Writing is a passion for me. I absolutely love crafting stories from beginning to end. It's fascinating to see how your story develops, but writing isn't easy. It's damned hard, the hardest thing I've ever done, and it's not going to make you much money unless you're one of the lucky few. Most Indie authors have very modest sales, and like myself are grateful if even just a few people buy and like your book. The one thing that is certain is that no matter how good or famous the writer is, his book will need to be edited, proofread and promoted. I've spent years writing a book, read through and changed the book dozens of times, and still there are mistakes to be found. However, knowing that, how do you go about finding a good editor etc? The answer is, i don't know. Editors and proofreaders seem to be sprouting out of the woodwork a plenty. Some charge reasonable rates, some may even be good at their craft, but it is hard to distinguish the good from the bad guys, who are only after your money. I've always said, any money I make from my sales I'd plough back into editing, proofreading and promoting. I'm already finding I've spent that and more trying to promote my book through a third party. It's easy if you're published by one of the big Publishing Houses - they'll do it all for you, but for the little man like me and thousands of others, to part with a lot of your hard earned cash to pursue your dream with no or little return is difficult to take. All I can say is be careful, check out these guys before you send them your money. I think there is a Society for Editors and Proofreaders, who are vetted before they can become a member. Maybe that's the best bet, but a lot of these don't come cheap. Promotion is another difficult challenge. You can promote through lot's of different sites. If it's for free, all you can lose is your time, but quite a few now charge for their services. There are some genuine helpful sites, and of course they can't make people buy your book, but some will take your money for doing very little. There's a lot of advice out there too, hundred's of books which you have to pay for the privilege of knowing the latest tips. I think all I can do is to follow my instincts and hope for the best.