I was looking at some facts about aspiring authors recently and I started thinking about a few things. Based on experience, I already knew the top reasons why someone publishes a book:
- Increase finances
- Provide more opportunities
- Career advancement
- Fulfill a life-long goal
These are all great reasons. One would think that if the goal is good, why wouldn’t everyone reach it? Why are there people who have a strong desire to publish yet never do it? Moreover, why are there those who do publish and are unsuccessful in reaching their goals like the ones listed above?
Unfortunately, the reality is that most first-time authors often are not equipped to endure the long road ahead to publishing success. Far too many self-published authors have no clue about the business side of authorship or the discipline required to be a successful writer. The truth is that very few authors will make any significant readership or financial accomplishments, especially with their first books. Statistics suggest that the average self-published author does not sell more than 200 copies of their book.
But there is hope! By now, you should know me, and you should know that I am not a Debbie Downer! There are things that you can do to greatly increase your chances of succeeding as an author. I will briefly highlight some of them today by outlining five areas you must make sure you have covered.
1. Substantive Editor – At the very least, you need an editor who can provide you with substantive edits on your book. Notice, I didn’t just say proofread your book where only grammar and spelling errors might be checked. I didn’t just say copyediting where the editor checks the grammar usage, punctuation, spelling and some sentence structure but I mean a good, substantive edit.
A substantive edit addresses your book’s content, organization, objective, design, and style. If your substantive editor is good, by the time they are done, your reader will be able to really “get your message”. If your reader can get your message, they buy into your story, and when they buy into your story, you have a follower who will bring you more followers. Isn’t that what everyone wants?
There’s another level higher than this that involves developmental editing, not to mention ghostwriting which some authors can benefit from as well. But we won’t even get into either of those today because I’ve already gone a little long on this point. The bottom line is that at the very least, you need to have a professional editor; hopefully, one versed very well in your subject matter and/or genre, whose specialty is substantive editing. Trust me, based on my knowledge, experience, and professional background as a book publishing coach and self-publishing servicer, all editors are not created alike.
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2. Cover Designer – Now, there are cover designers and then there are cover designers! I won’t dwell on this point long because all you need to understand is…
People do judge a book by its cover!
Think about it! We are a part of a culture where How to Make-up Videos are popular trends on the internet and throughout social media platforms, despite the fact that the highlight is seeing someone being transformed from how they look to totally — let’s just say — unrecognizable! Whether you like it or not, looks sell.
3. Distribution System – So, now that your book has been published, how will you get it into the hands of others outside of your immediate sphere of influence like your family and friends? Are they the only ones who you wrote it for? Do you want it in the bookstores? Do you want it to go where you can’t go? Overseas, you say? How in the world will all of this be achieved if you don’t have a system?
4. Marketing Blueprint – So, if you have followed me for any amount of time, you know my motto is: “You don’t launch just one time! You launch, and you relaunch! You are always launching and there should be a strategy set in place to do this both efficiently and effectively.” Have you ever considered a marketing calendar for your book launch?
5. Mentor – These days, successful people are not the ones trying to reinvent the wheel. They are the ones who are following the examples, proven systems, and successful models that have already been created. Have you ever heard of the expression, “There’s nothing new under the sun”? Well, why would you spend all of your time, energy, and brain power conjuring up “creative ideas” to try and make your book a success when all you have to do is hitch your wagon to someone who has already traveled that path and knows how to get there?
Mentors help you stay True North. I’ve seen way too many scattered aspiring authors. They are running in every direction except for the right direction. I heard someone call it ignorance on fire. I’m sure you don’t want to be that!
I’ll sum this final point up with this quote I saw somewhere once:
“One who refuses to seek the advice of others will eventually be led to a path of ruin. A mentor helps you to perceive your own weaknesses and confront them with courage. The bond between mentor and protege enables us to stay true to our chosen path until the very end.” ~Anonymous
If you want clear direction regarding the publishing process, then make sure you have the points I’ve mentioned covered and hook up with someone who can get you to where you want to go.
Happy Publishing!
Pastor Kish
Your Book Publishing Coach & Self-Publishing Servicer