Book Publishing Advice

Publishing a book is a big deal for many of us, but the journey from manuscript to published book can be overwhelming. With so many choices and decisions to make, it’s easy to get lost, overspend or delay. But by planning ahead and doing your research you can simplify the process and increase your chances of success.Here are 7 steps to help you create your book publishing plan.

If you’ve signed over your book rights to a publisher the terms of your contract will dictate the way forward for getting those rights back. Publishing contracts cover key areas like copyright ownership, royalties, and termination clauses. Signing with a traditional publisher feels like a dream come true, but things don’t always go as planned – whether it’s poor sales, no marketing support, or wanting to expand your distribution.

Self-publishing gives you total control over your work but it also means you have to manage the costs. Without planning, costs can spiral out of control as you invest in services, hire professionals, and try to make your book the best it can be. Especially if you’re on a tight budget. But, with smart decisions and smart spending you can make the most of your budget without sacrificing quality.

Publishing can be confusing, and recognizing the differences between a legitimate opportunity and a scam is becoming more challenging, especially with the rise of companies targeting self-published authors. Scams have become alarmingly common in recent years, with bad actors using deceitful tactics to catch unsuspecting authors. They promise Hollywood deals or high-profile book placements that are just too good to be true.

Getting acclimated to the publishing world can be daunting if you’re a debut author. With so many buzzwords and confusing industry jargon, it’s easy to feel lost. Knowing these terms is key to making good decisions and navigating the publishing maze.

Being a published author is a dream shared by many, but achieved by few. While the initial spark of an idea may come easily, the journey from manuscript to bookshelf can feel overwhelming, Writer’s block and uncertainty about publishing options can derail even the most dedicated writers.

The publishing industry has changed so much in the last 15 years. Traditional publishing houses are no longer the only route to literary success. Today authors have many empowering options to publish their work.

So you’ve got an Ebook, it is available for sale, and people are buying it. But you want a traditional publishing deal in addition to the Ebook. Ok. Well, there are a few things to know about leveraging that Ebook into a traditional deal. What gets the attention of a traditional publisher? Sales, sales, sales. Oh… and a strong platform. And an agent.

If you’re new to publishing, there’s much to learn to reach your publishing goals. One often overlooked topic is book metadata. While it may seem like a minor technicality, getting your book’s metadata right can make a huge difference in how many readers find and buy your book. To get your book set up for success, you need to know what metadata is, where it’s used, why it’s important, and what metadata is required for publishing.

Getting your book into bookstores is a big deal for many authors, as well as a huge visibility and sales boost. One of the key things that can increase your chances of getting your book on bookstore shelves is if it’s returnable. A returnable book means the bookstore can return unsold copies for a refund, so they don’t risk stocking a book that won’t sell. For example, suppose a bookstore is considering a debut author’s book with no sales history. In that case, the ability to return unsold copies can be the difference between them taking a chance or not.