Unlocking the Secrets of Publishing: A Journey with NextPage Publishing

Hello, LinkedIn community!

My name is Larissa Soehn, and I'm proud to introduce you to Next Page Publishing, where we help entrepreneurs write, edit, publish, and market their books. Over the past few years, we've guided dozens of entrepreneurs to reach their publishing goals by partnering with industry professionals to uncover the real secrets of bringing a book to life.

Welcome to another bi-weekly episode of our publishing platform, designed to demystify the process of book publishing, whether you're considering self-publishing or traditional publishing. The publishing world can seem daunting, with myriad decisions and paths to choose from, often leaving aspiring authors feeling isolated and overwhelmed.

Many people view writing as a solitary activity, envisioning themselves holed up in a cabin for months on end. This mindset can create an isolating experience, making it easy to understand why many never complete their books. The idea of having to do it all alone, on top of other responsibilities, can be exhausting and discouraging.

Let me share a bit about my own journey. I'm Larissa Soehn, CEO of Next Page Publishing. When I wrote my first book, I did it entirely alone. I only sought help at the very last stage, partnering with a vanity press, which turned out to be a regrettable decision. I was taken advantage of and felt completely out of control of the process. This experience fueled my passion for helping others navigate the complex world of publishing more effectively.

Today, I want to talk about the true cost of publishing a book. This isn't just about financial investment—it's also about time. Time is our most valuable asset, and while money comes and goes, time is always ticking forward. Writing a book requires a significant investment of both.

For context, I wrote my first book, a 90,000-word sci-fi novel called The Defender, in just eight weeks. I dedicated eight hours a day, five days a week, totaling 320 hours. This is not realistic for most people, and even for me, it took another year to edit and another six months to find a suitable publishing partner. In total, the process took a year and a half, which is relatively quick compared to many.

People who take years to write their books often lose momentum, leading to fragmented writing and a disjointed final product. If it takes you four years to write a book, you and the world around you change significantly during that time. This is why at Next Page Publishing, we ensure our authors complete their books in five months, capturing their current essence and aligning with the current world context.

The real cost of writing a book includes the risk of never finishing it. Many people say, "One day, I'll write a book," but without commitment, that day never comes. The true cost is the lost opportunity to share your story and make an impact. To avoid this, you must be willing to invest both time and money.

When I wrote my first book, I tried to cut corners by hiring cheaper editors, which led to more expenses and time wasted. Now, I invest in top-quality editors who treat my work with the care it deserves. This investment ensures a higher quality book and a smoother process.

Writing a book is no longer a solo activity. It's about building relationships and including others in your journey. This collaboration leads to a better book and a more fulfilling experience.

So, what is the real cost of publishing a book? It's the cost of not doing it—lost time, missed opportunities, and unfulfilled potential. To succeed, you must commit fully, financially and emotionally. Tell people about your book, invest in professional help, and embrace the journey.

Thank you for joining me today. Remember, the real cost of writing a book comes when you don't commit. Protect your time and energy, and make your book the success it deserves to be.