How To Navigate The Publishing Process: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you have ever written a book or an article you must know the hard work that goes into its writing. Writing words in a book is not a magic trick. To transform words and sentences into a valuable piece of information you need to make them a masterpiece.

In this writing piece, we will discuss the stages of publishing and step by step guide to the publishing process. The process varies but what remains the same is the basic elements. 

Here is a brief and general overview for writers to navigate the publishing process. This will lead to making them the best seller. 

Step-By-Step Guide To Navigate The Publishing Process

By developing a basic understanding of the publication process you will have a better chance of being the best seller.

The ghostwriters consider all the steps and implement these factors accordingly.

• Editing

Any kind of grammatical mistake and your book will be at risk to the publishing world. 

When a publisher points out a mistake in the book they start judging it. Now, if you want to prove to the publisher that you have worked hard then the content must be error-free.

Appear professionally by producing a polished product to secure a great reputation.

• Cover design

Every book needs a great cover design. To get a good cover we would advise hiring professionals. The designer will get the author's idea and then work on it accordingly. 

The designer will ask the publisher for a complete design brief. It would include a synopsis, information about the target audience, and a list of other titles. 

The design process can take a month or two depending on the revisions. Once the cover gets designed now it’s time for the interior page design and layout. 

• Ebook

When the print version of the book gets approved the designer formats the eBook version. It makes it compatible with a PDF or other file format. 

• Delivering manuscript

If English is not your native language you can have the book read by a professional editor before submission. If you are the editor then it is your responsibility to check the entire manuscript. 

Pay attention to each chapter so that they all are consistent in style. 

• Submission

Going through the publishing process is very important. As a professional, you must follow submission guidelines. 

To begin the process, authors complete a short form and submit their synopsis. The form gets submitted on the website. It gets reviewed and then the author receives a contract. 

After signing the contract the author receives an email with a package of documents that helps with the publication. The package includes formatting guidelines and information on the promotion of the book. 

A checklist for submission includes every element to be incorporated into the book

• Title page
• Table of contents
• List of contributors
• List of illustrations
• Glossary
• Preface
• Notes
• Bibliography

• Publishing

There are many types of publishers available for established authors. Some will charge you to publish your book while some might charge and then forget. 

The publishing team publishes books and sets the publication date. Usually, the publication date is a month out which gives time to the author to work on its press release. 

Meanwhile, the author sets up a pre-launch party and updates the website and social media accounts. 

Stages Of Publishing

Get to know the basic steps of the publishing process. 

The book goes through these stages to becoming a bestseller. No one writes perfectly but we can at least consider these stages. 

• Acquisition and editing

Authors can draft their manuscripts for multiple publishers. The acquisitions team includes people from the sales, marketing, and publicity departments. They help in evaluating the book’s quality. 

The editing process is broadly summarized in three steps. It includes structural editing, content editing, and technical editing. The publishing process further moves to content editing. An experienced content editor will revise the work and ensure everything is consistent. 

Once changes have been reviewed and then this part of the publishing process gets finished. 

• Design and printing

Now, it’s time for the in-house publication services to work with the team. They work to make the book look presentable and stand out among others. 

They choose a cover design and then a test print is made. The content is proofread to get rid of all the errors and then the publisher works on its draft.

They work to come up with a beautiful draft of your book and then move on to the final steps of the publishing process. 

• Sales 

Even the big names need marketing and publicity. Their main goal is to ensure they end up in front of the readers and engage in marketing campaigns. With time marketing tactics are also evolving. 

The publicity of new books promises that sales are high and it is marketed via ads or podcasts. To hype your work the publication support services with their network of book distributors to get it printed and hit the shelves. 

• Marketing 

Marketing a book is difficult among your competitors. The publisher must create some form of a marketing plan to build awareness for the release of the book. The enthusiasm for the release of books creates hype in the market. 

The marketing plan includes advertising, content creation through blogging, author interviews, email marketing, and other marketing strategies. 

• Book launch

This is finally the big day. 

Let’s celebrate this day since your manuscript has now become a book. Now your book is available for purchase through countless distribution channels. 

If your marketing was successful then you must have interviews lined up. Reach people and let them know about your book to become a best-seller. 

Conclusion

Regardless of writing a book or an article you must know the stages of the publishing process. It will help you to ease your way through. 

Remember to be flexible and keep the book market in mind. By publishing your book through the mentioned guide you need to ensure it reaches its target readership. 

Overall the publishing industry is evolving and new opportunities are arising for authors. With a well-written manuscript and a great marketing plan, you can promote your book. 

If you are considering a title change you must discuss it with your editor. Once your book gets advertised there are great chances that you will witness advance sales.