Publishing isn’t a decision to be made randomly. In fact, the publishing industry and the world of bookselling is in the rather chaotic, unstable condition that they’re in because too many people have been jumping in without looking.
The publishing path is much different from the writing path. The path toward publishing will take you in totally new and foreign directions. There are different skills and awarenesses required. You’ll need a new mindset and perspective. And the tasks involved with publishing don’t even resemble those you’ve used in writing your book. But the biggest difference is the preparation you must engage in. If you want to experience success in the highly competitive field of publishing, you’ll need to spend time preparing before you get involved. Here’s what I suggest you do before you start the publishing process:
1: Study the publishing industry so that you understand how it all works, what is required of you, what your options are and the possible ramifications of your choices.
2: Write a book proposal in order to determine whether your book idea is a viable product, to find out what else is out there like yours, to discover the size and scope of your target audience and to learn how to reach them.
3: Begin establishing or adding to your platform (your following—your way of attracting readers).
4: Create a reasonable marketing plan.
5: Prepare yourself to manage the promotional responsibilities. This might mean join a Toastmasters Club to enhance your public speaking skills, develop a program based on your book and start testing it out, make connections you can utilize when your book is ready to promote, etc.
If you aren’t coming into publishing with appropriate skills and knowledge, one of the best business decisions you can make is to acquire them before entering into the realm of publishing.
I wrote an article a few years ago called Hurry Up and Fail. For additional perspective on this blog topic and additional suggestions, follow this link to my site and read this article. http://www.matilijapress.com/articles/publish_hurryfail.htm
Or contact me at plfry620@yahoo.com and ask me to email you the article.
While you’re at my site, be sure to check out some of the other articles posted there. You might find something that interests you.
I know that some of you are taking advantage of this holiday weekend to write your hearts out. Others are taking time away from their writing schedules. Whichever scenario describes you, I hope that you will continue to enjoy your holiday weekend and that your writing will lead you to the success you desire.