Life is about choices. The choices that we make affect any and all areas of our lives. Choosing how to share our writing with the world has never been easier, nor a harder decision than it is in today’s world.
If you have been writing for a long time, you are no doubt aware how difficult it is to get published through a traditional publisher. If you are new to writing and know that you want to publish your work, there are several options open to you.
There is a lot to learn within the publishing industry and if you are a new writer, it is best to learn the craft of writing first. Take courses; join a writers group; seek critiquing opportunities and feedback on your work; find a good editor. The object is to learn the craft of writing, just like any other craft, until you are good at it.
Once you are ready and you have confidence in your work, research the multiple publishing opportunities that exist. Learn how to write a query, cover letter and synopsis, and prepare a submissions package, including correct manuscript formatting. Find out who the traditional publishers are through writer’s market guides. Try sending out your manuscript to those publishers seeking work similar to your submission. You never know what might happen, and it is a good experience to learn what traditional publishers are looking for.
If you aren’t sure that you want to go the traditional publishing route, have already tried it, are tired of waiting or seeking different options, then you have to determine how you can put your work in the public’s eye. Start by investigating publishing terminology so that you know the differences between, self-publishing, vanity publishing, print on demand (POD), epublishing and self-epublishing. If you are interested in one of these options, find out the work you have to do in order to have your project published.
When you are ready to publish ask yourself what you are looking to get out of the publishing experience, and how much work you want to put into the marketing and promotions part of your book.
There are numerous choices within the publishing industry to have your book published. Start by answering the following questions, to see where you are at personally with the idea to publish and how to publish:
- What is my goal in becoming a published author? (Growth? Notoriety? Challenge?)
- How can I improve my writing craft? Am I ready to publish?
- What is my end goal with this manuscript (project)?
- What is my timeline?
- Who is my target audience?
- Who is my buying audience?
- What is the best possible way to get my book into their hands?
- Do I have a good understanding of the self-publishing & traditional publishing industry?
- Do I have the money to self-publish?
- Do I have the marketing and promotions know-how depending on what is expected of me?
- How much work do I want to do?
- How much work do I have to do?
- Can I do the work? (Time Constraints? Other Commitments?)
- What do I hope to learn and gain from the experience?
- What am I most afraid of loosing from the experience?
- What are the pros and cons depending if I choose to publish?
- What are the pros and cons depending how I choose to publish?
Tags: Publishing, self publishing
