The Art of Self-Publishing... Part 1

Where does one begin? In the beginning of course. To publish a book/eBook, one must write something. Yes, start writing your book, although in its raw state, it will take shape as you fill the pages [paper or electronically] with a storyline and characters. That's the beginning. Write, write and write.

Now you have completed your book. For it to be "seen" as a book it must at least surpass 60,000 words. This is then known as a book, maybe a novel, non-fiction or fiction, depending on the genre you want to write about. It could be Christian based, a teaching, a fiction novel, fantasy, science fiction, crime and suspense, etc. What now? The time for re-editing/proofreading commences. You will read it through once, twice, three times, even more, and along the way you edit it, change sentences, plots are varied, changed slightly. When this is done you are ready for your next step.

What about a title for your book? What about the cover, or e-cover? Looks and a name is what attracts readers. If you can't do it on your own, find some who can. There are publishing houses who assist self-publishers here, even with editing/proofreading, etc. You may have had a title when you started with the manuscript but your thoughts start to roam; a better title is out there some where - in your heart and mind. The cover is what will "sell" your book at the first glance. Make it stick out.

What next? Some may need a copyright to their end product. You own it, plot, characters, title, cover, and whatever else is related to your book. Get it copyrighted. Find the right folks who help you with that. Online books [eBooks] are easier as places like Smashwords and others offer you a "line" or small "paragraph related to copyrights which you "fit" into the first pages of the book before chapter 1.

Watch this space for Part 2 of The Art of Self-Publishing. More to come soon!