If you are going to self-publish your book...

Please, please, please (I'm begging here) HIRE an editor!

Don't just get one of your friends to do it, even if they like to read and they got all A's in their English classes. Whatever you do, DON'T think that your own proofread is good enough. You know what you meant to say. You WILL miss errors... even obvious ones.

In an ideal world, every writer will work with two editors. The first (a line or rewrite editor) will help you make sure your story is complete and understandable. They will point out inconsistencies and holes. They will let you know where your story wanders and/or the reader's interest will wane. This job, perhaps, can be done by your friend who likes to read... but only if your friend is not afraid of being critical. If all you ever hear about your story is, "that's nice," you need to find another reader. If you don't like to hear criticism about what you've written, you probably ought to consider another vocation.

Your second editor (a copyeditor) will make sure you don't embarrass yourself. Yes, all sentences must end with a period (or some sort of punctuation). Commas aren't just for decoration. There is a difference between a hanger and a hangar. If you have an airplane in your story, I certainly hope you know which one you are using.

We are only human. Mistakes happen. I've never seen a perfect book. But self-publishing doesn't mean we can just avoid trying.

One of my dreams is to support those who are doing what I also love to do. I am thrilled by the number of people who are living their dream, putting their words into print. Far too often, however, I pick up one of those books thinking perhaps I will help a person brag about it... and I just have to put it back down again.

If you are going to self-publish your book -- HIRE an editor. Please.