There are a couple of ways for authors to accomplish things. You can learn to do it all. And I know authors who can, who do, or who try to. Or you can hire some of the work done.
What are the tasks I’m referring to? Well, there’s the writing of the book. Some hopeful authors lack the basic skill to write a cogent book. They and need help actually putting the story or material together.
Most of us need to hire a cover designer. And all authors should engage pre-publication readers and hire an editor and/or proofreader.
While many authors make it their business and their responsibility to learn the ins and outs of technology, others must employ help to have their book prepared for Kindle or to work with a printer or book manufacturer, for example.
There are two schools of thought on this topic. While some authors want total control of their projects—they resist relying on someone else—others don’t want to be bothered with the learning curve. They avoid getting involved in things that take them away from the writing.
Some authors even refuse to do their own promotion. They bring their book to fruition and then drop the ball. Some authors go in search of an individual who believes in their book as much as the author does and who will represent it with gusto. And where are they going to find this person? Even a large chunk of money can’t always buy someone’s blind devotion and dedication to a book they didn’t pen—that they have no emotional attachment to.
There are some excellent publicists and publicity companies. The thing that authors don’t understand is that many of these individual’s efforts and activities depend on the author’s participation. It’s rare (if not impossible) for an author to sell large quantities of his or her book without putting a lot of time, energy and effort behind it.
When you set out to produce that novel or nonfiction book, do yourself and your project a giant favor. Learn what the publishing industry is all about. Understand that you are not simply writing a book that will sell by the millions without your involvement. Publishing is a business. As an author, you must consider yourself a businessman or woman from the moment you sit down at the keyboard to create your masterpiece.
Tomorrow, we’ll discuss why writing for publication is not just another creative process.