So You Want To Write A Book
I’ve often been ask “What’s it like to write a book?”
I’ve always had the same response “It’s a pain in the ass,” meaning that no one is prepared to write a book for the first time. In comparison, the writing part is easy and also the most time consuming.
But the other factors that are involved once the book has been written will send the writer into a rabbit-hole that they did not expect to be a part of the process.
With this in mind, these are some of the events that you get to look forward to once you have written your book.
Pre-Writing Stage – Conceptualization:
Idea Generation: Brainstorm ideas for your book. Consider what you’re passionate about or what unique perspective you can offer.
Research: Investigate your topic, genre, and audience. Understand the market and what’s already been written.
Outline: Create a rough outline of your book’s structure. For fiction, this might include plot points and character development. For non-fiction, list chapters and key concepts.
Planning – Target Audience:
Define who your readers are. Knowing your audience will help shape your writing and marketing strategies.
Writing Schedule: Set realistic writing goals and deadlines. Create a plan that fits into your daily life.
Writing Stage – First Draft:
Write: Focus on getting your ideas onto paper without worrying too much about perfection. The goal is to create a complete draft.
Consistency: Stick to your writing schedule and keep momentum going.
Revising – Self-Edit:
Review and revise your manuscript. Look for plot holes, inconsistencies, and areas for improvement.
Feedback: Share your manuscript with trusted friends, family, or writing groups for feedback.
Professional Editing: Consider hiring a professional editor for developmental edits, copy editing, and proofreading.
Publishing Preparation – Manuscript Finalization:
Format: Ensure your manuscript is formatted according to industry standards or publisher guidelines.
Title and Blurb: Develop a compelling title and book blurb (a brief summary of your book for marketing purposes).
Decide on Publishing Route:
Traditional Publishing: Query Letters: Write and send query letters or book proposals to literary agents or publishers.
Submission: Follow submission guidelines carefully.
Self-Publishing: Self-Publishing Platforms: Research platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, or others.
ISBN: Obtain an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) if needed.
Cover Design: Design a professional book cover. You can hire a designer or use design tools available on self-publishing platforms.
Formatting: Format your book for print and digital versions. This might involve hiring a professional formatter or using self-publishing tools.
Publishing Stage – Traditional Publishing:
Contract: If accepted, you’ll sign a publishing contract. Review it carefully, possibly with the help of a lawyer.
Publication Process: Work with the publisher on final edits, cover design, and marketing plans.
Self-Publishing:
Upload: Upload your formatted manuscript and cover to your chosen platform.
Proof Copies: Order proof copies to review the final product before it goes live.
Launch: Set your book for publication and choose release dates and pricing.
Post-Publication – Marketing and Promotion:
Launch Strategy: Plan and execute a book launch strategy, including online and offline promotion.
Social Media: Use social media to engage with readers and build an audience.
Book Signings/Events: Organize book signings, readings, or other promotional events.
Sales Tracking:
Monitor Sales: Keep track of your book’s performance and sales figures.
Adjust Marketing: Refine your marketing strategies based on what works and what doesn’t.
Long-Term Strategy – Reader Engagement:
Build Relationships: Engage with your readers through newsletters, social media, and author events.
Gather Reviews: Encourage readers to leave reviews and ratings.
Future Projects:
New Work: Start working on new projects or books to build your catalog and continue engaging with your audience.
Ongoing Learning:
Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends and continue learning about writing and publishing best practices.
I hope this simple, short guild will help anyone thinking about writing a book in the future.