Ever need a second set of eyes?

When a writer sets out to publish they're given two main directives: find yourself an agent and then be sure to have an editor. I did invest a great deal of time in looking for an agent, when I started writing as many publishers would not look at one's work without an agent; I was not successful. Times changed. Authors can now publish their work without an agent and many of those publishing entities have folded.

As to an editor: I've never felt I could afford one. First off there are several types of editors recommended. They cover not only grammar and spelling but also the composition of a work. Most editors will charge by the word count and it can be as low as 3-4 cents/word and anywhere up from that. My novels have been running from 50,000 to 80,000 words = $1500 to $3200 at the lowest. I've generally felt comfortable with my writing, but it is often pointed out that we become so familiar with our work, that we don't see our mistakes. I've had two recent experiences that may make me reconsider the value of that second set of eyes.

Here is the cover for my new book. Pretty nice, huh?

I wrestled with the title for a while. I sent my manuscript off to one person for formatting the contents and worked with a cover artist for this, all the while assuring each one that their work was great. I ordered a preview copy, flipped through it, and I was happy, passing it off to my sister for her to read. Killing time at her house that day, I picked up the copy and started reading. I suddenly realized the cover and the contents didn't match! The cover I had ok'd was "HIRE for FIRE", not "FIRE for HIRE"! I was in panic mode. I had already set up the publishing aspect but was dragging my feet on when to publish. There must have been an angel on my shoulder responsible for that hesitation. My cover artist, Mary Beth Lee, was very supportive--"we are a team"--but it wasn't the quick fix for her that I thought it would be. Such a little thing.

The second thing that makes me question my need for an editor: My novels have characters who often reappear in another novel. So, I'm working on this new book, with one of those reappearing characters, who I had introduced as Charles in a previous novel. But then I now went to look up a conversation he had had with another character--something pertinent to this next book. In that conversation, he tells the other character to call him "Simon". A dilemma. Which name should I use now? Did anyone else notice that? They say readers will be quick to point out errors. Maybe no one's reading that novel?

I'm sure there are writers with complex systems for tracking their characters, but I don't. The characters have generally become like my friends, and who ever forgets the name of a friend? Anyway, it may be time to consider an editor. Maybe a second set of eyes would be good for me. Maybe........

So here's the blurb for "FIRE for HIRE":

In the sleepy town of Jacobsport, California, shadows from the past return. Bob Doyle, once the golden boy of the sheriff's department, who fled under a cloud of suspicion is found brutally murdered at the isolated fishing camp of Tom King, his former partner. Whispers of corruption and betrayal swirl through the pines when it is learned that Brian Lang, a former Jacobsport firefighter, has also returned. FBI Special Agent Conor Mayhew has pulled Tom and fellow detective, Nora Brady, into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Suddenly, the two find themselves deep undercover in Boston, infiltrating a shadowy world where firefighters moonlight as arsonists. With each flame that rises, so does the tension. As Tom and Nora inch closer to the truth, they'll discover why playing with fire is a game where even heroes can get burned.

And here's the wrong cover! I made it as small as possible!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE!