The majority of authors begin the writing process with an idea for their book, but as soon as they have completed the manuscript, they are confronted with the challenge of figuring out how to get their work known to the public. If you find yourself in the same situation, this article may prove helpful for you.
Listed below are some brief guidelines on how to get published.
1. Begin with an Idea
One cannot publish a book without having first an idea. After generating one, everything else may follow through.
It is important that while your idea may be inspired by some pre-existing one, it should have something distinct and unique in it that can capture the reader’s interest.
2. Book Acquisition/Commissioning
This step is how a new book gets signed up by a publishing company. Your publisher (editor) will be your main point of contact as an author throughout the entire publishing process, from your manuscript to the published book.
Your editor will track the progress of your book. They will collaborate with you and your literary agent, as well as with other in-house departments, such as design, production, marketing, and sales.
3. Designing
This step can be left to the designer’s expertise. It is part of their task to create an intriguing and enticing book cover that is as promising as the contents inside.
As far as the saying ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ goes, it truly pays if your book cover design is attractive right from the get-go. This will enable potential readers to purchase the book because it is eye captivating. However, this will not entirely determine the level of success your book will get. You must also have an interesting, well-constructed storyline that will hook your readers from beginning to end.
4. Production
This is the step of the publishing process that turns your raw manuscript into either a physical book (hardcover or softcover), an electronic book, or an audiobook. This is the longest part of the process because there is much work to do. To ensure the highest quality of your book prior to publication, you will need to have copy editors and proofreaders.
5. Book Marketing
Once you have completed the steps above, you now have an actual, physical, printed book. The next step is where marketing comes in. Marketing is an essential part of the publishing process because it determines the success of your book in getting the recognition it needs from prospective readers. In marketing your book, it is important to remember that your strategy should be catered to your target audience.
Now that you’ve reached the conclusion of this article, you have a firm grasp of how a book goes from manuscript to shelf. You won’t be as taken aback or daunted by new developments, and you’ll be one step closer to realizing your dream of being a published author.