Are you thinking about writing a book, are in the process of writing a book or have completed one? Maybe you’re right on schedule with your project—you figure your big year is 2012. Perhaps this is the year you’ll meet those publishing goals. Well, there’s a lot to consider before you head off into parts unknown within the vast and fiercely competitive publishing field. And if you don’t believe me, ask a few published authors at your writers’ group. Attend book signings and question the authors about their path to publishing. Chat with authors at the writers’ conferences you attend. Most will tell you that there’s a lot of preparation necessary before you launch out into the wild blue yonder of publishing. And the more well-prepared you are, the more successful you will be.
So take it easy. Don’t rush into anything. Don’t make rash decisions. Here’s what you should be doing, instead. If you have a book in mind, you are writing a book, you are finishing up a book or you have a completed book and are seeking publication, whether it is fiction, nonfiction or a children’s book or book of poetry:
1: Study the publishing. Read books by me—Patricia Fry, Dan Poynter, Marilyn Ross and other professionals. I recommend my book, “The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book.” I wrote it for authors who are new or relatively unfamiliar with the publishing industry. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
This book will tell you what your publishing options are, how to choose the best option for your particular project and exactly what your responsibilities as a published author are. You’ll also be more well-prepared to enter into the publishing arena if you understand, beforehand, all aspects of book promotion.
2: Write a book proposal. Yes, even for fiction or a book of poetry, etc. Many publishers today want to see a book proposal. But there is an even greater, more important reason to write one. It is for you—the author.
• You must know who you are writing (or have written) the book for. Who is your target audience? Few new authors actually realize how important this is.
• In order to make the best decisions on behalf of your book, you need to know something about your competition. Is there a need for another book like this? What will make your book standout (in a good way)? Why will people choose your book over the others in this category? If your book is fiction, is the genre a popular one or a strong niche genre?
• What can you bring to the table as far as marketing ideas and the skill, energy, time and, in some cases, money for implementing them? It is always the author’s responsibility to promote his or her book. And successful book promotion is all-encompassing.
3: Hire a good book editor. This is highly important whether you plan to seek a publisher, go with a pay-to-publish company or self-publish (establish your own publishing company). It could cost you anywhere from $800 to $3,000 depending on the scope of your project and the condition it’s in. It is so important that you present a perfectly edited manuscript to a publisher as well as to the public that, if you don’t have the money to do it now, I suggest holding off on your book until you can save it up.
You’ve just been presented with a valuable New Year’s gift in the form of valid information here today. It is up to you whether you embrace it or not. If you are way too eager to move forward with your project to “waste” any time following this advice, let me remind you that, while writing is a craft, publishing is a fiercely competitive business and it should be approached as such.
You should also know that the percentage of failed books (those that sell fewer than 100 copies) is on a rise. I understand that it is now eighty-percent. Eighty percent of authors fail. These authors enter into publishing with the same dreams and goals as you have. But they neglect these three points, ignore them or don’t bother to learn them. And they fail.
Remember that: Publishing is NOT an extension of your writing.