The Complete Guide To Publishing Your Book

If you thought finishing your book was tough, having it published is more complicated.

It is estimated that over 2 million books are published a year so you need to think about the publishing process long before you finish your final draft.

No matter whether you’re a new writer or an experienced one, the book publishing process can overwhelm even the most persistent person, so you must prepare for what lies ahead.

This isn’t meant to dissuade you, though; you just have to learn the landscape to publish your first book.

First things first, book publishing has radically evolved in the past several decades, which means the things you previously learned may no longer apply today.

For instance, old book publishing guides are meant for experienced authors and professional writers. So, if you don’t belong in that group, most of the tips may not even apply to you.

In other words, you must look into book publishing from a completely different perspective compared to a novelist.

You’ve gone this far – it took blood and sweat to finish your book.

So, it makes sense to take on the challenge of choosing where to publish it. Whether you decide to go with a small press or explore the possibility of self-publication, you must scrutinize potential publishers before taking a pick.

Every publishing option comes with pros and cons, but you must dig deep to figure out which one addresses your needs.

In choosing where to publish your book, factor in the following:

1 – Formatting

Talk to multiple prospects about the format they require when you submit your draft. Ask them if they’ll check for errors (and how often) before the final publication.

Don’t forget to discuss the possibility of making last-minute changes and if they’re open to it.

You get the drift here – discuss the minor details, from the author photos and ISBNs to the cover art.

2 – Print-on-Demand

Some publishers offer a print-on-demand option for authors who keep an open mind for traditional printing.

Ebooks are the preferred route for first-time authors but don’t undermine the value of a printed option.

The most popular print on demand (POD) is, of course, Amazon. They have a program called KDP Select which has a mandatory 90-day term that must be exclusive to the Amazon Kindle store.

This means your book cannot be sold anywhere else, including your website. The KDP Select Program even prevents you from participating in giveaways.

3 – Proofreading

Contrary to popular belief, not all publishers offer editing or proofreading; instead, they print your book as submitted to them.

See to it that you agree with the publisher about editing the book and if they’re charging extra for it.

If the publishing house offer editing and proofreading, be sure to ask who’s doing it and if they’re qualified.

Consider reading a few books published by the same publisher; this is the best way to get a first-hand account of the editing quality.

If you’re unimpressed, there’s the option of hiring an editor to proofread your book before publication.

4 – Contract

Read all the stipulations in the contract at least twice before you sign it.

It’s best if you can have an entertainment lawyer look over it, especially when you take issue with some provisions.

Focus on specific details, including costs, rights, and royalties.

There must be exact figures when it comes to how often you’d get paid royalties, the number of books you get for your own use, and many others.

5 – Promotional Perks

As you weigh on your publishing options, reflect on the promotional pers. Does the publisher even have a laid-out plan to promote you and your book?

Choose a publisher who has a legitimate media connection.

Aside from traditional media coverage, ask how the publisher features its recent releases and how they handle review copies.

If you don’t want to do all the hard work, avoid subsidy publishers that offer “publish only” arrangements.

It means that they only publish your book, and you’ll be doing marketing and promotion on your own.

6 – Book Cover

You may be setting your sights on electronic publication, but you still need a kick-ass cover design.

Look at other books that are in your genre. For example, if you are writing a biography or a memoir, you’ll probably want a picture of yourself on the cover.

If you’re writing a self-help book you have more freedom to use graphical elements.

You want your first-ever title to draw positive attention, and the best way for it to stand out is by adding an outstanding cover.

Research the potential publisher’s previous works, specifically looking at the covers.

Consider hiring a graphic artist if you’re not confident with the publisher’s work. Authors reserve the right to submit a cover art that best represents their book.

7 – Book Synopsis

Aside from the editor or proofreaders, ask for the name and qualification of the individual tasked to write the book synopsis.

An experienced publisher knows all too well how critical the synopsis is from the marketing perspective.

It’s not like they’ll just copy a chapter or make a hasty summary and put it on the back cover.

Readers sometimes use the book synopsis to decide whether to buy the title or look for something else.

8 – Price

The price plays a crucial role when choosing where to publish. Be clear about how much readers must pay for your book.

Compare this figure with the price of other books in the same genre. The last thing you want is for your title to be twice as expensive because it won’t sell.

Figure out if the publisher has prevailing deals with book retailers; this will affect your sales since prices could go up once they reach online and brick-and-mortar bookstores.

9 – Delivery

New authors like you require a quick turnaround from finishing your book to publication.

It’s why you should find a publisher who offers a reasonable delivery time.

Ask multiple publishers how long it’ll take for the book to be published right after you sign the contract.

Keep in mind that there’s a difference between the publication date and the time the book reaches the consumers.

Final Thoughts

Authors must know and explore every option when it comes to publication.

No two publishers are alike; some even prefer specific genres.

It’s your job to weigh on the various options available to you – by asking the right questions, you’ll know if you’re talking to a good publisher.

Also, not everyone likes working with would-be authors, so have a feel of how they address your queries.