Navigate the Publishing Process. A Guide for New Writers

Publishing a Book: Navigate the Publishing Process

Publishing a book can be daunting. It often feels like driving blind on a wet road. However, this blog will help you navigate the publishing process. Whether you dream of signing with a big publisher or decide to self-publish, here’s an easy guide to help you understand the process. Keep in mind that it takes time to become a published author.

Start and Finish Your Manuscript

• Complete Your Draft — Concentrate on writing that first draft. It won't be perfect, but it will give you a starting point.

• Rewrite — Revise the draft several times. I sometimes do ten redrafts before I'm happy to send the manuscript out to beta readers. Beta readers are trusted friends or colleagues who provide constructive feedback.

• Proofread — Fix grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Beta readers can also help with this.

• Professional Edit — Hiring a professional editor for developmental editing, copyediting, or proofreading will enhance your book. There are many editors available. Check with industry websites such as the Australian Society of Authors or your state writing centre for lists of services available for authors.

  
  

The Decision They Made, my debut historical fiction, was published in November 2019. I had already decided to self-publish when I finished this manuscript.

Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing

Traditional Publishing

Traditional publishing can be challenging. However, if your manuscript is accepted by a publisher or agent, they handle everything from editing to cover design, printing, and distribution. They will also manage part of your marketing, but you still need to promote your book.

There are no upfront costs. In fact, you may receive a retainer, which helps publish your book. You will have a professional team behind you, and distribution is easier and included in the contract.

This market is competitive. It often involves long wait times, lower royalties, and authors have less control over their book's look and feel.

It takes time to become a published author.

Self-Publishing

I began my self-publishing journey in 2019 and learned a lot since then. It is a steep learning curve, but once you publish one book, the subsequent ones become easier.

There are platforms specifically for self-publishing. The top three include:

• Amazon KDP — This is the platform I started with. I publish eBooks and print books here. Some of my books are on Kindle Unlimited, which means they are exclusive to Amazon but free for readers with a KU account.

• IngramSpark — I publish print books on this platform and have sold a few over the years. This platform distributes widely, giving your book a broader audience.

• Draft2Digital — I published eBooks on this platform for some years. I no longer use D2D because my books are on KU, meaning they are exclusive to Amazon.

  
  

The advantages of self-publishing include full creative control, setting your deadlines, and higher royalties (due to no fees going to a traditional publisher). The disadvantages are that you do everything and pay for publishing and printing.

The Traditional Publishing Path

Step 1: Write a Query Letter

A query letter is a one-page pitch to agents or publishers. This is your chance to sell your story. Making yourself stand out among numerous submissions is challenging. If traditional publishing is your preferred route, make your query letter as compelling as possible.

Step 2: Prepare a Synopsis of Your Book

Check the guidelines on agents' and publishers' websites for the word count for a synopsis. They can range from one to three pages or chapters.

Step 3: Research Agents and/or Publishers

This step is crucial. The best way to ensure your pitch doesn't end up in the slush pile is to send it to agents or publishers who specialize in your genre. You can find lists of agents and publishers online, including whether they are open for submissions.

Step 4: Submit

Check your pitch and send it via email according to their guidelines. Don’t send a full manuscript with your first pitch; if they want it, they will request it in a separate email.

Step 5: It’s a Waiting Game

This is the hard part. Unless your submission is exactly what they are looking for, it can take months or even up to a year before you hear anything. If you wait longer than that, it is unlikely your pitch was successful.

Step 6: If Accepted

If you are accepted, you’ll receive an offer of representation from an agent or a publishing contract from a publisher. This is just the beginning of your publishing journey; there is much work to be done from this point.

Step 7: Negotiate the Contract

Have a lawyer, preferably one who specializes in publishing and literary law, review your offer. This applies to both an agent’s and a publisher’s offer, as neither may fully understand the legal aspects of contracts.

Step 8: Work with Their Team

If an agent takes you on, they will help you find a publisher. Once a publisher is secured, you will collaborate with their team of professionals—editors, salespeople, publicists, and marketing personnel.

Note: Even if you are traditionally published, marketing your books is also your responsibility. Your publisher will do some of the work, but the rest is up to you.

The Self-Publishing Path

As mentioned, self-publishing grants you creative control, but you will need a team behind you. This is where writing groups and fellow authors can be invaluable.

