You’re writing your book, it’s coming along fine, and you’ve maybe even finished a few drafts. Now, you’re sitting there, wondering what needs to happen next. Now, think about this as if you were writing your first book, and maybe you are. The story is complete. Now, you want to tell people about your book. You dream of holding that paperback in your hands, and running your hands over the cover, circling the author’s name with your fingers. Yes, your name (or penname). This is your book. This should be your book. But what do you do after the story is done?
First, patience. Yes, you wrote your book and are very anxious for the world to read it, and once it is published, everyone will want to read it. It will be the best-selling book of all time. Well, you think that. You dream that. But there are things you need to do first.
Take a deep breath. Think of the things that you can do yourself. (Not editing. Even after self-editing, which everyone needs to do, you need an editor. Before you get an editor, you need to decide what you want that person to edit, content (giving notes or adding information to your story), proofreading, editorial feedback) probably all. So, research editors. Look at your own budget, and see what an editor would cost. Don’t look for too low of prices, or too high, and always ask for a sample of the editor’s work) (Now, when I say too low, there are those editors (ones like me) that have a sliding scale for authors with smaller budgets but do not compromise quality).
Do you need a cover designer? (I don’t recommend it, but people do use “templates” but that makes your cover seem like others that are the same template). If you can’t do your own cover designer, look for someone just as you would an editor. (If you’re looking for illustrators, the same process.) Yes, research. Look for real testimonials. Check out their websites, social media pages, recommendations.
How do you want to publish? Some will wait and send out query letters to different traditional publishers. Whatever way you decide, always read and follow submission guidelines for anything you’re going to request (from publishers to publicists, and even book reviewers). Maybe you want to purchase a package from a hybrid publisher/Indie publisher, or you want to use a company where you can do it all yourself (Amazon’s KDP or Lulu.com for example). Whatever way you wish to proceed, you should always do the research. If you are uncertain about things, ask for help. Ask for advice. Read contracts carefully. Do not sign or commit to anything that you are unsure of, or if there are line items that are unclear as to what they mean.
Maybe you need a publicist or an agent. A publicist may be the best choice for you to help navigate the process, deal with publishers, book reviewers, media contacts ,and maybe get you an agent later on. This person can help you understand the process, and make sure that you know exactly what they are going to do for you. Sometimes, you can use a publicist from the publishing company that you select, it may cost a bit more, but maybe worth the money.
Yes, you need to market. Even if your publicist is going to do it. Even if your publisher says they will do it, you need to market. What if you can’t afford a publicist or an agent yet? There are those that you can find that seem to be trustworthy to ask questions. Start off by asking small questions and see what they say.
I have to say because of me getting a lot of simple questions as a reviewer and a trustworthy resource that has years of experience, I am now a literary consultant. This is not a publicist. Not a lawyer, but help someone through the process, tell an author if they’re doing too much too soon, or not enough, and even someone to help with social media or make recommendations to resources that I have worked with and different contacts I’ve networked with for years. This article isn’t about me and how you can trust me, by just even asking a question, but I am always straightforward, and when I come across something that I think everyone should know about, I share it with all of you.
Some things a person can guarantee you, but no one can guarantee that you will be a best seller. No one can guarantee that you will get 100 five-star reviews (unless there are some nefarious deals in the background that you don’t know about), but you can get reviews (and they are important). You can find ways to promote that don’t cost a million dollars (exaggeration). Of course, if you’re going to sell your book, you do have to put some money into marketing, editing, and maybe even publishing. You want the world to know about your book.
Hey, you wrote a book. That was the easy part.
Amy Shannon