As an indie author, taking control of the publishing process can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. With the freedom to make all the creative decisions comes the responsibility of handling every aspect of bringing your book to life. From writing and editing to designing and publishing, it’s a lot to navigate. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! In this post, we’ll break down the process into manageable chunks, sharing practical tips and resources to help you write, edit, and publish your book with confidence.
Write with Intention
Before you start editing or designing, you need to have a manuscript to work with. This might seem obvious, but it’s essential to approach your writing with intention. What does this mean? It means setting aside dedicated time to write, creating a conducive writing environment, and cultivating a writing habit. This will help you stay focused, avoid burnout, and produce your best work.
One effective way to establish a writing routine is to set realistic goals and deadlines. Break your project down into smaller, achievable tasks, and prioritize them. For example, commit to writing 500 words, three times a week, or dedicate two hours every morning to working on your manuscript. Sticking to your schedule will help you make progress, stay motivated, and celebrate small wins along the way.
As you write, remember that your first draft won’t be perfect – and that’s okay! The goal is to get your ideas down, not to craft a masterpiece on the first try. You can refine your work during the editing process. Right now, focus on telling your story, exploring your characters, and conveying your message.
Edit with a Critical Eye
Once you have a completed manuscript, it’s time to edit. This is where many indie authors struggle, as it’s challenging to be objective about our own work. However, editing is a crucial step in producing a professional-quality book. To edit effectively, you need to approach your manuscript with a critical eye, identifying areas for improvement, and making deliberate revisions.
Here are some essential editing tips to get you started:
- Take a break: Before diving into edits, set your manuscript aside for a few weeks or months. This will help you approach your work with fresh eyes and a clearer mind.
- Get feedback: Share your manuscript with beta readers or hire a professional editor to provide constructive feedback. This will help you identify blind spots and areas for improvement.
- Check for consistency: Ensure consistency in formatting, punctuation, and style throughout your manuscript.
- Look for common mistakes: Check for writing mistakes to fix, such as overused words, awkward phrasing, and unclear sentences.
- Edit in passes: Break your editing process into focused passes, tackling one aspect of your manuscript at a time (e.g., character development, pacing, dialogue).
When editing, remember that less is often more. Cut unnecessary words, scenes, or characters that don’t contribute to the story. This will help you create a lean, engaging manuscript that resonates with readers.
Design and Publish with Confidence
With your edited manuscript in hand, it’s time to think about design and publishing. As an indie author, you have the freedom to create a book that looks and feels professional, without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to help you design and publish with confidence:
“The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” – Mark Zuckerberg
When designing your book, consider the following:
- Format your manuscript: Use software like Vellum or Microsoft Word to format your manuscript according to your chosen trim size and genre.
- Design a pro-quality cover: Use Canva or a professional designer to create a cover that grabs attention and resonates with your target audience. Check out our guide on DIY book design for more tips.
- Choose quality paper: Select a paper type that feels good in readers’ hands, such as 60-80 gsm paper. Consider using a matte or silk finish to reduce glare.
- Binding matters: Choose a binding method that suits your book’s genre and intended use. Perfect binding, saddle-stitching, and Coptic stitching are popular options.
In terms of publishing, you have several options, including Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), CreateSpace, Lulu, and IngramSpark. Research each platform, considering factors like royalty rates, distribution channels, and formatting requirements. Make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and target audience.
Finally, remember that publishing is just the beginning. Once your book is out in the world, focus on promoting it through social media, book signings, and targeted marketing efforts. Share your work with the world, and be open to feedback and continuous improvement.
As you write, edit, and publish your book, keep in mind that it’s a process, and it’s okay to make mistakes. What matters most is that you’re taking action, learning from your experiences, and creating something that resonates with readers. So, take a deep breath, stay focused, and remember why you started writing in the first place – to share your story with the world.