Resources
How to Get Published
An overview and timeline for traditional, self and DIY book publishing
Having a book published and available to readers is a rewarding journey. Often, writers don't know how to publish a book or what happens between finding a publisher, often the first step of publishing, and getting it in the marketplace, the last step. Here we will cover three popular routes to publishing - traditional, self-publishing and do-it-yourself (DIY) - and cover all the steps of the publishing process for each method.
Self-Publishing
A supported self-publisher typically offers packages that bundle a full suite of professional services for publishing, promoting and selling your book. Self-publishing gives you the freedom to maintain control over the decisions for your book without the hassle of doing all the work yourself.
1. Choose Publisher
When pursuing a self-publisher, you are acting as the publisher of your book and hiring a self-publishing company to complete services for you. You front the investment for your book's creation.
2. Choose Package and Services
Most self-publishers will offer a variety of packages and individual add-on services to meet your needs. You can take advantage of services to help with editing, design, marketing and more. How to Get Published: Publishing Packages
3. Submit Manuscript
Once your package is selected, you will submit your manuscript and any other items you would like included in your book (such as photos, graphs, etc. How to Get Published: A Step-by-Step Production Process Guide
4. Choose Book Specs
You will choose the dimensions of your book, available formats, paper quality and cover finish.
5. Book is Formatted; Cover is Designed
Your production team will get to work on formatting the interior of your book from a Word document to the finished book size. Cover art will also begin under the direction of your ideas and vision.
6. Author Reviews Designs
You will have the opportunity to review and make changes or approve of the interior design, cover art and back cover copy.
7. Book File Sent to Printer
When you approve of all the details of your book's design, the finalized file will be sent to the book printer so copies can be printed once orders are placed (known as print on demand). You may also receive an author discount on books and discounts on bulk orders.
8. Market Book
As a self-published author, it is your responsibility to create a marketing plan and drive it forward. Most self-publishing companies will offer advertising and promotional services to assist in your marketing plan. How to Get Published: Book Marketing Services
9. Earn
You will keep all royalties at the rate that was established during the production phase of your book. How to Get Published: Sales & Royalties FAQ
Publishing a book is not limited to the three tracks above; another option is considered "general contracting." General contracting allows you to maintain complete control over the outcome of your book by hiring professionals to work on each segment of your book's creation. As the author, you are responsible for finding and hiring all these professionals. There are referral services available to connect you with professionals who can do this specialized work (such as editing, interior design, cover design, printers, marketing professionals and more).
Your publishing journey is what you make it. There are countless options and opportunities available to segue you from writer to published author. Do you research and find the option that best meets your goals.
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