Lots of people ask me how I got into publishing—especially aspiring writers who want to know what it takes to get their book idea published, too. So to answer these questions once and for all, I decided I ought to write a post explaining in detail the steps commonly required to write and publish a book in today’s market. Let’s organize these into eight phases.
Phase #1—Idea
As I explain in my free download, 7 Insider Secrets to Getting Published, one of the three key assets publishers look for is a great idea. What’s yours? What are you writing about? What’s the gist of your book? What killer topic have you landed on that absolutely MUST be shared with the world? If you don’t have a stellar idea, then you don’t have a book (yet).
Phase #2—Brainstorm
This is the phase where I collect copious notes related to my book topic. Use whatever system you want—a notebook, a notes app, a pile of sticky notes or scribbles on used envelopes. Just download all the thoughts, references, anecdotes and inspirations you find over a period of time before you start writing the book. This phase helps you solidify your idea and give it breadth, depth and life. The brainstorming process will continue throughout the writing phase.
Phase #3—Content Development
Here’s where you buckle down and start organizing your brainstorm scribbles into some sort of cohesive shape. Answer these questions:
- What are the main theme and sub-themes of your book?
- Who is your target audience? What are their needs?
- What questions are you answering / problems are you solving for the reader?
- Why are you uniquely qualified or positioned to write this book?
Phase #4—Title
The titling phase can happen anywhere between phases 1 and 6, but do spend some dedicated time brainstorming title and subtitle ideas. A strong title will capture the reader’s interest in a few words or less (ideally), while the subtitle will explain what the reader will find inside the book and/or what problem it’s going to solve in their lives. Do some research to ensure you’re not duplicating another book title or trademark. Ask your existing audience (even if it’s just friends) for their feedback.
Phase #5—Chapter Outline
Here’s where you need to further organize your book’s big picture into clear sections with cohesion and flow, encompassing all points and subpoints in a way that makes sense, grows toward a conclusion, and benefits the reader. Determine the overall theme and purpose of each chapter, then expound with bullet points explaining what supporting topics, illustrations, or lessons you’re going to include and in what order. The chapter outline is a critical phase that should not be skimped.
Phase #6—Writing: Choose Traditional vs. Self Publishing
Not sure which way to go? Read this post on the differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing. Here is where the roads diverge.
If you choose traditional publishing, you will:
- Write a professional book proposal, which includes a business plan plus three sample chapters. {Click here for a template or check out my online course, Write Like a Pro, for more how-to help with writing a book proposal.}
- Pitch your book proposal to agents and/or publishers. Not sure how to get an agent? Check out this post.
WHEN A BOOK CONTRACT IS SECURED:
- Create a content writing schedule to ensure you complete your project in a consistent and timely manner—by the publisher deadline.
- Begin writing your remaining content. (Chapters 1 through 3 might already be complete since they were part of the book proposal.)
- Interview people for stories or other content to include within your book.
- Share written stories with interviewees for approval; collect release forms for permission to print. (Your publisher will likely provide a release form to share.)
- Acquire photography or images if applicable, including licenses to utilize in print.
- Write acknowledgements.
- Collect any resource citations or footnotes.
- Submit manuscript to publisher.
- Secure endorsers and possibly a foreword author.
- Be available to review at least three rounds of edits from the publisher.
If you opt for self-publishing, you’ll complete the following steps over a series of many weeks or months. Note that this is only a high-level overview of the process:
- Create a content writing schedule to ensure you complete your project in a consistent and timely manner.
- Begin writing content.
- Interview people for stories or other content to include within your book.
- Share written stories with interviewees for approval; collect release forms for permission to print.
- Acquire photography or images if applicable, including licenses to utilize in print.
- Edit and proofread all content.
- Write back cover/marketing copy including your author bio. Get a professional photo taken for the cover and other marketing materials.
- Write acknowledgements.
- Collect and format any resource citations or footnotes.
- Secure endorsements; send draft manuscript to endorsers for review.
- Purchase ISBN.
- Submit manuscript to designer for formatting and front/back cover design OR design yourself using Kindle Direct Publishing templates and tools.
- Proofread formatted book {which may involve multiple back-and-forth steps to the final version}.
- Go live for sale on Amazon and/or purchase copies to sell direct.
Phase #7—Book Launch
When your book is nearly printed and ready to hit the shelves (or Amazon pages), you’ll need to engage in an intensive book launch process that can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks or more. If you contract with a traditional publisher, you’ll be expected to play an active role in promoting via social media, email, blog posts and traditional media such as radio and podcast interviews. If you self-publish, you will be solely responsible for all marketing and promotion. You can choose to handle it all yourself or hire a book launch expert or publicist for help. The book launch phase is an exciting and exceptionally busy time—often critical to the book’s success.
Phase #8—Ongoing Marketing
Beyond your initial book launch window, wise authors will continue promoting their books through a variety of mediums including speaking events, social media, email campaigns, Amazon ads, and much more. As long as your book is in the world, you ought to be telling people about it and encouraging them to buy it.
Whew! Did you imagine book publishing would be so complex? If you need help, I’m here to give it. As a writing coach I help aspiring authors with a variety of phases from developing book ideas to writing book proposals, editing content, and I even offer a full self-publishing package for writers who want a trusty guide to walk them through all the steps from idea to print. Contact me for more details. I’d love to work with you!
Write on,
Becky
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