Editing for indie authors testimonial

Chris Stead
 | Updated March 8, 2021
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Editing for indie authors testimonial

Chris Stead
 | Updated March 8, 2021

Old Mate Media offers a world-class editing for indie authors service and works with novels, picture books, magazines and more for a global release.

In the long journey from formulating an idea for a book, to getting it published, the editing process is the most important. A professional editor does more than just put the cherry on top of your manuscript. They’re the cupcake cup that gives your book its shape and ensures it stays focused on its purpose. They hold all the crumbs together so the final product not only looks good, but tastes good too. Old Mate Media offers an editing for indie authors service, as well as design, publishing and illustration packages.  If you’re looking for a freelance editor to join you on your journey, why not reach out for a quote?

One of books most recently published through Old Mate Media was Adam Exitus. A science-fiction novel by Nicholas Abdilla, it is the first release in a ten-part series he has been working on for over a decade. When he submitted the story to our editing for indie authors service, we immediately fell in love with it. Abdilla’s imagination is incredible and the universe he has created is phenomenally deep. Plus, the cast of characters are easy to fall in to love with and hard to forget come the story’s surprising climax.

So Old Mate founder Chris Stead came on board as editor to help the book be all it could be.

A Case Study - Editing for Indie Authors

The original text Abdilla submitted to us was 25,000 words strong, spanning 160 A4 pages. During the editing process, we discovered little holes here and there where things did not quite make sense. We suggested new scenes that could bring more understanding and connection to the characters. The action sequences were bulked out to provide more flair and colour. And we even talked through a final revelation near the end of the book, which was subsequently added and has been very warmly received.

Upon completion we also suggested a number of tweaks to the cover art to have it better reflect the story. We also wrote the back of the book blurb, and the Amazon store description. As we also design books, we were able to be involved with font choice, how to best display the chapters, what to include in an “about the author” section, and we also added in a prologue sequence.

By the end the editing for indie authors experience, the novel was 40,000 words strong, spanning 240 A4 pages. It was grammatically sound and void of spelling errors, of course. But the editing process had fleshed out and deepened the book to the tune of 150% more content. All without ever impacting the tone and universe Abdilla had created. This, in our mind, is what you get in hiring a freelance editor from Old Mate Media. It’s about making a value-add contribution and not just ticking off a checklist of grammatical gremlins.

To our great joy, the book is currently tracking five-star reviews on Amazon and iTunes.

Nick Abdilla’s feedback on Old Mate Media’s Editing for Indie Authors service.

How was your experience working with Chris Stead and the Old Mate Media team?

Working with Chris and the Old Mate Media team has been a rewarding and educational experience. Chris was as patient and insightful an editor as I could have hoped for. Any changes we made were a collaborative effort and he always took the time to explain his point of view, but ultimately left the end decision up to me. In my opinion, Old Mate Media went above and beyond and my book is so much better for it.

What was the most rewarding aspect of working with Old Mate Media?

I knew I had a story that was good, but also that it was not quite of the quality required for publishing. Then I watched as Old Mate Media polished it and smoothed out the rough spots and I could see it getting better and better before my eyes. At the end, my word document became an actual novel. It’s something I can hold in my hands and take pride in, knowing it is as good as it can be.

What will you tell other authors who want to get their books published?

I would encourage them to go for it, of course, as I have done so already. It's a fulfilling and exciting experience. I would also high recommend hiring an editor like Chris as there is no doubt the book is bigger and better than I could have dreamed. I’ve now got the confidence and real desire to get straight into the sequel.

You’re now a published author; how does it feel?

Amazing! It feels like the culmination of a lifetime of work.

Where to Next?

For Adam Exitus, Nicholas Abdilla took the entire Old Mate Media package. This included editing, design and publishing. More information on each of these components can be found in the services menu. And if you like more information on what an editor can bring to your book? Perhaps check out our Guide to Hiring an Editor.

Chris Stead

Chris Stead is an award-winning author and editor with over 26-years of experience in the publishing industry. After publishing over 1000 magazines and launching a dozen commercial websites, fatherhood saw him turn his attention to the world of children's picture books and self-publishing. He now makes books for himself and countless indie authors around the globe.

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