Finding My Place in a Changing World
- Feb
- 06
- 2012
- Posted by Tammy Ditmore
- Posted in Editing, Publishing
In the past year, I have spent hours researching the current state of publishing as I try to determine the future and the direction of eDitmore Editorial Services. And I think I can say with absolute certainty that no one can say with absolute certainty what publishing will look like in 10 years.
The rise of ebooks, the demise of Borders and other booksellers, the increase in independent publishing, the decline of traditional publishers and drastic reductions in newspapers and magazines all demonstrate the volatility of the industry. Sometimes I think 2011 was a terrible time to start a business that—for now at least—relies mostly on printed material for survival.
But other days I look at the volatility and see fantastic opportunities. Because even though the medium is changing, the amount of words being produced and consumed every day is growing. Would-be authors are realizing that barriers to seeing their words in print—or digital readers—are lower than ever before. And although some of them may not know it yet, all authors need editors.
For now, the job of editors and independent publishers may be to convince authors of that fact. Melissa Foster and Amy Edelman recently posted a great article reminding authors of the importance of editors in an article posted on Indie Reader.com. If you have ever considered independently publishing, read this post first: http://indiereader.com/2012/01/why-indie-authors-dont-get-no-respect/
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She worked with me chapter-by-chapter over the course of nearly a year to hone my writing through attention to style, organization, and mechanics. Her close reading and keen eye have been invaluable during my revision process. I learned important guidelines about preparing my manuscript for its final review through this pleasant experience of working with her.
I had a book manuscript that had a thorough edit by a copy editor, but there were many changes made and I wanted another set of eyes to look at it carefully. So I hired Tammy Ditmore to do a “final” proofread and flag anything that she found awkward, confusing or ill-fitting. That is a difficult job—to look both for errors and to comment, but that is what I needed. Tammy took it on and did a great job. Tammy also understands a schedule and finished the work on time—even ahead of time. Thank … Read more
Tammy’s approach to editing was like telling a story to someone who listens very well and offers suggestions only when something is confusing or grammatically incorrect (or embarrassing).
I appreciate Tammy’s willingness to ask questions when appropriate, flex on deadlines, offer sound advice, and rewrite sentences or sections as needed. Her command of substantive and copy editing make Tammy an asset to any project.
I can’t believe my good fortune to have found Tammy to edit my nonfiction book. I had narrowed down my editor search to ten; then I took advantage of their free sample offers. Nine of the editors were okay. Tammy’s edit, however, really showed her strength for detail and content development. I was absolutely wowed. She suggested, for example, how to improve the Introduction’s hook, added sentences that clarified a paragraph’s thought better, and deleted unnecessary words. She also mentio… Read more
I wanted to take a moment and thank you for your wonderful work. I marvel at your eye for detail and your ability to make a written text so much better.
I highly recommend Tammy Ditmore to you. She has edited three of my books in the past two years. Each time, I have been impressed with her professionalism, and pleased with her ability to provide a polished text.
Tammy Ditmore’s timely, thorough, detailed and accurate proofreading made my book print ready. She delivers high quality work on schedule and is a pleasure to work with.
Tammy has helped me become a better writer. I always look forward to seeing her email pop into my inbox. As I open the email and double click on the Microsoft Word file, I look forward with anticipation to reviewing her edits. Like a used target at a shooting range there are red marks riddled throughout the page. And the right column is full of thoughtful comments. I appreciate her precision and thoroughness. Because I know every word she cuts, every crooked sentence she straightens, and every p… Read more
Tammy Ditmore is an excellent editor. My writing improved grammatically, in structure, and clarity under her skilled eye.