Not on duty today. So I get to sleep in like a worm, or a sushi, whatever you want to call me. My routine is very simple: Read (At the moment, I have placed pre-order for books which are on the way from the UK), write, draw (If I feel like it). Yeah, just my typical day.
Was talking to a friend and out of the blue, they asked, "You've been writing for so many years, have you ever thought of doing editorial jobs?" Believe me, I would love to, but I will not call myself an expert. When I do edits, I focus on basic grammar and vocabs (It varies on each author's style), spellings and the pacing of the story. I've been doing it forever but I will still send it to beta readers for proofreading because I'm just one human. I may miss out on minor mistakes or typed double words, and my beta readers will point out where the errors are and I'll rectify. I have edited a book 10 times, yet I still miss out on minor mistakes (Ugh, I hate myself sometimes)
I'm not sure if you know this, but editing is charged based on a page-by-page basis. When I initially started out, I have no budget, no support (except for few close friends who were kind to help, which I appreciate very much). On friends on the internet recommendation, I went to search online, and I can tell you some of the charges are outrageous. Reason why I say this is because some can charge as low as RM1, or as high as RM 5 (You'll be surprised on high some amount can go), or USD (Darn you, conversion rates!). Let's say my book is about 600 pages long, if it's local fees is fine (But even then, be very careful). If it's USD, hell no. I'm wary of things on the internet to be honest, because there are expectations to be met. Regarding local fees: RM1 x 600 pages = RM 600. I wouldn't say my English is superb, but I can save that RM 600 and I wouldn't be extremely heartbroken if things turn out wrong. That way, I take the blame and I improve on my editing and writing. A doctor once told me a good advice, they told me, "If you spend that six hundred ringgit and the person didn't do a good job, then what's the point of forking over the money for an editor when you are able to do a more or less decent job?" They're right, and doing this for a long time, I'm rather wary of handing my works to other people. I do freelance editing and writing for friends, usually for free - For editing, I do not interfere in the storyline, that's not my job. As mentioned before, I focus mainly on the flow, grammar (It really varies, because as some people told me who teaches writing for a living, sometimes all you is some style) and spelling. You'll be surprised, but editing is a must-have basic skill for writers, and it's not something that can be taught. It's something that you hone overtime. If you have to ask me for advice, I can only say go with your gut, because I really don't know to explain it. Oh, yeah. Regarding USD conversion rate, 1 USD = RM 4.11. RM 4.11 x 600 pages = RM 2,466. Sorry, I'm running far, far away.
I'm sure you have seen editors who ran an iron fist on their writers, but the one I have seen commonly occurs in the Japanese manga industry. When the manga-ka submit their manuscript to the editors or higher ups, they tend to go back and forth, like "This part doesn't make sense..." "The art on this isn't cute" "Did your art style change?" "Why are you keeping this storyline?" When things keep going in circles without a solution, it's taxing on the creator. Watase Yuu (of Fushigi Yuugi and Ayashi no Ceres fame) actually shared her experience regarding one of her well known works on how frustrated she was when her editor kept telling her to do redo to the point where she nearly gave up just to meet deadlines (The editor was replaced by another who was more understanding, and Watase Yuu stayed on and was much happier since then) I recommend you to watch the anime Shirobako, it breaks down working in the anime industry very well.
One thing my dad stressed to me when I was in my10th year of writing, he told me how you should never attempt to monetize everything you make, because then it takes away the fun and passion of it, and he's right. Just because I can draw (not very good, but decent) doesn't mean I should attempt to sell my art, or the wire rings I make. I write because I love it, I never attempted to write for fame or to hit the best-selling list. I write because great writers inspired me, and because people asked me to share my writings, which is what I do, and even if I am charging, I try to be reasonable, especially during this trying times. I am not going to charge a 46 page long novella because it is ridiculous, unfortunately, no one seems to let me charge one cent (sen in Malaysia, but most of my works are on US sites, so I'm going by cents), the lowest I can go is 99 cents. I started off writing random blogs, then I went on to nursing stories because I hear a lot of people seemed to think that our job is easy. Hate to break it to you, but all jobs are tiring, but nursing always seemed to get the most insults. I had people laughing at me when I worked in the clinics, or I was just a lowly nurse. This is how this blog was formed, to share what I face on a daily basis. Yes, it's depressing at times, but this is why I try to throw in a joke or two here so that the blog doesn't sound so depressing. I make wire rings because I was so frustrated that I was unable to find rings that I like. Social Repose, can you tell me where you get your rings from? I like the rings he wore. I can't seem to find rings like that in the market, either they are not nice, too pricey, they look weird on me, or my fingers are too stubby.
I get asked from time and time again, how much does it cost to be writer. My answer, it depends. I'm simple. I write mainly to share, and as mentioned, I have a stable job that pays enough (Not filthy rich, but enough to put food on the table and support my family), so I'm okay. Besides, I have always said, "If you are going to write for the money and the best-selling list, then I think you better look for something else." The veteran writers (that I know of) don't write to be best-sellers, they write to share their works to the world, because they love it, and they worked hard for it. JK Rowling and Stephen King (aka Uncle Steve) didn't became a successful author overnight, they worked various odd jobs to put food on the table till they got their big break. Me, personally, I'm okay. People tend to bring this up as a low blow, but I got used to it. I also have my fair share of authors (I'm not saying who) whose personality I do not like, but I like their works. As mentioned several times, learn to separate the art and the artist. Your mental health will be much less tense that way.
Oh, cases are on the rise again. Register for your vaccines, and stop giving excuses. According to a doctor who I respect, they said if you don't get vaccinated, you have three choices: (Don't take it too seriously, yeah?)
1) Get vaccinated, despite the side effects, to protect yourself and your loved ones
2) Don't get vaccinated. Stay at home, do not ever come out.
3) Go into the refrigerator (I'm sure you can get this joke)
"Your scientists were so occupied with whether or not you could, you didn't stop to think if you should." - Dr Ian Malcolm, Jurassic Park, Michael Critchton
*Today's case: 6,849 (Seriously, GET VACCINATED!!!)
