In the last three weeks, I’ve been asked to look at four books that came with great story ideas and very nice premises. The covers immediately hollered self-publishing, but, hey, there’s great writing in self-published books. I gave up that prejudice a long time ago. Truth be told, I’m still reading two of them, so that also speaks to the writing.

One of those two, however, is formatted horribly. Double spacing between paragraphs and 1.5 spacing between lines. Paragraphs that go on for whole pages, which scream a need for editing. Dialogue without beats and tags that get in the way. Loads of telling versus showing in a story with vast potential for great visuals. The story, however, is incredibly remarkable. I kept thinking what a waste of a grand tale, because the numerous errors in writing got in my way of reading.

The other book I’m reading is beautifully formatted. It entices me to read a story that doesn’t necessarily draw me in. Attention to detail gives the story some sense of promise.

In the other two that I ceased reading, I could hear the author trying too hard to be an author. Too many mistakes. Too much in need of editing. A strong sense of getting through a first draft, some quick editing, then voila, publication.

I cannot say this enough. Do not rush publication. Do not rush editing. Be willing to let someone rip you up with edits, then study hard what they had to say. Because when you have this fantastic story, then shortcut putting it together, you handicap yourself when it comes to sales, and you forever ruin a story that might need telling.

The average reader might not instantly recognize what makes a book difficult to read because they aren’t in the business. But they can definitely quit reading, tell others how bad the book was, and remember what author not to read again in the future.