September 6, 2022

Written by Jenny Shawn

Many writers dream of getting tons of books in the market only to realize that they cannot complete the book in time, and, second, there are too many surprises even if they do complete the manuscript. 

For first-time authors, the process can look more complicated. Many lose heart and do not complete their manuscripts, regretting it later. 

Writing a book is really hard, and making sure it gets published requires a lot of patience. Here is what I learned as I completed my book writing journey:

1. Get a finished manuscript.

You will not be able to write your book overnight. No matter how many stories you have heard of writers finishing their manuscripts within weeks sitting in ideal rooms, it will probably look very different for you. Most books take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to be published. Build a consistent writing routine and allow yourself to create without fear. Set a daily goal and keep at it until you have your entire manuscript.

As an author, you will need a lot of patience to complete your book. Once the manuscript is done, the editorial and marketing processes start. Each of these processes can take weeks to months, depending upon the availability of people and the channels you choose to publish. However, as your book progresses through the various stages, you will get a more refined version of your book, and your original manuscript will change drastically.

2. Hire an editor.

Pay an experienced editor for their services to edit your work. Once you have proofread and edited your work to your own satisfaction, send it to your editor. Your editor will look for flow, accuracy, grammar and punctuations; in that order. To put things in perspective, your editor will generally first add/delete chapters and settings and later work with more specific copy editing. 

3. Editing at a cost.

Your book may not need all kinds of editing processes but will qualify for multiple rounds of each. If you are a fairly good writer, you may require developmental and substantive edits but may be able to proofread independently. If your budget doesn't allow separate editors for each kind of book editing, hiring an editor that provides you value for money and will help you draw the line in terms of the cost of writing and publishing.

4. There will be a lot about your book you have no control over.

Apart from editing that you have to approve to improve your book, the book's publishing process lands you with a book cover designer. The design is approved by you, but the theme and design philosophy is purely the art and skill of the designer. You will only be able to influence it, not change it.

You will also have no control over the way people perceive your book. No matter how well marketed your book is if your target market doesn't like it or there is another book that has suddenly taken the market by storm, people will not buy it. Due to the fragmented attention spans of people, books receive a mixed response and often an unexpected response. Make sure you are aware that certain aspects of your book journey are not in your control. 

5. You probably won't be able to make a ton of cash.

If you think writing will make you rich, think again and take up a day job or start a side hustle. No one gets rich writing books, and certainly not their first one, unless you are J.K. Rowling. Even she had had years of training in French, classics and a good agent that culminated into an evergreen book. 

6. Promotions: it's how much you do it.

Build your author platform, and I can not stress this enough. Your author platform consists of your social media, your author website, email list and presence in your community. The best author website design allows readers to see your life as an author, have a sneak peek at the book, buy the book and join an email list. 

If you have some social media accounts with a few followers, customize these platforms to work for you as an author. The more you tell people about your book, the more they will know. Ultimately, it is your book, and you know it better than anyone.

Reach out to family and friends to help you by sending them copies of your book. I recommend sending free copies only to a select few people who will read and give you glowing reviews that will work for you. Refrain from sending a free copy to anyone who may seem interested in the title of your book; instead, remind them where they can purchase it. 

Join author support groups to build your networks for book marketing. Connect with upcoming authors, book bloggers, first-time writers, publishers and seasoned writers. Share your experiences and start mentioning your book to people who may be potential buyers. 

7. Get ready for some paparazzi.

As you start networking and creating a stir, your book will be picked up by passionate readers. It will be mentioned in blogs, in articles, and maybe even make it in literary news. 

Interviewers will come knocking on your door asking you the inspiration behind the book, why you wrote it, what kind of books you read while growing up- the works. Make sure you aren't tucked behind layers of blanket, in your pajamas, wearing thick glasses hoping that articulate words will stream out of your mouth. As your book starts receiving media attention, frame appropriate answers to questions you may be asked over and over again.

8. Celebrating your win matters.

Whether it's your first book or tenth, whether you sold 500 copies of 50,000, every book matters in the end. Celebrate it with time off from writing and relaxing. Relish that you are now a published writer with so many sales. Yes, you can wear pajamas. 

9. Comments: they are everywhere!

As people finish reading your book, you will get many responses. Some of it may not be to your liking. Develop a thick skin and stop yourself from responding to every criticism you receive about your book. 

Instead, use the responses to your advantage. Filter the useful ones and see how you can incorporate them in the next edition/sequel/book. 

10. Find the next fascinating story.

I hate to break it, but your life will not change after an entire cycle of publishing and marketing your book. You will still be prone to old habits and flaws, even with people knowing you worldwide. Being an author is not about changing your lifestyle; it is getting what you hold inside you out in the open.

Once you are through one cycle of book writing and publishing, move on to the next story and keep writing. Keep creating the stories you want to share and add them to your portfolio. Someone is waiting to read all of them, and they are waiting. 

Happy writing!