What To Do After You've Written Your Book

Now that your book is done, what are you supposed to do next? Well the business of being an author is as important as the creative side. Below, I'll share what I think all authors need to think about as soon as their manuscript is ready to publish. Read till the end to find my NUMBER ONE SOURCE for help with publishing as well as my NUMBER TWO! 

Self-publishing has revolutionized the literary world, providing authors with the opportunity to take control of their publishing journey. However, the process can be daunting, especially for first-time authors. This guide will take you through the essential steps of self-publishing, from finalizing your manuscript to marketing your book effectively.
1. Finalize Your ManuscriptBefore anything else, ensure your manuscript is polished and ready for publication. This involves several stages:

• Self-Editing: Review your work for grammar, spelling, and consistency. Tools like Grammarly can help, but don't rely solely on software. The free version of Grammarly is good enough to catch major mistakes. But it sometimes corrects things you don't want changed. You must still be the author and only let the tools assist you.
• Beta Readers: Share your manuscript with a few trusted readers for feedback on plot, character development, and pacing. Don't skip this step! You don't have to pay for beta readers. But try to squeeze out enough to hire at least one. The rest can (and should) be amateurs because that's who will be buying your book.
• Professional Editing: Hiring a professional editor is crucial. They can provide developmental, line, and copy editing to refine your manuscript. Don't skip this step either!

2. Book FormattingProper formatting is essential for both print and digital versions of your book. I recommend choosing the most recent YouTube videos on book formatting if you're going to do it yourself. It's pretty easy to learn following a step-by-step guide. But it's also quite cheap to hire someone to do it for you. Key elements include:

• Print Formatting: Ensure your manuscript meets the requirements of print-on-demand services like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark.
• eBook Formatting: Make sure your eBook is compatible with various e-readers by converting it to formats like ePub or MOBI.

3. Cover DesignYour book cover is the first thing potential readers will see, so it needs to be eye-catching and professional. Book cover design is so critical, I recommend you start it after you finish your first draft. It will need lots of tweaking and adjusting until it's perfect. How will you know it's perfect?  You'll get the "feels" when you see it!  Choose someone who offers at least three free revisions before charging any change fees.

• Hire a Professional Designer: If you’re not skilled in graphic design, consider hiring a professional. Websites like 99designs or Fiverr can connect you with talented designers.
• Consider Genre Expectations: Research covers in your genre to understand what appeals to your target audience. Just jump on Amazon.com or BN.com and look at books that are best sellers in your genre. That will tell you the flavor your book should have.

4. ISBN and Copyright

• ISBN (International Standard Book Number): This is a unique identifier for your book. You can purchase an ISBN from Bowker in the United States or other local agencies.
• Copyright: Your work is automatically copyrighted upon creation, but you might want to register it with your country’s copyright office for added protection.

5. Choosing a Publishing PlatformSeveral platforms can help you publish and distribute your book. Let me know if you want more information about using these platforms.

• Amazon KDP: Ideal for reaching a large audience, KDP allows you to publish both eBooks and print books.
• IngramSpark: Offers broader distribution to bookstores and libraries, in addition to online retailers.
• Smashwords: A great option for distributing eBooks to multiple retailers like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.

6. Pricing Your BookSetting the right price is crucial for attracting readers and making a profit. Remember, if you are a new author, your goals should be making a little money and (more importantly) building a large following. Keep your prices low. No one is going to plunk down $20 on an author they've never heard of.

• Research Competitors: Look at similar books in your genre to get an idea of pricing. Use Amazon.com and BN. com to conduct this research
• Consider Your Goals: If you’re aiming for wide readership, lower prices might attract more buyers. For higher profits per sale, set a higher price. Don't be afraid to keep your book price low and your ebook price even lower. 

7. Launching Your BookA successful book launch can significantly boost your sales.

• Create a Launch Plan: Outline your marketing activities leading up to and following your release date.
• Advance Reviews: Send advance copies to reviewers and bloggers to generate buzz before your launch.
• Book Launch Events: Host virtual or physical launch events to engage with potential readers.

8. Marketing Your BookEffective marketing is key to your book’s success.

• Build an Author Platform: Use social media, a website, and an email newsletter to connect with readers.
• Utilize Book Promotion Sites: Websites like BookBub can help you reach a larger audience through paid promotions.
• Amazon Ads and Social Media Ads: Invest in advertising to increase visibility. Target your ads to reach your ideal readers.

9. Engaging with ReadersBuilding a loyal reader base can lead to long-term success.

• Social Media Engagement: Regularly interact with your followers on social media platforms.
• Email List: Use your email newsletter to keep readers updated on new releases, special offers, and other news.
• Author Events: Participate in book signings, readings, and literary festivals to connect with readers in person.

10. Tracking Your ProgressMonitor your sales and marketing efforts to understand what works and what doesn’t.

• Sales Data: Use the analytics provided by your publishing platforms to track your book’s performance.
• Reader Feedback: Pay attention to reviews and reader feedback to improve future books and marketing strategies.

846 Global Publishing is a hybrid publishing company that offers ALL of the services listed above so you can focus on writing. We offer the best of traditional publishing with the flexibility and freedom of self-publishing. You maintain the majority ownership of your book or, in some cases, complete ownership. Pricing is lower than most on the market, but quality is higher. And, you can structure your own payment plan in the amounts and frequencies that are best for you. It's time to get that book done. No more excuses.
Self-publishing is a rewarding but challenging journey that requires dedication and strategic planning. By following these steps, you can take your manuscript from a finished draft to a market-ready book, ready to captivate readers around the world.
Where are you on your publishing journey? Let me know by leaving a comment directly or email me at [email protected]. Remember all correspondence becomes the property of 846 Global Publishing and might be shared publicly. Do not send manuscripts through this channel.  Thanks!