Proofreading - Writing Update by Greg Luti
- Greg Luti
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
A writing update that offers insight into the final stages of preparing a book. In “Proofreading,” Greg Luti discusses refining his flash fiction collection *Little Fires*, adapting covers for different formats, and balancing personal creative work with the realities of publishing.
Proofreading Little Fires
I have been proofreading my recent book, Little Fires, for the past few days before I publish it. The thing that always gets me with proofreading is not the minor errors in the story, or even the phrases, but the time and place the story is in. As much as I like to think that I am writing for every era, and for anyone, it feels as though every story is latched to a physical setting and place, and that is seen no matter what I do about it. Sure, I can add lessons and themes that can be appreciated later on, but the actual setting is something that, when I am writing the story, feels as though it is only natural to what I am saying, but is in reality a chain I am attached to, whether I want to be or not.
Stories Are Tied to Time and Place
I would look over a piece I wrote, and notice how I wrote it from a certain perspective or from a certain place, and that is really a marker on how I felt and thought about it at that time. I find that part of writing fascinating.
Ebook vs Paperback Covers
I noticed when going over the book covers for the ebook and the paperback edition of my next book that the ebook cover has to be a little different due to the format. I normally make my covers based on the reader holding the book in their hands, but I noticed that an ebook needs to have larger font and fewer pictures because the screen for the actual cover is not as big. I am actually going to work on this with the current book before I publish it.
Ignoring Trends and Focusing on My Own Work
I don’t worry about other writers or the trends in the industry, because I am having a hard enough time writing all that I want to produce. I look at each story I write and try to make the best of it in the way I know how. I don’t get why writers are thinking of others or what is popular, since I am a big believer in doing your job to the best of your ability, and I guess that mentality goes against it. I think I said this before, but as far as what is trending and what is going on with the publishing world, I can honestly say I don’t really care. I got my own books to worry about. That takes enough of my time.
Learning from James Patterson’s Model
If there is a writer I would say that I have learned from over the years, it is James Patterson, and not for the reason you may think. I use his business model as an example of my own. He writes a lot, and he writes them fast. People know what they are getting too. And they buy. I am trying to adopt that system to my own books, rather than sitting around and writing just one book every few years. Write a lot. Write often. And stop worrying about whether the book is perfect or not. (And yes, I know that Patterson doesn’t really write his books at this point)
The Inspirational Phase
I have noticed that there is an inspirational phase when I have a new idea. I get the idea, I then outline it, and then I write what I can of it, but then after about a week, the inspiration is gone. The idea is still there, and I still work on it, but then I become more of an investigator, putting the pieces of the story together, deciding what works or doesn’t, rather than having that same spark for the story.
This happens with every story that I write, honestly. I used to think I should write the entire story in that inspirational phase, but that is not realistic. I have learned to use the inspirational phase as needed, to really understand the story better, so when the inspirational phase leaves and I am left with just the story, I have a roadmap to completing it.
Update on the Unnamed Novel
I think the last time I wrote one of these updates, I was explaining how excited I am about an unnamed novel I am working on. I still love the idea for the book, and I still have not decided the major cause of a big event in the story, but as far as me jumping up and down for the story, that phase is over. I guess it would be a bit odd and against what I am trying to do as a writer if I was excited all the time for everything I wrote. Plus, I also don’t have the energy for that.
Reader Feedback and Encouragement
Some of the readers have given me nice feedback when I send out the newsletter, and I am always happy to hear the kind words from them. If you are one of those readers, know that I do see and read the responses, and they do help me along.
I think that sometimes people are quick to point out all the bad, but I prefer to remember the few good remarks people leave me as signs of encouragement. When I used to work in retail, it was easy to note all the annoying customers, but no one ever brought up the kind customers who asked a question, got what they needed, and went on their way. I like to think of those people when I do stuff, more than the people who gave me a headache.
Common Decency
And now for something for me to leave you with: How about we all try to have some common decency? I don’t think that is asking too much of anyone. I am talking about the little things that everyone knows are wrong. I mean, there are so many videos I see of people stealing, knowingly too. They walk into a place and then grab a few things and walk out. Or how about cutting someone off when driving or being mean to a kid. We all like to blame the leaders of the world and say that they are the reasons everything is wrong, but none of us like to look within and admit a harsh truth: “I can be a little bit better of a person today than I was yesterday.” Next time you are unsure of doing something, ask yourself this simple question, “If someone did this to me, would I be fine with it?” If the answer is no, then you know not to do that thing.