Book Publishing Does Not Have to Be Scary

Whether you write horror, fantasy, self-help or cookbooks, the process doesn't have to scare you. If you trust your abilities and your instincts, you could create the perfect book without being frightened. Here are tips on publishing so you are not scared this Halloween when writing.

What to Say

If you feel like you need to write a book, you also will know what to say. For example, you want to inform readers of a new technique and believe you need to write a short book about the technique. After you have done your research, your mind will help you organize your thoughts into the book. If you are writing fiction, you will hear the characters' voices in your head as you sit down to write. Your writing coach will guide you on what is important to say and what you should eliminate. 

What Art to Use

All books, fiction and nonfiction, print and electronic, must have a professionally designed cover. In your mind, you know what art would send the right message. Trust your designer to come up with a good cover using the art you suggest. Many books include photos, charts and graphics. Put those in your book if you feel they are necessary. They usually add value to your book. They also can be something you highlight in your marketing.

Where to Query

When you are finished your book, you have to decide where to send your manuscript for possible publishing. Although many books are self-published, you might need to try traditional publishing or print on demand publishing. Your research will tell you where to query and when to query. When I wrote my first novel, The 1776 Scroll, I listened to my feelings. I was lonely in Arizona. I always use writing as therapy for my problems. While the kids were watching cartoons, I wrote on the couch. I kept writing until I realized it was finished. My gut kept telling me to try to get it published even though the odds were against me.

Because my book has a similar flavor as Harry Potter series, I decided to try that publisher first. When I was rejected, I almost decided not to pursue publishing the book, but my gut kept telling me to get it published. I did a search on publishers. Publish America appeared on the search, but it wasn't at the top. I pulled up the website and realized that Publish America was a print on demand publisher, which I still believe was the right move over other publishers. In addition, it wasn't vanity press where I would have to pay to get it published. Thus, I decided to give it a try. I was accepted immediately. Publish America published my second novel The 1776 Inn too. It was my second attempt at a publisher, which is not normal. Most authors have to send to 10 or more publishers before getting accepted. 

What Type of Publisher to Use

As stated in my story, I talked about print on demand publisher being right for me. I had worked for a small publisher. I knew how royalties and returns worked. Most authors don't realize that book stores don't have to pay for the books they purchase to sell. If they accept 25 copies, but two sell, the book store sends back the other 23 and pays for the two. The money for the 23 returned comes out the author's royalties. This backward system still exists today and isn't likely to change. That is one of the reasons why self-publishing is exploding. Because I understood the system, I didn't want a traditional publisher. I didn't want to self-publish either. When book stores order from POD publishers, they pay for what they buy. They choose to purchase fewer, but you don't have to pay for returns. A fellow writer submitted her manuscript to a traditional mystery publisher and was accepted without using an agent. She now has written six novels and has a contract for three more. She is in her 80s. She trusted her gut, and it's paying her royalties. If you believe that self-publishing is the way to go, trust your gut.

How to Market

Every author has to market his or her book. Once you have finished your book, you could research ideas on how to market it. You also could rely on other writers for advice on how to market your book. Hiring a marketing company also could be beneficial. Marketing companies can help you think of places you could sell your books. They also can link your book to the holiday.

Final Note

Exhibit at fall-related events even if they are not book events. I attended Pumpkin Fest and explained how my books relate to fall or Halloween and sold three books.