I posted a question on my Facebook page and Mark Anthony McCray commented, “I would love some guidance on what to do after you’ve written your manuscript. What steps to take? So here it goes…
Ah, you’ve written your first, second or third book. There is a feeling of pure joy intermingled with fear that envelopes you. It is a peculiar feeling. You are now placing your heart out for the world to see. The natural mind begins its attack. You may wonder if your book will be liked, accepted, purchased, supported or if you will get a barrage of negative responses. You also may wonder if you are actually doing the right thing, if you are in God’s will. You may doubt what you have to say is important or not. You question God’s use for you as Moses did as stated in Exodus 3:11, “But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Who are you to write a book? Answer that for yourself, and you will find a confidence not yet seen in your life. To push past your doubts and fears and to become known by more than your inner circle and family is huge. Now, if you are already confident that your work will be loved, accepted, and a blockbuster…so be it.
A lot of new authors are completely unfamiliar with the process of getting works published. Usually I sit down with a one-on-one consultation with a future author. In that meeting I learn about their project and give general knowledge on what it takes to get their works published. I also provide warnings and critiques of the work or ideas. I hope “warnings” don’t alarm you, but I must speak what I know to be true so that you are not lead to get “beat” by scam artists, as I’ve heard the stories too many times. I also provide guidance and where to find the information necessary for their specific project.
I’ve met with people who just have an idea. They want to write but have no idea how to take on what seems like such an enormous task. It really isn’t when you know and believe that you are led by God to write and you have a fire burning inside of your belly that is not easily tamped down or completely extinguished. No matter how you get your words out, be it the in the form of your personal story, life lessons, poetry, children’s tale or self-help endeavor, no one should knock this desire away from you. Never allow anyone to crush your dream. When feeling doubt because of what someone said, take it to God. Now, there are things to consider when someone speaks out against or attempts to deter you. Find out the “good” morsel that may have been spoken and discount the rest. Mostly, know who you are telling about your future book. Verified naysayers will discourage you. Don’t tell them. Be wary of who you share your ideas with…people do take your ideas, tweak it and make it their own. Then you are left with a book subject that your “friend” published before you were able to get yours out. Ouch! You may want to share your project to a few trusted people to get their take on it. You want to know if your book is an uncomplicated read, easy to follow, detailed, interesting, fun (depending on the topic) and will keep the reader engrossed…wanting to know more. I did it with both of my book projects. I thank God for my friends and sister that provided honest feedback.
The process is not difficult. It becomes problematic when you have not done the work to research and find out who is the right person to handle your project. By right person(s) I mean those who are committed to assist you in bringing your work to fruition; those that have a track record of producing quality books. Invest in yourself. You must have an editor to look over your work, you must find a designer who will lay-out your book in a professional manner, you must find a graphic designer that will create a cover or artwork that relays your message, and you must find a photographer for your cover or marketing photos, you must find a printer that will produce a book that will not easily fall apart. And last, you must pay those that work on your project in a timely manner. Once you’ve consigned yourself to those that will work on your project, get a contract created that details exactly what is being done, the costs involved and the expectations for the project. You may find a one stop shop that will be able to handle your project from start to finish. The “outfit” may have a group of folks they work with to cover all your needs or at least be able to direct you towards the right person. Just know that you should be able to get your questions answered, honest critiques, and the assistance you need. Get examples of the previous work produced by the professionals involved in your project beforehand to see if you like the work. If you find that the person you contracted with is not meeting the terms of the contract, it can be broken. You must work out the issues first. Walk away in a spirit of agreeing to disagree and keep it moving.
Now, as a new author, there are folks out here that know the industry. They will give you wise counsel. You have to be open to hear what you are being told. Your project may need some fine-tuning, correction and guiding in another direction; you dream may be shattered for the moment. Hear what is being said. Don’t be deterred in your goal, but at least follow up on the advice by performing research. You may have to make an adjustment, switch up a bit, write more or even take out some parts of your work. In the end, it should turn out to be something you are proud of and completely on board with. If you are not, fight to get it that way either by submitting to the recommendations or rewriting some of your work so that your story is clearly communicated and message is conveyed effectively. As stated by Robert Heinlein (1907-1988), “The most important lesson in the writing trade is that any manuscript is improved if you cut away the fat.”
One last word, make payments incrementally; never give the full amount up front. I say this because I know of folks who paid the entire cost as was not happy with the results. They couldn’t get their money back.
I hope this was helpful to you. If you want to learn more please contact me via email at karenbowlding@gmail.com. If you have any additional questions, have your say…