One important thing a proofreader needs to be aware of is the author’s audience. So, it stands to reason that the author also needs to be aware of his audience. Recently I read a book that incorporated references to 1990’s videos/TV/movies but took place in the distant future. I actually enjoyed the references, understood the humor, and am also a fan of each of the shows referenced. Notwithstanding, the fact that there were no other vid options in the 25th century was a bit beyond my ability to sustain disbelief. For me, it became a distraction.
Recent training in proofreading has made me less of an accepting reader. I thought about who would really like this kind of story. That person is whom the author was writing to. Once upon a time, I was that person. Whom are you writing for? Do you know that your readers enjoy many different genres and you are working hard for their regard? Maybe you know your readers only read the kind of books you write, and you are not as motivated to grab their attention. Does your how-to book make the information leap off the page as if it were their favorite novel, or is your writing dry?
Best Experience?
Whoever reads your book should have the best experience. Their few moments of escape into your fantasy, their moment of inspiration in your self-help book, or the nonfiction story they read that makes them realize how much someone has done on their behalf—all of these experiences should be immersive.
Even a step-by-step guide can be interesting with the right mix of pictures, font size, and word choice. How much more can a fictional novel be enhanced with vivid imagery and lively dialog. Writing is only a chore when it is just for a deadline or a goal outside of your interest. Does your audience interest you? Are they real people eagerly waiting to read this latest tome? Maybe your best inspiration is your own need to write and communicate what is in you. That can be an amazing, inspiring, wonderful thing as well. Whatever your motivation, latch onto it and make your story excellent.
Pull out that thesaurus, grab your dictionary, hire a great proofreader, and write the best piece of literature you can.
Happy writing!
Liza the Bookworm