of commercial publishing, agents won't take on projects unless they are near perfect. Editors at publishing houses don't have time to edit books any more, so unless a submission comes to them as polished and professional as possible, they will reject it. The pressure is even greater for self-published authors. They are selling directly to consumers. Word of mouth (or word of internet) quickly gets around about which book is good and which isn't. It's up to authors to take steps to make their books a strong as possible.

In this brave new world, independent editors like me play a crucial role. Seasoned professionals, who have spent many years evaluating submissions, know exactly what agents, publishers and readers require. I've published hundreds of successful books, including a dozen New York Times bestsellers. I've evaluated thousands of manuscripts and proposals. I've edited every kind of commercial book from YA novels to serious biography, from romance to mysteries, thrillers to true crime, business to self help. I know what it takes to make a book as strong and sellable as it can be.

While I have published such accomplished authors as Fern Michaels (romance), John Lutz (thriller), William Lovejoy (military thriller), Gary Null (alternative health), Aphrodite Jones (true crime), Eric Sauter (mystery) and William Johnstone (western), I deeply enjoy working with first time authors. It is exciting to see the development of their books and their talents. Under my guidance, such first time authors as Jane Cook (women's fiction, self published), Suzanne Trauth (women's fiction), Kevin Jones (historical novel) and Kathi Daley (cozy mystery) have grown into fine writers, ready to submit there books for publication.

Independent editors are the coaches or personal trainers of the writing world. We partner with authors, helping them strengthen the core of their creative vision and shape their work into books they can be proud to publish. Writing and selling a book is a hard journey, and it helps to have a dedicated professional on your side.

Let me join you on your journey to publication.