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Do you order a proof before you release your book out into the world? How confident are you in your critique group, editor, and beta readers?
How confident are you in your ability to get your manuscript in the best shape possible?

Because that is what it comes down to, getting as near perfect as you can. You won’t ever get it 100% right. Sorry, get that thought out of your head. You just won’t. We are human and imperfect.

When Squirrel Mafia was on the cusp of being released, my editor suggested I get one. Thank goodness she did.

Yeah, this was the first book I had done the graphics for and went with pictures I had taken. It was a hot mess. The images were all over the place, except where they belonged.

The format of the pages and chapters was slightly off. Others had the title of the chapter on a different page and a few other issues.

It is hard to break into this business. Well, to break into it and do halfway decent. Ordering a proof could help your book look better and head it in a better direction than if you hadn’t.