Being an author of a published book is marvelous. If you have written a book, then congratulations, you have already covered half of your journey. Take a deep breath and feel the moment. Now let’s move on to the next half of the journey that is getting the book published. You may have spent years writing your book. You gave it your blood, sweat, and tears to fulfill your dream of being a published author. So, your book must get the recognition it deserves and that you have dreamt of.  But as they say, dreams come true with struggle and hard work. Publishing like writing a book can be a bit difficult path, unlike the one we see in movies with overnight success. It demands time, patience, and of course, a good book publishing company.

If you are reading this, most probably, you want to publish your book or it is already in the process of publishing.  Either way, it’s about publishing. Just having a good book is not enough. It is imperative to know about the publishing process in detail so your book not only gets published, but saves you from a lot of inconveniences and false expectations. We have listed nine important tips that will make your book publishing process super smooth.

Choosing the Right Book Publisher

The very first step of the publishing process is choosing a publisher that will make the publishing process easier for you. There are several factors that you need to consider before finalizing a publisher. Let’s have a look at them:

1. A good publishing company caters to all of the book publishing-related needs. It will not only focus on printing your book but will also put effort into editing, proofing, designing, and marketing.
2. Publishing companies with a team of expert editors win the game. Having your book published from them will add to your book's success.
3. In the era of social media marketing, go for a publishing company with an effective social media presence and strategy. It adds value in getting the word out there about your book and ensures effective reach to the right audience.
4. Try to have a look at their previously published books, observe the number of books that get released every month. It will give you an idea about the trust that authors put in them.
5. Choose a publishing company that will let you have a say on your manuscript is worth considering. After all, the book is your brainchild.

Things to Consider When Contacting the Book Publisher for the First Time

After choosing the publishing company, it is always better to consider doing these things when contacting your publisher for the first time:

1. Once you choose a publishing company, take some time out to read the guidelines mentioned on their website.
2. Note down all the questions about the publishing process that come to your mind.
3. It is always better to make a phone call to ask about the process in detail.
4. Make sure you get all your queries answered as it will save your time.
5. Draft an email, write about the manuscript, the genre, and other important details of your book.

Bonus Tips:

1. Consult submission guidelines before finalizing the draft.
2. Send your email to the right email address.

Get Prepared for Receiving a Heavily Red Marked Manuscript

After you send your manuscript for review, expect to receive it heavily red marked with a lot of comments. But don’t worry, it doesn’t mean that the publishing company didn’t like it. The review board and editors are the people who know what points in the book need to be highlighted and what points should be omitted.

Here are a few tips to survive the shock after receiving your reviewed manuscript.

1. First of all, take a deep breath and release the shock.
2. Celebrate! Yes, you read it right. Celebrate! Your book has been accepted for publishing. You are going to be a published author. It’s big news!
3. Now take the time and read all the suggestions that have been put by the review board.
4. Trust your editors, they know what structural points need to be changed and what would make the story more captivating from a reader’s perspective.
5. Unless you have a valid reason to disagree, go with the suggestions.
6. The final version will be the best your manuscript can ever have.

Book Publishing is a Long Way to Go

Be patient and wait until you hear back from your book publisher. It will take them a while to review your manuscript and send it back to you. We know waiting is not an easy job, particularly when it’s for something that you have been dreaming of for so long. You have spent years writing a manuscript that you want to see in the form of a book now. Don’t be anxious, and believe in yourself. Meanwhile, don’t bump your publisher with unnecessary emails and calls about your book. 

The real process starts after choosing a publishing company. It is a long process that will need your patience more than anything else. Sometimes it takes a year or more to have your book in your hands. We know it sounds strange, but the process of publishing a book passes through different stages. From a raw and unedited manuscript, unlimited revisions to countless changes in design, it takes its due time. But the results are worth waiting for.

Bonus Tips:

1. While waiting for your first book to get published, start writing your next book. Just when you will have the first book in your hands, your second book will be ready for publishing. Isn’t it called being smart?
2. Keep a check on emails from the publishing company so you don’t miss any important emails.
3. Meet all the deadlines to get your book published on time.

Be More Proactive and Strategic!

Before your book gets published, start planning how you will market your book. If your publisher has signed for marketing, you still need to look for effective marketing strategies. Start introducing your book in literary circles, to friends, and at the workplace.

Communicate effectively with the publisher about book marketing. Be proactive and explore ways that can be beneficial for the book. Your publisher will definitely do their part, but you can’t just sit around and wait for it to become a best seller. The book needs to reach the right audiences. Develop a strong social media presence and hiring a social media manager will do wonders. Always discuss things with your book publisher – make it teamwork.

Acknowledge Your Team

Your book isn’t just a product of your words and printing, rather it’s a teamwork of all the creative minds who have worked tirelessly to make it possible. Acknowledge your book publisher, cover designers, proofreaders, and the marketing and printing teams. It is important to appraise their efforts as they are your biggest supporters in the long run.

Welcome Your Book with a Boom

The publisher has informed you that your book is going to be published on a particular date. You can’t wait to have it in your hands. But before you receive it, let’s prepare for it!

Think about how can you welcome your brainchild? What can be better than a book launch event? That is exactly how you can introduce your book. We know that you are too excited, but before you plan the book launch, wait for the book to come. When you receive your book, check if there are any printing or other errors. Inform your book publisher if there’s any, if not, let’s start preparing for the book launch. Discuss with your book publisher and explore all the options to make it a successful event.

Bonus Tips:

1. Plan your book launch event at least a month in advance so people can adjust their schedule and save the date.
2. Spread the word as much as possible, target the right audience who will play the right role in the success of your book.
3. A book-themed launch will do wonders. It’s your first book so be generous and creative. Plan the event purposefully.   
4. Plan a proper speech that you will deliver. It should be captivating enough to compel the audience to buy your book. 
5. Photographs, photographs, and photographs! Make the world know about your book. Take photos of yourself with your book and all the key people invited over. It will help you in book marketing.

Continue Promoting the Book

After the launch, don’t sit back and wait, think of more creative ideas. Explore other options for promoting the book. Meanwhile, keep in touch with your publishing company. Discuss with them how you can promote your book. One of the best things you can do for your book is to get reviews, good or bad. Books with reviews tend to get sold out more.

Bonus Tips:

1. Join literary groups on social media, ask people to leave a review in return for a copy of your book.
2. Collaborate with social media influencers. It is one of the effective ways of book marketing.

Enjoy Being a Published Author

It’s a big deal to being a published author. Enjoy the feeling, don’t let the imposter syndrome crawl upon you. It’s your hard work. You have every right to enjoy the feeling. Wear the title of a published author without any hesitation. Be proud of yourself! Last but not the least, keep a realistic expectation and don’t think about being an overnight success as it takes time. Maintain a positive approach and keep hustling!

Austin Macauley is a leading book publishing company headquartered in the UK, US, and UAE. We are currently accepting manuscripts, and you can submit your manuscript on our website.  For online submission of manuscript click the online submission form.

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