It wasn't until about two to three years ago I discovered just how many self-published authors there are out there, also aspiring authors. I assumed book-writing was niche and most people couldn't be bothered. I mean, in a world-wide sense I guess it's niche. 9 billion people in the world and maybe 2 million are budding writers and authors.
Still, it's a lot.
It was depressing, actually, when I realised the market... or lack thereof.
How is one supposed to gain a voice in an overcrowded market where one person is shouting louder than the next, and the next, and the next, but they don't even realise the people they're shouting to aren't buyers -- they're other sellers?
I still don't know the answer to that, but that doesn't bother me anymore: I write for me, I publish for me, and although I'd love more people to read and enjoy these things that I'm creating at least I am creating them and they're there to be found.
But the situation did get me thinking.
At one point I had this idea that would surely convince more eyes to look at me... "Yes! I've got it! If I offer to read and review other works, perhaps the kindness will be repaid back to me!"... and oh boy was I in for a shock. An absolute mass of book suggestions was thrown at me and I managed to choose three that sounded interesting. Not on Kindle Unlimited I might add -- I spent money, helped my fellow authors with a 'verified purchase,' and settled down to read their works.
I got halfway through the first one and couldn't handle it anymore.
It was obviously a first draft. There were errors everywhere and I just couldn't get into it because sentences didn't make sense. I spent more time editing their story in my head than experiencing the damned thing.
That's when it hit me.
There needs to be more editors out there for self-publishing indie authors. Maybe I could be an editor? I would be accessible. Affordable. I would be there for the little person. And I could improve my own writing at the same time.
I looked up editing course after editing course, wanting to find an accredited education institute offering recognised units. In Australia the only institutions that offer a nationally recognised Certificate in editing are located in Victoria and are not conducted online. That's a bit out of my reach. I'm in Queensland. 'Tis a bit of a journey.
I then looked at an Australian Editors website that suggested and linked several education resources for those seeking to step foot into this profession, and I found one offered online from the accredited Australian College. And then... I did nothing. I umm'd and ahh'd about it, decided that I suffered from far too much social anxiety to even attempt this business idea, and left it sitting at the back of my head, stewing, until yesterday.
Ahh, yesterday...
I've been trying to obtain employment for two years now. I've managed to get to the interview stage a whole whopping three times, and then, nothing. It's depressing. I want to do something. I want to make money. I want to better our lot in life. If no-one wants to hire me... I'll have to damned well hire myself.
So, alongside a sudden burst of confidence, I went to the Australian College website and enrolled in their Editing and Proofreading course. As well as the obvious, they also have a third unit dedicated to the business side of things and marketing which makes me incredibly happy.
I have taken my first step.
It is a year long course and I doubt I'll be ready the moment I finish the thing. I wouldn't mind actually obtaining an education in proper social media marketing and whatnot. But the first step has been taken. And I will do this.
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