Publishing a book is a transformative milestone for any writer.
It’s the culmination of countless hours of work and creativity, but it’s also just the beginning of your journey as an author. Whether you’re pursuing self-publishing or traditional publishing, understanding the process is crucial to navigating the publishing landscape successfully.
This guide will walk you through each step, from preparing your manuscript to launching your book, with actionable tips to help you make informed decisions and achieve your publishing goals.
Understanding Traditional Publishing
Understanding Self-Publishing
Preparing Your Manuscript
Book Design and Formatting
Distribution and Marketing Strategies
Conclusion
Traditional publishing remains the gold standard for many authors seeking to establish their careers in the literary world.
With a legacy of producing some of the most celebrated books, this publishing approach offers unparalleled access to professional resources and industry networks. However, it also involves navigating a competitive process to secure a publishing deal.
Traditional publishing is a process in which an author partners with a publishing house to bring their book to market. The publisher takes responsibility for key aspects of the publishing journey, including editing, cover design, formatting, marketing, and distribution.
Securing a traditional publishing deal typically requires a literary agent who acts as the author’s advocate. Agents pitch manuscripts to publishers, negotiate contracts, and guide authors through the complexities of the industry.
Professional Editing and Design: Publishers provide access to skilled editors, designers, and marketers, ensuring your book meets industry standards.
Marketing and Distribution: Traditional publishers leverage established networks to promote your book and distribute it to bookstores, libraries, and other channels.
Prestige and Credibility: Being traditionally published often carries a level of credibility and prestige within the literary community.
Finding a Literary Agent: Research agents specializing in your genre. Submit a query letter, synopsis, and sample chapters to secure representation.
Submitting to Publishers: Your agent will pitch your manuscript to publishing houses, a process that can take several months.
Working with a Publisher: If accepted, collaborate with editors and designers to refine your book. The publisher handles marketing and distribution, but authors are often expected to promote their work as well.
Self-publishing has revolutionized the way authors bring their work to life.
No longer reliant on the gatekeepers of traditional publishing, writers can now take full control of their creative and professional journeys. This option empowers authors to produce, market, and distribute their books on their terms, making it an increasingly popular choice in the publishing world.
Unlike traditional publishing, which relies on established publishing houses, self-publishing empowers writers to act as their own publishers. This means taking charge of key decisions, such as editing, cover design, formatting, and distribution.
Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark have made self-publishing accessible to anyone with a completed manuscript. Moreover, online service marketplaces help authors find the right professionals to help with them on their self-publishing journey.
Higher Margins: Self-published authors earn a larger percentage of royalties—typically 40–70% for eBooks—compared to the 10–15% offered by traditional publishers.
More Creative Control: As a self-published author, you oversee every detail of your book, from its cover design to its formatting and distribution. This ensures that the final product aligns perfectly with your vision.
Equal Quality: Advances in printing and distribution technology have leveled the playing field, enabling self-published books to match the quality of traditionally published ones.
Whether you choose self-publishing or traditional publishing, your role as an author will differ significantly.
In traditional publishing, once your manuscript is accepted—whether through a proposal for nonfiction or a complete manuscript for fiction—you’ll primarily focus on writing and collaborating with an editor to refine your work. The publisher handles the remaining aspects, including design, marketing, and distribution.
On the other hand, self-publishing puts you in the driver’s seat. As the publisher of your own book, you’re responsible for every stage of the process: editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing.
Each of these elements is critical to producing a professional-quality book, and we’ll address them in detail throughout this guide.
A polished, captivating manuscript is the cornerstone of any successful publishing journey.
For authors pursuing traditional publishing, your primary responsibility is to deliver an exceptional manuscript that captures the attention of agents, publishers, and eventually readers.
In self-publishing, however, your manuscript is just the beginning. As you take on the role of publisher, you must ensure every element—from the prose to the final polish—is ready to compete in a crowded market.
Creating a book that stands out in a competitive market requires more than just a great idea—it demands careful attention to market trends, reader preferences, and the finer details of storytelling or content delivery. Here's how:
Begin by researching your genre to identify trends and themes that perform well. Study bestselling titles to analyze what makes them successful, whether it’s relatable characters, unique world-building, or practical advice presented in an engaging way.
For example:
Use these insights to position your book within an existing market while adding your unique voice and style to stand out.
Your book’s hook is the element that grabs readers’ attention and keeps them engaged.
For fiction, this might be a dramatic opening scene, an intriguing premise, or a high-stakes conflict. In nonfiction, focus on presenting a clear and compelling promise—what will the reader gain from your book?
Examples of hooks:
A strong hook not only sets the tone for your book but also encourages readers to keep turning the pages.
Once your manuscript is complete, editing and revisions are critical steps in transforming it from a draft into a professional, polished product.
Before bringing in professional help, refine your manuscript through self-editing.
Look for plot inconsistencies, pacing issues, and unnecessary details in fiction. For nonfiction, check for clarity, logical flow, and the accuracy of any data or examples.
Use tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid to clean up grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. Take breaks between edits to approach your work with fresh eyes, making it easier to identify areas for improvement.
Even the most skilled writers benefit from professional editing.
Editors bring a fresh perspective and expertise that can elevate your manuscript to industry standards. There are several types of editing to consider:
Platforms like Reedsy or freelance networks can connect you with editors experienced in your genre. Though hiring an editor is an investment, it’s one that ensures your book is polished and ready for readers.
