Into the Fire

I'm currently reading a novel which shall remain nameless at the present time because it is filled with all kinds of mistakes. Okay, you say. So who is this inept author? A bestselling novelist, writer of multiple series in the mystery/thriller genre.

Here's the thing. With so much personal success, does it matter enough to stick to a high standard of publication? 

Does this author (or conglomerate of authors) care enough to use an editor, a proofreader, a beta reader, or any of the safeguards generally used before publishing? Because if this book is indicative of self-editing, it's a major failure in that department. Overused phrases appearing very close to each other. Descriptions "borrowed" from previous novels in the series whose storylines are too similar to this one. Words left out of sentences. Habits previously attached to one character show up in another character doing it when they never have before. And, frankly, the list goes on.

Believe it or not, as an author, I'm capable of overlooking some errors. No publishing professional is perfect, and mistakes do get overlooked. But this? This looks like a first draft which no one felt needed to be reread. 

Father, I know this: apart from you, I can do nothing. Help me to be the one you designed me to be, to give it all my best. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.