I've actually went back to my poetry chapbook I've never bother to finish.
And when I stop,it was because I was editing it,only to be overwhelmed by all things that go into editing a digital poetry book(since I don't intend to make this physical and this was more about getting my work out there,than making a capable poetry book).
Say this because editing takes time,depending on the book length.
I've will probably go with not editing next time,and delegated to someone else.
All in all,editing is necessary and important part of poetry book process,so don't just ignore it altogether.
However,I do think if I were to do this differently,would probably focus more on marketing and writing side of poetry.
Anything else,delegate.
For those that have written and publish a poetry book,rather edit book or delegate?
As an aspiring author, seeing someone write they probably won't bother with editing is almost physically painful! 🤣
As @Adam Gary said, edit edit edit edit edit edit!
You don't want to put out a piece of work that doesn't reflect the very best of what you are capable of.
Do the work. The world can wait 6 months or however long it takes. It'll appreciate the effort and care put in.
So, I feel a lot of people downplay ebooks as some sort of bastard child in the publishing world, but to be honest with you, an ebook should be treated with the same level of professionalism as a printed book. One should never forsake quality no matter what form the book takes. This means design a good cover, include the publication pages, all the rights, dedications, and of course a polished manuscript.
That being said, given this is a chapbook (typically containing 10 to 20 poems) I would recommend passing it off to some friends and family that you trust and get their opinions on it. Even if they aren't editors. This is because it is free reviews and an easy way to get criticisms and constructive feedback. I do recommend you propose questions you want answered too when you hand it over to them. Also, only select a few that you know will respond. So don't pass it along to that friend who hardly ever responds in a timely manner.
My second thought is that editing your own work takes practice, but is a good trait to learn! I have my own personal process that I use to edit my work if you'd like to learn more about it. Feel free to PM me if you do.
Bear in mind a chapbook used to be a handcrafted leaflet, so if you wanted to personalize a few of them you could, and then sell them as a limited supply. Just another thought. This is completely up to you and I wouldn't blame you if you'd like to stick with digital because it does take a bit of effort, preexisting knowledge, and money on your end.
If by editing you mean formatting, formatting an ebook is a pain in the arse and I hate it. Then I would choose delegation!
Edit.
edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit
don’t be lazy!
edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit edit
Edit as much as you can! Then when you think the poem is done (which it won’t be) bring in an editor who’s poems you admire and who you think will understand your voice, and then let them do one or two passes too! Then you should be good to go!