So, you want to write a book? Do you know what you're getting into?
Karen M. Smith
GHOSTWRITER, EDITOR & PAGE DESIGNER – If your content fails to engage the reader, then it fails its purpose to inform, educate, or entertain. I can transform your ideas and content into engaging, appealing documents.
Lots of folks want to have written a book, but few actually want to write one. Why? Because it's work. However, if you have the time, motivation, and storytelling skill, then give it a go. (If you don't, then hire a ghostwriter.)
Most writing experts will advise the new writer to begin with an outline. That's a good idea, especially with nonfiction, but it isn't one I use when writing my own stories. What it boils down to is that you need to do what works for you. Remember, that first draft is supposed to be messy. It's for your eyes only.
Write away! Get the story out. Don't fret over word count. Don't try to produce perfect prose.
If you've ever watched an artist paint, you'll see the fine details come in near the end of the process. The first layer of paint usually bears little resemblance to the final masterpiece. Your first draft may bear little resemblance to the finished book.
When you complete that train wreck of a first draft, set it aside. Let it rest. The story will "marinate" in your subconscious while you do other things.
When you can go back to the story with fresh eyes, do so. With a notepad and pen at hand, open the file and begin reading that draft from the first page. Fix the minor flaws as you encounter them. Jot down in your notepad those big issues that will require substantial revision or rewriting. While you're jotting those down, make sure to note any ideas that strike you as to how to fix them. Don't tell yourself you'll remember them to implement later. You won't.
After you have finished that pass through the manuscript, return to the first page and start addressing those big issues you noted with pen and paper.
Lather, rinse, repeat as often as necessary until you're happy with the story. Use editing software if you want; it may be helpful. Just make sure to review every change it recommends because editing software sometimes introduces as many errors as it corrects.
Strive for excellence, not perfection, because you can tweak your work until those proverbial cows come home and still not finish.
At this point—or if madness has set in—you have a decision to make: to pursue traditional publishing or to self-publish. That decision determines what you do next.
If you decide to pursue traditional publication, begin with your eyes wide open. Publishers and literary agencies typically accept only 1%-2% of the submissions they receive. You'll have to perform the necessary research to find those publishers and agents who handle material like yours and follow their submission guidelines. (If you can't or won't follow instructions, then don't waste your time.) You'll need to learn how to write an effective query letter and how to write a stellar book proposal (nonfiction) or synopsis (usually fiction). You'll also need to know standard manuscript format.
Be prepared to wait. Traditional publishing is not a fast process.
If you decide to self-publish, then understand there are basically two ways to go about this: actual self-publishing or hybrid publishing. Be very, very careful when it comes to hybrid publishing, as most so-called hybrid publishers are vanity presses that have adopted the "hybrid publisher" name and exist to exploit naive, ambitious authors. A true hybrid publisher cares about its authors and works with the author to produce a quality product. Consult Writer Beware to verify a hybrid publisher's worthiness to take your money.
If you decide to self-publish, then purchase of ISBNs (one for each version of your book) is your responsibility. (Yes, Amazon will assign your book a free ASIN, but that means you can't use that registration number anywhere else because it belongs to Amazon.) You may also register your copyright. That costs money, too.
Self-publishing means YOU are the publisher and YOU assume all the reponsibilities and expenses of a traditional publisher on your own behalf. A traditional publisher employs a team of professional to produce a high quality product; there's no shame in hiring a team of freelance professionals to do the same for you. Those professionals may include:
You need an editor. There's no avoiding it. Even editors hire editors to refine their written content. The simple fact is the author is too close to his or her own work to see it with objective eyes. As the author, you'll see what should be there, not necessarily what really is there—or isn't there. Editors like me help with sequence and continuity errors, flaws in logic and consistency, discrepancies and anachronisms. An editor will tighten your flabby prose, clarify ambiguous or awkward sentences, and work other magic that editing software tries and fails to do adequately.
Do NOT accept any editor's suggestions blindly. Review each and every correction and/or recommended change. Remember, you're the author, this is your book, and you are in control. And sometimes the editor gets it wrong. We're human, you know.
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By the way, it's smar
t to start marketing your book during the editing phase. Build awareness and enthusiasm for your upcoming book.
After the necessary round(s) of editing and revision, it's time to design your book. Page design involves a lot more than merely filling the pages with words. Design directly affects the reader's experience with your story, so unless you're competent at page design, hire a professional. Don't forget, designing for print is NOT the same as formatting a e-book. (I design for print; but not for e-book.)
Most authors who self-publish write their own cover blurbs. This gets tricky because writing the blurb is copywriting. The purpose of the blurb is not summarize the story or tell the story; it's meant to persuade a potential reader to buy the book. You may need to hire a copywriter for this if persuasive sales writing isn't your forte.
If your book will contain illustrations and you're not an artist, then hire one. Please do not rely on generative AI. It's unethical ... and AI does weird things with images.
If you're not a graphic designer, then hire one for your book's cover. There's an art to creating a cover that aligns with your genre (fiction or nonfiction) and still remains distinctive. A savvy cover designer with experience in your genre will deliver what your book needs and what your audience wants. Your book's cover is its more important marketing piece; don't skimp on it.
When you the book's interior and the full cover (with cover blurb), hire a proofreader to go over the whole shebang. The proofreader is your best assurance to catch those lingering glitches and errors that linger through rounds of editing. Again, don't expect perfection: expect excellence. Proofreaders are human, too.
Send the proofreader's corrections to the book designer, e-book formatter, and cover designer to implement. At the end of this process, you'll have:
Now it's time to upload to your preferred online publishing platform. The platform likely has a step-by-step process to guide you through their system.
Congratulations, you're a published author!
Now that your book has been published, hoist a tall, cool drink in celebration and focus on marketing. With over 1 million books published each year, you must market your book to sell it.
Good luck!
If you're looking for an experienced professional to assist you during the publishing process, I offer the following services:
Let's talk about your book!
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