HOW TO PUBLISH A BOOK
“I can't pay to publish my book right now.” We feel that a lot. And we understand it: publishing can be a big investment for many people, and sometimes it seems like publishing can wait. But when we hear about Authors Who Give Up an Editorial Project Because of Funding, we smile and say, "Not so fast!" There are creative ways to fund your editorial project.
With self-publishing, you can instantly get you book into the hands of readers and create a following for your work. UK authors have many desktop publishing services to choose from, each offering different editorial and legal support levels. However, once your book is on the market, you must set up a sole proprietorship and register to submit a self-assessment.
Here's how to publish your book:
1. Choose a theme
This is always the hardest part for writers: "What am I writing about”? Let's talk non-fiction, for an instant. Brainstorm, grab a pen and paper and write down all of your skills (personal and professional), interests, hobbies, major challenges you've faced, and any other knowledge you've gained throughout your life.
Write everything you can think of until you run out of brains. Now go through this list and choose 3 or 4 topics you would like to write about. But, of course, writing will be a chore if you hate the subject.
Break them down into possible subtopics once you have a few possible topics.
You want your theme to be broad enough to write a series of books on various elements of it. It is better to delve into one aspect of an issue than to cover it all in one book. This allows you to create a catalog of books and gives your reader more money for each book you write.
After selecting a few topics, you'll need to research to see if the issue is viable and has enough interested readers to make it profitable for you.
2. Write your book
You don't have to be a vast writer to write a good book. However, it would be best if you were good enough to communicate what you have to say clearly, concisely, and interestingly.
Write a "horrible first draft." In other words, please write it down on paper, then go back and refine it. So, with full permission to write a shitty first draft, you can start with these steps:
Decide how much time you can spend writing each day. Even if it's only 5 minutes, make that time sacred for writing. Don't let anyone or anything disturb or distract you.
3. Edit your book
We strongly recommend having your book reviewed by a publisher before publishing. Even if you are the most amazing writer globally, you still need an editor. It would be best to have someone edit your work, make sure it runs smoothly, and catch errors. Please do not skip this step. It is so important
Of course, we recommend that you edit your book several times before submitting it to a publisher. Run it through with a fine-tooth comb and carefully rewrite and edit. You can also ask your ideal reader to review your manuscript before sending it to a publisher.
For example, if you're writing a book about parenting teens, find someone you know who is the parent of a teen and ask them to read your draft. Ask for honest feedback to make sure the book appeals to the audience you're trying to reach.
Try to be tough when you get this feedback and see it as an opportunity to make your book the best it can be. Then, once you feel like the book is ready for the finishing touches from the publisher, start looking for a good publisher. You can get good publishers at Upwork, Fiverr, Elance e.t.c
Many publishers can also format your text for publication and printing on Kindle.
4. Choose a title
There's a real art and real science to choosing a good title for your book. You want a headline with a "hook," something short, captivating, and straight to the point. On the other hand, the subtitle can be lengthy, with more explanation of the book's benefits.
Go to Amazon and check out some of the top sellers in your niche. Examine the titles and pay attention to the ones that catch your eye. You will also need to consider some of your niche SEO keywords in the title or subtitle to help readers find your book.
5. Design your book cover
This is another area of desktop publishing where you should hire a professional. Please don't pick a poor-quality stock photo and slap the title because it's the cheapest option. Instead, find someone who designs book covers regularly and pay for a well-designed cover.
I promise that this step will pay off in the long run, as more and more people will be inclined to buy a book with an attractive and eye-catching cover. You can also find cover designers on ArchangelInk, Elance, and Upwork, so follow the same verification process you used to hire your editor. You can click the image below to locate freelancers who can also design your book cover.
6. Format your book
Unless you like detailed work, try to find an editor who will also do the formatting for you.
Another reason to hire someone is that you want to make sure they're done right. You don't want to bother writing your book to look like a mess when someone opens it to read it. Find someone who makes a living doing this and knows all the rules and requirements for proper formatting.
7. Download your book to Kindle
Once your book has been edited and formatted and you've designed the cover, you can upload it to the Kindle Store. First, you'll need to create an account with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), where you'll find all the instructions for uploading your book, creating an author page, pricing your book, and writing copies for your sales page.
These steps are important for getting your book known and selling many copies. Therefore, the document on the author's page and the book's sales page should focus on how your book benefits readers.
You don't have to sell people on the book's features or what a great author you are. Instead, you need to let them know how you can answer their questions, offer solutions to their problems, and help them overcome challenges related to your topic.
Once you've uploaded your book and filled out the author and sales pages, it's time to hit the publish button. It usually takes a few days for Amazon to review your book and publish it, but you're officially a published author once that's done!
8. Publish your paper book
If you've hired someone to format your text for you, be sure to ask them to do it for both Kindle and CreateSpace (or whatever printing service you use).
