Don't Rush The Self-Publishing Process

Hurry Up. The Self-Publishing Process Is Not Instant Gratification

As a writer, it takes time to finish a project. Time consumed in research, writing, more research, more writing, edits, critiquing, more edits, more writing. A journey that began with enthusiasm and gusto may turn into a chore with no end in sight. It can be exciting, frustrating, and emotional. Did I mention that the process is… LONG?!!!  

Giddy with relief; the manuscript is at last ready. Or, is it? Not quite. It is now time for the publishing process. 

Self-publishing, which more and more authors are choosing, can bring about instant gratification. A slam, bam, thank you ma’am - the book is done - kind of attitude. Like the writing process, self-publishing takes time. Self-publishing should not be used as a tool to get your book out quickly.

How long should this process take? As long as it takes to do it right. The self-publishing process - just like writing - should not be rushed. It should be about quality, not about rushing to market. So, don’t rush through the design, the layout, the formatting, cover design, etc. Don’t expect it to happen, NOW!

There are many steps in the process, and decisions to make. Here are just a few:

1. Editing: a step that many skip, yet shouldn’t. This is not a blog post on editing; this is just a reminder that you need someone to edit your work.

2. Do you do it yourself or do you hire a Pro? Doing all of the work yourself, is not only time consuming, it also not always professionally done. In other words – you may not be the best person for the job. If you hired a Pro, allow them to do their job. Share you ideas, but respect that they are the professionals. A Pro should work with you to incorporate your ideas and yet be honest when your ideas may not work. There are rules they have to follow, just as there are rules writers have to follow.

3. Formatting and designing the manuscript. Unless you are experienced, this is best left to the professionals.

4. Designing the book cover. Same with cover design. A professional cover can make all the difference.

5. Converting the book to the various electronic file formats accepted by Amazon (mobi) and some of the others, most of which accept an epub.

Book designers have a process. The process will vary for each book designer, but the gist of it is: layout, format, wait for authors, adjust, format again, wait for authors, adjust. Tweak, tweak, and tweak some more. To cut down on the waiting time, make sure that your project is complete before handing it over to a book designer. And, remember you are most likely not the only client they have.

Are we done yet? Just about. Patience is a virtue. The process in self-publishing is not about instant gratification, it is about providing a good product for the customers - the readers

See our original article on DIY vs Hiring A Pro.

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