By thoroughly editing your manuscript and aligning it with market expectations, you’ll be well-prepared to publish a book that stands out and connects with your audience.
Book design and formatting are critical steps in transforming your manuscript into a polished, market-ready product.
A well-designed book not only attracts readers but also enhances their overall reading experience. Whether you’re creating a print book, an eBook, or an audiobook, ensuring professional-quality design and formatting is essential for credibility and sales.
Your book cover is often the first thing readers notice, and it plays a pivotal role in their decision to explore further. A professionally designed cover conveys quality and sets the tone for your book, signaling to readers that it’s worth their time and investment.
Key Tips for Designing an Effective Cover:
Investing in a high-quality cover design is crucial—it’s your book’s first opportunity to make a lasting impression.
Formatting ensures your book is professional, easy to read, and optimized for its intended format, whether it’s print or digital.
Print-on-demand (POD) services like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark allow you to print copies of your book as needed, eliminating the risk and expense of large print runs. These platforms offer templates and formatting guides to streamline the process.
Advantages of POD:
Optimizing your manuscript for eBook platforms like Kindle, Apple Books, and Kobo ensures accessibility for digital readers. Tools like Vellum and Atticus simplify the eBook formatting process, creating files that are compatible with various devices.
Key Considerations for eBooks:
Audiobooks are a growing market, offering an additional revenue stream and audience reach. Platforms like ACX (an Amazon company) connect authors with professional voice talent, making audiobook production straightforward.
Why Add Audiobooks?
Publishing your book is just the first step—getting it into the hands of readers is where the real challenge lies.
Effective distribution and marketing strategies are critical to ensuring your book reaches its audience, whether you’re self-publishing or working with a traditional publisher.
Self-publishing platforms act as the foundation for distributing your book. Selecting the right ones can greatly impact your book’s visibility and sales potential.
Here’s a list of popular self-publishing platforms, each offering unique features to help you publish and distribute your book.
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): Amazon KDP is one of the most popular platforms for self-publishing, offering global eBook and print-on-demand distribution. It allows authors to reach millions of readers and offers competitive royalties of up to 70% for eBooks.
IngramSpark: IngramSpark provides professional-grade printing and global distribution for both print and eBooks. Its vast network includes bookstores, libraries, and online retailers worldwide.
Draft2Digital: Draft2Digital simplifies eBook publishing and offers wide distribution to platforms like Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. Its user-friendly interface and free formatting tools make it a favorite for indie authors.
Apple Books for AuthorsApple Books is a key platform for reaching iOS users. It offers tools to create, publish, and distribute eBooks directly to the Apple Books store, which is widely used by digital readers.
Kobo Writing Life: Kobo Writing Life allows authors to publish eBooks and distribute them globally. It’s particularly popular in non-U.S. markets, making it ideal for reaching a diverse audience.
Smashwords: Smashwords offers eBook distribution to major retailers and libraries. Its unique pricing tools and promotional options make it a versatile choice for indie authors.
Barnes & Noble Press: Barnes & Noble Press enables authors to publish eBooks and print books directly to the Barnes & Noble marketplace, reaching readers in one of the largest U.S.-based book retailer networks.
Google Play Books: Google Play Books offers direct publishing for eBooks, making it an essential platform for Android users. It provides analytics and tools to help authors optimize their sales.
ACX: ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) is an Amazon platform that helps authors produce and distribute audiobooks. It connects authors with professional narrators and distributes audiobooks to Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
LuluLulu is a versatile platform for print-on-demand and eBook publishing. It specializes in custom printing, making it ideal for niche projects like photo books and academic works.
At Trivium Writing, we recommend using Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or IngramSpark, with a personal preference for Amazon KDP.
Research the Market: Understand how books in your genre are priced. Successful indie authors often price eBooks at $2.99–$4.99, balancing affordability with perceived value. For print books, consider production costs and competitor pricing.
Promotional Pricing: Use temporary discounts or free promotions to build an audience and boost visibility. For instance:
Launching your book is a critical moment that sets the tone for its performance.
Launching Your Self-Published Book: Plan a detailed launch strategy that includes:
Launching Your Traditionally Published Book: Work closely with your publisher to execute a comprehensive marketing plan. This often includes:
Marketing doesn’t end with the launch—it’s an ongoing effort to keep your book relevant and visible.
Build an Author Platform:
Leverage Writing Communities: Join groups on platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and Goodreads to network, exchange ideas, and find promotional opportunities.
Stay Current: Keep up with publishing trends and adjust your strategies to align with evolving market dynamics.
By combining strategic distribution, competitive pricing, and ongoing marketing efforts, you can ensure your book not only reaches your target audience but also thrives in today’s competitive publishing landscape.
Publishing a book can be daunting, with countless decisions to make and processes to navigate. That’s why we’ve created the Free Publishing Roadmap—a tool designed to simplify the journey and help you stay on track.
This roadmap breaks down the entire publishing process into a clear, step-by-step checklist, covering everything from preparing your manuscript and selecting a publishing path to effectively marketing your book. It’s the same system we use with our private clients to guide them through each stage of their publishing journey, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
By following this roadmap, you’ll gain access to the proven framework we use to help authors create professional, market-ready books. Whether you’re self-publishing for the first time or planning your next release, this comprehensive guide will keep you organized, focused, and confident.
Download your free copy today and take the first step toward turning your manuscript into a professionally published book!