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When I first decided to become a writer, publishing was always in the back of my mind. I dreamed of the day I’d see my books in print, stacked neatly on the bookshelves next to some of my favorite authors. After writing and publishing three books, I learned a lot about the publishing process—things I wish I had known from the start. Better late than never, right?
The biggest lesson I share with aspiring authors is that while publishing can seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be difficult. You can publish a high-quality book without a big-name publisher’s imprint or a literary agent representing you. If you’re a writer looking to publish your book, grab a pen and get ready to take notes. I’m going to reveal the exact methods that companies like Simon and Schuster, Thomas Nelson, and Hay House use to transform a manuscript into a printed book. (Note: This blog will focus on the process of turning your manuscript into a print book. I'll cover marketing and sales in a future post.)
To KDP or Not to KDP?
When I first published my book, I started with CreateSpace, eventually transitioning to Amazon KDP as many new authors do. While KDP worked well enough for me in the early stages of my writing journey, I eventually switched to a different distribution platform, which I'll explain more about below.
For any author considering publishing their first book, I recommend thinking carefully before choosing Amazon KDP. Instead, I suggest committing to a different platform from the outset. It's important to understand that Amazon KDP functions more as a marketing platform than a traditional publishing platform. This distinction affects how your book is registered and presented to readers and other interested parties.
Amazon KDP offers several advantages: it's user-friendly and completely free, making it accessible even for those new to publishing. You don't need a literary agent, and you can earn 60% royalty on paperback sales through Amazon marketplaces, or 40% through Amazon Expanded Distribution. Additionally, Amazon provides a free ISBN and ensures your book is exclusively available on their platform.
However, there are notable drawbacks to consider. Books published via KDP cannot be sold elsewhere, which limits their potential audience and excludes them from traditional chain bookstores. Amazon can adjust royalty rates and benefits with minimal notice, and books are restricted to approved channels, which may impact earnings and exposure. The free ISBN provided by Amazon means they retain ownership rights, potentially limiting marketing opportunities, as some agencies prefer authors to own their ISBNs. Furthermore, there's no professional review process before publication, which could lead to errors in the final product.
While Amazon KDP offers an accessible and royalty-friendly platform for publishing, authors should weigh these benefits against the restrictions and potential limitations it entails. You can find most of the information I've mentioned on Amazon's KDP website, which is publicly accessible.
Copyright Registration
As soon as you complete the final draft of your book, make sure to copyright it. This step is crucial for protecting your work from potential theft and unauthorized use. Even if you believe it won't happen to you, it's better to be safe and cover all your bases. Intellectual property laws in the United States automatically grant copyright to authors, artists, musicians, and other creators when their work is created. However, registering your work provides an additional layer of legal protection, particularly if you ever need to defend your rights in court.
Some authors choose not to register their copyright, which is their prerogative. However, I strongly recommend registering your work to ensure maximum protection. With my clients, I include a clause in our contracts that specifies I am solely hired for editing services and that the author retains full rights to their work, including any changes I make during the editing process.
Keep in mind that if you apply for copyright registration before editing and make significant changes to your manuscript (such as removing characters, cutting scenes, or adding new content), you will need to reapply for copyright registration. Smaller edits like grammar, spelling, punctuation, and minor adjustments to the front and back matter typically do not affect the original registration. Therefore, I encourage authors to wait until the most extensive editing is completed before applying for copyright registration.
If you're in the United States, visit the United States Copyright Office's website to set up an account and follow the steps to register your book. As of 2022, the cost is usually between $50 and $60 USD. Once approved, you will receive an official Certificate of Registration. Processing electronic claims can take up to three months, but this does not delay other stages of the publishing process. Be sure to keep your Certificate of Registration in a safe place.
By taking these steps, you'll ensure your work is well-protected and that you retain full control over your creative rights.
Editing (Round 1)
Every writer, no matter how experienced, needs an editor. We all make mistakes because we’re human. While some authors attempt to self-edit to save money, others wisely invest in professional editors who specialize in the type of editing their work requires. This is the best way to ensure your writing is polished and free from glaring errors.
If you’re an author considering hiring an editor, remember that no two editors are alike. Each has their own areas of expertise and comfort zones. For instance, I specialize in fiction, particularly romance, historical fiction, fantasy, and YA, though I offer services for all types of editing.
Understanding your specific needs is crucial, and the best place to start is by familiarizing yourself with the six different types of editing:
Conceptual Editing
Developmental Editing
Copyediting
Line Editing
Proofreading
Fact-checking
For a deeper dive into each type, you can read more in my detailed blog post here. Knowing these distinctions will help you find the right editor to enhance your work effectively.
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It’s a unique identifier for books, specifying the edition, publisher, and format (like paperback, hardback, eBook, or audiobook). Think of it as a social security number for your book. Each book edition requires its own ISBN, including the different formats for a book. If you print your book in paperback, and then later print it in hardback, you will need to purchase a new ISBN for that specific format. This applies to eBooks and audiobooks as well.
Now, while Amazon KDP offers a free ISBN, this option restricts you to their distribution channels and limits the retailers that can sell your book. Essentially, whoever holds the ISBN controls the sales and distribution rights of the book. So, to keep full control over where and how your book is sold, it's best to purchase your own ISBN.
In the United States, ISBNs are available through Bowker, the same provider used by major publishing companies. To get started, head to My Identifiers, create an account, and choose your preferred option. Bowker offers various packages: one ISBN for $125 USD, a hundred for $575 USD, and a thousand for $1,500 USD. By owning your ISBN, you can sell your book anywhere you like, without any restrictions.
