Steps to Publishing Book

For authors who are new to the publishing world, the actual act of publishing a book can be tedious and overwhelming. Writing a book is different from publication.

It is not just an undertaking that requires creative juices, it is a career.

Similar to other careers, there is a phase for learning and adjusting to new stuff. As far as learning is concerned, in publishing, there may be hurdles to overcome. To help you jump through these, below is a step-by-step process on how to publish a book.

Think about your target market. Who will be the readers of your book? Who will want to buy it? Identify the specific niche of readers you want to reach. This is especially true to books belong in the nonfiction genre. Take this for example: A book that talks about money making and making it big in the business industry will most likely be appealing to business people. The book that talks about leadership and management will appeal to individuals aspiring for the manager role in their institution or those who are already managers and would want to look for further knowledge in leadership and management approaches. However, for books in the fiction genre, prospective specific readers may be hard to tell. It will be helpful if you research about your market.

Second step is the most popular – write your book. This is also known to be the most challenging part. It is not just about having that idea and writing about it. It is about seeing it done through its end, which can be very taxing. This will surely test your limits. Some authors recommend the use of creating a timeline by which you will follow through to help you stay on track. Another suggests that you make an outline of how you want your book to be. You really do not have to stick with one chapter or following a chronological order in writing. If you think you’ve already given your all on the Chapter 1 and would want to write about the body of your book, you can do so if you have the outline.

Next is to edit your book. This will allow you to polish and even out rough edges. You have to remember that constant winnowing and chaffing will give you smoothness and clarity. You can also employ the help of businesses or individuals who provide editing services if you are not confident doing it on your own. You may also want your manuscript to undergo an elaborate developmental edit. It is also highly recommended that you employ a professional copyeditor who will act as a project manager.

If you wish to have your book published through conventional means, chances are high that you will need a literary agent. Submission mandates which publishing houses implement should be complied with. You have to check if your manuscript fits and follows the guidelines given. You have to remember that by not complying may mean losing your chance to find representation for your manuscript.

After being asked to sign, most publishing companies will begin discussions regarding your vision for your book through your editor who will in turn make suggestions and other plans appropriate for your book. Express how you want your book to appear – suggest what font, page count and images you want to include in your book.

The abovementioned talked about the layout phase. After which, the author will be sent with an electronic file of the book. This is the time most authors use to give the book the finishing touches with a fine-toothed comb. This is the final author review.

Advertise your book. Looking back to step one, you should already have a plan on how to market your book.

2 Comments

  • Patsy Hobbs said on December 6, 2013
    please send more information. Thanks
  • pooja said on October 13, 2014
    sir, i want to publish a book on communication engineering which is based on the syllabus of jhrkan engineering college syllabus. it is like a notebook/guide book helpful to the student at time of exam. so i want a complete idea on it what i have to do for this. how i can able to publish my book. how much money i will get and all the information regarding. send it all in my id. thanking you

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