Step 1: Hire Professionals

Consider hiring an editor, especially if it’s your first book. You may also want a proofreader or beta readers for feedback. The cover design is crucial too; consider hiring a graphic designer or using visual suite software like Canva. There is a free version of Canva available if your budget is tight.

Step 2: Format Your Book

There are various ways to format a book. Kindle Direct Publishing has guidelines available, as does IngramSpark. You can also use formatting software like Vellum, but searching for formatting software will provide a list to research.

Step 3: Design a Cover

This step is vital. Whether you use software or a graphic designer, ensure you follow the guidelines for each site. KDP has specific measurements for covers; follow these instructions to avoid issues during upload.

Step 4: Buy ISBNs

ISBNs are unique 10 or 13-digit numbers that identify your book. In Australia, you can buy ISBNs from Thorpe-Bowker Australia. These are yours exclusively. Many sites offer free ISBNs, but these belong to the site, not the author.

Note: I prefer to buy 10 ISBNs at a time to save money. This is beneficial if you plan to publish multiple books. Use one ISBN per version of the book.

Step 5: Upload Your Manuscript

You will need an EPUB format for eBooks and a PDF version for print books. Again, the KDP site has guidelines for this. Vellum software produces formats for all sites.

Step 6: Set Your Price

Deciding on a price depends on your genre. For example, a children’s picture book will have a different price than an epic novel. Research what similar books are selling for online and set your price accordingly. For print books, factor in printing costs if you want copies to sell yourself.

Step 7: Upload and Publish

Follow the guidelines of the site you are publishing with to upload your files. They will notify you of any issues.

Note: I encountered a few issues when I published my debut novel but resolved them easily by contacting support.

Step 8: Print Your Books

Most sites offer print on demand (POD). This means when someone buys your print version, the site prints a copy and sends it to the buyer. You can also purchase author copies or copies to sell yourself from the sites.

Note: I bought copies of my debut novel from Amazon when I first published it, but the delivery charge made it uneconomical. Since then, I have used local Australian printers and benefited from supporting local businesses. You will pay more to print in Australia, but you won’t face overseas delivery charges and fees.

Step 9: Promote Your Book

Promotion can begin once you have a cover. Use it as a teaser to generate interest in your book. Most marketing occurs after publication, but pre-promotion is essential.

A few books I have self-published since 2019.

Marketing Tips for Pre and Post Publishing

The following tips are useful for any author, whether traditionally or self-published.

1. Build an Author Website — Many sites can help you build a website. Research and choose the one you find easiest to use. Many offer free hosting and services.

2. Join a Writer’s Group — This is a way of ‘building your tribe’ or finding others who share your passion for writing. This isn’t marketing per se, but you will help each other market your books by sharing tips. This ‘tribe’ will support each other along the publishing journey.

   
   

3. Grow an Email Newsletter — If you want to, go ahead. I have found writing a blog works better for me.

   
   

4. Connect on Social Media — Join as many social media sites as you can handle. You don’t need to be on every platform. If your budget allows, consider hiring a social media marketer in your area.

   
   

   Sites — Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Threads, X, Bluesky, Goodreads, and more. Search for the platforms you want to join. It takes time to gain followers, and you need to post regularly. Observe what other authors are doing and plan your strategy. A social media marketer can assist with this.

   
   

   Note: Canva is excellent for designing book posts, and they can be resized for each social site. I use it to create my posts for Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Threads.

   
   

5. Organise a Book Launch — These events help build your author profile and sell your book. Ask local bookshops if they host book launches and whether they charge. Many places, especially book-themed cafes, may host them for free if you bring in a crowd.

   
   

6. Find Book Reviewers/Get Reviews — Goodreads is a great place to receive book reviews. Many people on social media are willing to review books in exchange for a free copy.

   
   

7. Attend Book Events — Participate in book fairs, writer events, and conferences. Make yourself visible. This is crucial for marketing yourself as an author and a good way to meet other authors.

   
   

There is much involved in publishing a book, but I hope these tips to 'Navigate the Publishing Process: A Guide for New Writers' will assist you in your publishing journey. I wish you the best of luck in your writing and publishing endeavours. Enjoy the ride.

Happy writing,

Maria P Frino