Keep in mind that when you publish your book through a publishing press, whether it's a large company or a smaller one, their imprint will be associated with that particular edition because they own the ISBN assigned to your book. If you decide to self-publish later on or opt for another publisher, your book may carry multiple ISBNs, each corresponding to different editions and publishing imprints.
Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN)
Do you need a Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN)? Well, it depends on your goals for your book. While an LCCN isn’t required for publishing or selling your book, it can be a valuable asset if you aim to have your work included in the Library of Congress’s collection. As the largest library in the world, being cataloged there is a significant honor.
However, it’s important to note that obtaining an LCCN does not guarantee that the Library of Congress will keep your book in their collection—it’s a bit of a gamble. Personally, when I publish my work, I don’t prioritize getting an LCCN, and I don’t advise my clients to do so either. That’s why I’m not including the steps to obtain one here.
Focus on what aligns best with your publishing goals, and remember, the decision is ultimately up to you!
Design and Typesetting
When it comes to designing your book cover and typesetting the interior, it's worth the investment to hire a professional graphic designer. Trying to do it yourself might seem tempting, but a professional's expertise can save you countless hours of frustration and ensure your book looks polished and visually appealing.
Although Microsoft Word can be used for typesetting, it doesn't offer the same level of precision and consistency that professional typesetting software like Adobe InDesign provides. InDesign and similar tools are industry standards for a reason—they allow for meticulous control over layout, fonts, spacing, and overall design, which makes a significant difference in the final product.
If you're looking for budget-friendly options, Fiverr is a fantastic resource. You can find skilled graphic designers who offer their services at various price points, making it easier to find someone who fits your budget. Additionally, TikTok and Instagram are becoming increasingly popular platforms for freelancers to showcase their work and connect with potential clients. Many talented designers use these social media channels to market their services, share their portfolios, and offer special deals.
Hiring a professional graphic designer not only enhances the visual appeal of your book but also ensures that it meets industry standards, making it more attractive to readers and increasing its potential for success. So, take the leap and invest in a professional—you and your book deserve it!
Proofreading (Editing: Round 2)
Proofreading is the final, meticulous stage of editing that occurs once the manuscript has undergone substantial revisions and reached a cohesive form. It is an essential safeguard before publication, aimed at detecting and correcting any lingering errors that may have escaped earlier rounds of editing. At this point, the manuscript is typically formatted, making it crucial for the proofreader to ensure consistency in layout and presentation throughout.
Beyond correcting spelling and grammatical mistakes, and refining aspects like plot progression and character development, the proofreader's role extends to fine-tuning numerous details that contribute to the manuscript's overall coherence and professionalism. This includes verifying the accuracy of page numbers, ensuring headings are correctly styled and sequenced, adjusting page breaks for smooth transitions, and meticulously reviewing the table of contents to guarantee it accurately reflects the content.
Additionally, if the manuscript incorporates images, the proofreader ensures they are correctly positioned and captioned, adhering to the layout specifications. Typography consistency is also a priority, ensuring fonts, sizes, and styles are uniform throughout the text, enhancing readability and visual appeal.
Ultimately, through this comprehensive review process, the proofreader collaborates closely with the author to refine every detail, ensuring the manuscript is not only error-free but also impeccably presented, ready to captivate its intended audience.
Printing and Distribution
When considering where to print and distribute your book, I highly recommend using IngramSpark, the leading choice for publishers worldwide. IngramSpark offers a myriad of benefits that make it a preferred platform for both indie and traditional authors alike.
What surprised me during my time as a Marketing Consultant is that IngramSpark is the go-to distributor for major publishing houses. Starting in spring 2023, they began offering free new title uploads for printing and distribution, which is a fantastic opportunity for authors. If you're not familiar, Ingram is a global distribution giant that opens doors to over forty-thousand retailers globally, including major bookstores, independent shops, schools, and libraries.
One of the standout features of IngramSpark is their print-on-demand service, similar to Amazon's model. This means your book is printed and shipped directly to customers as orders come in, eliminating the need to store large quantities of inventory. This flexibility not only saves space but also reduces upfront costs and logistical headaches.
Unlike Amazon KDP, where quality can sometimes be a concern, IngramSpark maintains high standards in book production. They also offer a significant advantage for retailers by providing a wholesale discount, typically 55% off the list price, which encourages more widespread distribution and reduces the risk of unsold inventory.
For those who prefer to handle eBook distribution separately, many authors choose to print physical copies through IngramSpark while using Amazon KDP for eBooks, leveraging each platform's strengths effectively.
It's important to note that IngramSpark's setup fees are waived, applicable to both physical books and eBooks. They also offer a grace period of up to 60 days after the initial setup for free revisions, with a nominal fee of $25 USD thereafter, providing flexibility for authors to refine their work without additional costs early in the process.
The cost of printing your book with IngramSpark depends on various factors such as trim size, page count, paper quality, and binding options. Ingram's printing calculator is a valuable tool for estimating your costs and potential earnings per book, helping you make informed decisions about your publishing journey.
In conclusion, if you're looking to maximize exposure for your book and ensure high-quality production, IngramSpark is the ideal choice. Their extensive distribution network, print-on-demand service, and commitment to author support make them a trusted partner for authors at every stage of their publishing career.
Mark Your Milestone: Officially a Published Author!
If you've made it through this guide, you're likely gearing up to publish your book and launch it across various platforms. If that's the case, congratulations are in order! Crafting a book from concept to completion is no small feat, but this is just the beginning of your exciting journey, and I'm fully here to support you every step of the way.
Next up, you'll be diving into marketing strategies, but we'll save that discussion for another blog post!