Once your book has been formatted for printing and your covers (front, back, and spine) are complete, you can upload all files to CreateSpace by following its setup instructions. In addition, CreateSpace has a full help center and fallback services (formatting, editing, and design) if you run into any issues.
Once you've successfully uploaded everything, you can submit your book to Amazon for publishing with just one click.
9. Promote your book
Now your book has been published; you're going to wait for the money to start coming in, right? Well, don't rely solely on Amazon to promote your book. Instead, you will need to spread the word and do whatever it takes to market and promote your book.
If you have a blog, be sure to write about your book and how it will help your readers. If you have a mailing list, be sure to send an email to announce your new book. Also, use social media to spread the word.
You may also consider writing guest blog posts relevant to your topic with links to the author's page in the guest post's bio. You can offer your books through other publishing channels, such as Nook and Kobo, if you don't want to rely solely on Amazon.
Keep marketing your book regularly, so you don't get lost in the dark.
10. Start writing your next book
Your first book is always a learning experience, and once you publish your first book, you'll realize how many ideas you have for other books.
And that's where the real success comes in. In today's landscape of digital authors, it's important to keep writing books to build a career as an author.
Don't mistake thinking a book will be an instant hit. Although this happens to some writers, it is the exception and NOT the rule.
SERVICES THAT WILL PROOFREAD YOUR WORK
Most Authors are often too close to their work to correct and spot even basic errors and inconsistencies. While a friend or family member might gladly offer to proofread your book, a professional editor is much better equipped to do the job perfectly. Some services that will proofread your work includes:
I. Proofers
Proofers is a UK-based company that edits and proofreads all professional documents in English, from essays, dissertations, and assignments to business documents and CVs. They also offer their services to authors and novelists. They work with papers written in popular word processors, including MS Office, PDF, and RTF.
In addition to proofreading services, they also help with document formatting, plagiarism checking, and editing.
II. Wordy
Regardless of what you write, you can send your document to Wordy for review in less than 30 seconds. They work with writers, academics, and professionals and accept documents in 11 file formats, including MS Office, PDF, LaTeX, and Google Docs.
Although it operates entirely as an online review service, you can trust them with their accountability. In addition, wordy assign reviewers and editors based on your time zone, so you don't have to worry about time differences.
Cambridge Proofreading has branches in the UK and the US and offers its services to ESL speakers, students, and international companies. They focus on improving writing style, clarity, and tone. Their website is easy to navigate, and you can browse to check the specific criteria they use to review the type of document you need to edit and proofread.
IV. Proofreading Pal
ProofreadingPal uses a two-check model reviewed by two of its major publishers. They offer their services to students, professionals, and authors. In addition to online sites, they also accept orders over the phone.
HOW TO SECURE FUNDS FOR YOUR BOOK
• Use a crowdsourcing website.
Many authors have an audience that wants to read their book...they don't have a book. This is where crowdsourcing shines. With a good idea and a bit of marketing, platforms like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo, or even publishing-focused platforms like FundMyBook and Unbound, can connect you with your readers and help you raise funds needed to create your book, one pledge at a time. Publishizer.com combines crowdfunding with outreach opportunities, connecting authors with self-publishing companies, hybrid publishers, and small traditional publishers.
• Get a sponsor
If you work with a particular company or organization, consider inviting them to endorse your book as a brand extension for the company. If your material is a piece of information they want to align with publicly, it might be helpful for them to have your name or logo on the back cover or a special page inside. You might even consider making a special edition for your employees or VIP clients.
• Fundraising
If you have good connections, a wealthy benefactor may be all you need to get your book off the ground. But even if you don't come across rich circles, you can still look for support in your network. For example, if you have clients who love your work, consider inviting them to a fundraising event. Heck, throw a party and invite your friends and family over if your book can be useful to them too! Just be sure to celebrate an additional special release when the book is available to everyone who supports it.
• Apply for grants
It's not for everyone, but numerous grants can help you out before you even start. Although many writing scholarships emphasize fiction, there is still room for non-fiction writers, especially those with a socially conscious literary style or material. In addition, academic writers can apply for artist research and development grants, trans women and artists can apply for the Art and Change funding, and many more, including contributions from the North Carolina Arts Council and The Awesome Foundation. Each grant has different application requirements, so do your research!
• Start with an e-book or cut costs in another way.
If you need to get your book published but can't find the funds for a full package, you can always start with an eBook. It can help you save on everything from printing costs to shipping and design costs.
CONCLUSION
Publishing a book is always a big undertaking, whether you choose to publish it yourself or not. Knowledge is power, and for freelance writers, it's also our greatest asset, no exaggeration. However, there is still a lot to learn to become a smart and effective editor.
The path to book publication can be difficult, but if you prepare properly and surround yourself with the right people, it can also be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life
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