What was the first action you took when you finally emerged from your writing room with a completed manuscript? Of course, you protected yourself from distractions of any kind while you were writing your valuable business book, children’s story, novel, memoir or how-to book. You didn’t want to divert your attention toward anything while working toward the completion of your book.
Oh, you did take time out to read about the successes of other authors. And you may have attended a couple of critique groups. You need all of the inspiration you can get, after all.
But the day comes when you finish the work—you have a completed manuscript and you’re ready to move on to the next step. What is the next step? For most, it is publishing.
So here you are, ready to transition from closet writer to published author. What is the first thing that you do?
Many people with fresh manuscripts contact me to say, “I’ve just written a book, how do I get it published?” To me, this is like asking “How does the world financial market work?” or “What do you need to know in order to be a doctor?” or “How does one parent a child?”
Yes, the business of publishing is that big and that complex! And, if you are thinking about writing a book, you really, really need to be planning your publishing strategy from day one. While your manuscript is incubating, you should be studying the publishing industry, becoming aware of your options and working to strengthen your platform.
How many of you are covering your eyes and repeating, “lalalalalala” right now? Of course, this doesn’t sound fun or interesting or even timely. In fact, it sounds rather confusing. And you may wonder, “What is a platform?” “What do you mean options? I just want to find a publisher for my book—what’s so difficult about that?” “What do I need to know about publishing except the email address for a few publishers? An introduction to one would be even better.”
Authors, don’t try to go to college before ever enrolling in kindergarten. And don’t neglect to view publishing as a business. The minute you decide to write a book, you should be learning about the world of publishing. When you graduate from your writing room with a completed manuscript, you will be much more well-prepared to make the best decisions on behalf of your book project.
One of the absolutely best books around for learning about the publishing industry is The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
This book is designed to inform, teach and guide you through the entire publishing process including choosing the right publishing option for your project and gearing up for the huge process of promoting your book. Read some of the testimonials from authors who read this book on the book page: http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html