My Book is Written, Now What?!

My Book is Written, Now What?!

Last week we talked about what it takes to create a plot and write your story. This week I’d like to share what I’ve learned about the next big step on the way to being published. We are lucky with the newest technology making it possible for you to decide whether to pursue the traditional publishing route, or take control of your destiny and publish the book yourself. Both routes involve the spending of money, so for the sake of argument, we won’t discuss that part.

Traditional publishing involves query letters and the search for a literary agent who likes your book well enough to approach established publishing houses on your behalf. When that is accomplished, it would be a good idea to engage an experienced lawyer who will mediate your discussions with the publisher about your rights. These topics will most likely include everything from what they intend to name your book (it may change from the name you chose), how the cover and the book will be designed, whether you retain foreign publishing rights, film rights (that could happen!), and many other details for which you will want legal guidance.

On the other hand, there is the option to indie publish. It’s good to know the standards for, and the acceptance of, self-published books is steadily rising. Indie publishing got off to a shaky start in part because new ideas are hardly ever accepted in the beginning. A second problem happened because many new authors skipped the important editing portion of the process and posted first-draft level stories. Things are slowly changing, though, and indie publishing is gaining status in the world of books due to the better-written stories now being offered. So, if you do plan to publish your book yourself, make it the best possible version you can. And get professional help. It’s important!

If you like being in control, it might be a good idea to look into publishing the book yourself. There are people available on LinkedIn and online for every aspect of indie publishing, from branding your image to marketing before and after your book is launched. Even if you go with a traditional publisher, you will still be responsible for marketing your product. I, and others, have said before, “Writing is the easy part!”

Here is a brief run-down of the steps I have encountered on the way to becoming published: After your story is written, the real work begins when you present your book for professional editing. This step could happen several times as your story is refined with re-writes. When that stage is complete, Beta readers will offer their comments and suggestions. This will probably involve another round of re-writes. Everyone will have an opinion! By this time, you will probably have decided which route you want to travel as far as publishing. Either way, the journey is a long one. But if you enjoy the trip, it will be worth it.

Next week I’d like to share with you some interesting people and books that inspired me. I’d love to hear what inspires you!

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Magical adventure author Joan K. Lacy combines research and imagination to create the Alex Cort Adventures series, a series of metaphysical, fantasy adventure books, including A Shadow Away, All Under Heaven, and more forthcoming stories. You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Goodreads, and Google+.
The Benefits of Teamwork in Book Publishing

The Benefits of Teamwork in Book Publishing

The process of writing a book travels a critical path from the first brilliant idea to the finished product you’re holding in your hands. Even months before that point, the story of your publishing life has begun its own journey. A Shadow Away, my first book of the Alex Cort Adventure series, is scheduled to be released in late spring to early summer 2018, and I will share my experiences with you as I go. There are different paths to be traveled if your book is non-fiction, but early steps are the same for the most part.

When it comes to writing the manuscript, I found out writing the story is the easy part! Publishing is another whole process. One of the most important assets on my road to publishing is my husband and business partner. I call him my business partner because writing a book and publishing it are two very long and separate journeys. I am blessed with a man who enjoys handling the business side of bringing my creative vision to fruition. He says these are my books, but I could never accomplish everything we’ve done without his input, advice and problem-solving skills. That is one of the great benefits of teamwork.

Don’t be put off by what I just said: now you’re thinking you can never do it all by yourself.

If you have someone to help, great! You may possess skills that include a knack for business, and that’s also great. If you don’t have either of these, that’s okay too. A “search” will show you there are plenty of professional people willing to help you. Many, many “how to” books and online sites are available to guide you on every subject. There are branding teams to help create your public image, editors of all kinds (there are five that I know of), publicists, social media experts, even attorneys and financial companies to help you manage all that money you’re going to make!

The most important thing to remember is to have fun. You are doing what you love.

I learned something interesting recently. A post that said if you are working hard at something you hate, that is called “stress.” If you are working hard at something you love, that is “passion.” Kind of makes you think, doesn’t it?

Next time, I’ll share with you how I came up with the characters for my stories. See you next week!

If you enjoyed this post, please remember to “like” and share it with your friends! And use the sign up form below to be added to Joan’s email list so you never miss a post or update!

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Magical adventure author Joan K. Lacy combines research and imagination to create the Alex Cort Adventures series, a series of metaphysical, fantasy adventure books, including A Shadow Away, All Under Heaven, and more forthcoming stories. You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Goodreads, and Google+.

 

Photo by svklimkin at Morguefile.com

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