Last month I published my first novel. It has been a stroke of luck that I did not expect and it will have the route it has. But I have seen and there it is on paper one of my stories, of the many that I have already written, although this one in particular is very special for me.

In this special middle article I am going to allow myself encourage colleagues and make key recommendations so that those texts can see the light. On the role of editorial or self-publishing.

Your history

It has cost you a lot to write it (or not, to me Marie it took me only three months). Perhaps in the beginning, and as it usually happens to most writers, that story is just for you. You've spent your whole life scribbling on a blank page or typing in front of a screen of the same color. You have stolen hours from sleep, from food, from children, from your partner. That story ran smoothly some days or stuck others. There was more than one blockage or despair because the muses had abandoned you and did not return. But the day comes when you write the final period.

Then you feel satisfied, relieved, proud, or fearful. Sounds like a good story to you, but is it really? You pass it on to those Friends, or those you put in a commitment because it turns out that they may not like it and do not dare to tell you. But sincerely, if they are good friends, they will tell you the truth, whatever it is. As the family.

But you already had that. You always have to count on that we can't like everyone, neither us nor our stories. So you have to accept it. But you still believe in yours. Perfect. Now there are a thousand possibilities that I certainly do not discover.

Traditional publishers

Few remain, but they remain. They bet on new authors and invest in them, in the editing process and in the distribution of his work. But there are many authors and stories and that investment, according to their possibilities, does not reach them to give visibility or publicity. That's on a small scale, but you couldn't ask for more in a publishing world that has changed and is changing by the minute.

Only large publishers run large print runs to the big names (or the ones that sell the most) and they launch big commercial campaigns. Small and medium-sized ones have enough with their small and medium editions, some of them almost handmade, but very decent, cared for and adjusted to their investments. It is logical. So is the author the one who has to work that visibility and that public.

It is true that there have been many literary phenomena usually by word of mouth or because they caught the attention of an infiltrated agent with a good nose. But let's recognize that there are many more independent authors who are looking for life.

Editorial services

It is precisely that number huge number of writers eager to publish the one that facilitated the proliferation of countless publishers offering to ease the process with their editing services (proofreading, layout, etc.), distribution and marketing In packages or at the consumer's choice, upon payment of a price based on what is demanded. A business so lawful like anyone and that also allows the publication for any author (or for anyone who is dedicated to writing).

It is an investment in yourself. Very lawful too. Then go ahead. It can be tested on all of them, although there is a difference that always generates debate: Who takes more into account the quality of a story? The traditional publisher or the one that sells its services?

In reality, what is always the subject of debate is the quality, but we would never end if we get into it now. However, we can limit it in one aspect: a story can be very good, but on the first page it has five misspellings, a match error and another pair in the syntax.

Well I'll give a very first hand data: there are traditional editorials that directly do not continue reading. And it is that they obviate, with good judgment since it is not their task, that the author has reviewed his manuscript before sending it. Because it is (or should be) logical that the writer knows the language and its most basic rules acceptably well.

Review, correct, take care of the form of your story

Es as important as its content. Moreover, it is the form, the correctness of the text, which organizes, structures and makes that content understandable.

Unfortunately this the fundamental is still not considered is. I repeat, a great unreviewed story, with spelling mistakes, with poorly punctuated and unstructured dialogue, can end up in the trash without further opportunities.

Mastering the language seems inherent to those who consider themselves a writer, editor or communication professional (written or audiovisual), but sometimes this is not the case. So if spelling, grammar, or syntax is your Achilles' heel, recognize it first and then try to improve, learn, or revise. How? There are many manuals and reference sites to consult those doubts that we all have. If the problem is serious, you have two options:

• Professional correctors

We are quite a few and quite good. We look at everything, from orthography to style, and we always suggest but do not impose our own criteria, especially in that style. It is the author who has the last word. And of course also we have our price, but the thing is that time has it for everyone.

• Editorial services

The publishers that offer them are your thing then and in their correction services you will continue to find us and there will also be prices.

But you need to be aware. Traditional, small, or artisan publishers don't waste that time with spelling mistakes. So yourself. Knock on all doors, whatever they are. Accept rejections and move on, but ...

Always with encouragement

Because it is self-publishing, already widely spread and used. There are a thousand platforms and the queen of the dance, Amazon.

¿What do you want to learn about the entire editorial process?, create your book your way, layout it and design the cover, know what it costs to put it on sale, do it in digital format? Go ahead. It can. It is relatively complicated depending on the level of computer, linguistic and creative skills you have, but everything is to put on and you can. And of course, if you have the desire, enthusiasm and you are passionate about the publishing world, you do it. A thousand doubts? There are also a thousand sites, both consultation and training, to learn.

And to make your work visible, nothing like this, the internet. You have social networks. Create a blog or website, it is not difficult and they are free tools. Plan a daily time, write things down and share them, keep a certain rhythm and interest. All processes take time and many times you only need a like from colleagues, a retweet or a "good, keep it up, how I liked it!" to go to bed satisfied.

Yes, we are many, but our stories are unique, we can make them known and publish them. What do they like? To taste the infinite colors.