Super excited to share this with you guys today, because these are five crucial points I learned from publishing my first book.
Let’s get right into them. Each point is in chronological order.
- A GOOD EDITOR
You probably already know this, but it always bears repeating: you cannot skimp on editing. But finding an editor is a multi-faceted issue. You need to know you can afford their work; they should have experience either editing, reading, or writing your genre (in abundance); and you should be able to read as many reviews of their work as possible.
Also important, if they have a service such as reading your first chapter or your first fifteen pages, use it! Get a feel for their editing style before you send them your entire 100,000 word manuscript. 😉
One thing that is important to remember is this: An editor’s opinion should be taken very seriously at all times, but ultimately, the story is yours. The voice, the style, the characters, are all yours. I had an editor who was very good and I would highly recommend – but they didn’t really get a feel for my story. I would almost go so far as to say they didn’t really like it much. I would probably use that editor again, but not for the same style of story and not as my sole editor. - BETA READERS
This step comes after all the major editing is done. Get a few beta readers from diverse walks of life. You want their feedback as readers – not editors, readers. And of course, there can be no greater killer of typos than a fresh set of eyes. 😉
Make sure your beta readers know what you’re looking for – genuine, honest opinions, yes, but also, get specific. Do you want to know how a certain scene feels? How a certain character arc makes them think? Ask questions and make it easy for them to answer. - A GOOD COVER DESIGNER
I can’t stress this point enough – if your cover does not compete, visually, with other covers in your genre, people won’t buy the book. A good cover is often expensive, so do your research, but don’t settle for sub-par. You will regret it later. - A BLOG
Are you self-publishing? Okay, great. But how are you going to promote the book? Without an established blog or social media presence, there are few ways to get your book out there. Do you have a street team? Family and friends willing to rave?
Get them. 🙂 - PATIENCE . . . and tough skin
This is just as important. Especially if it is your first book, you’re going to need extraordinary patience and willingness to wait. Take reviews as they come, celebrate the good ones, handle the bad ones. The field you’re getting into is for the long haul, and there is always, always going to be room for improvement. (That’s the best part!)
So, prioritize these five points as your get your book out there for the first time. And let me know what other priorities you have when publishing!
Have you read my debut novel Promised Land yet?
Hannah Gaudette - Author 