Your book's journey begins with the idea. No idea of what you want to write? No problem.
We know exactly where the best ideas lie and how to test ideas to be sure there's a solid market for yours before you begin writing.
Once you're past the idea stage and you know what it is you want to write, you'll want to create an outline that will be sure you help your readers get from where they are to where they want to be by the end of the book.
No idea who your readers are or where they want to be? Discovering that is part of our initial consultation.
Now that you have your outline and you're ready to write, you will put pen to paper and add all the necessary ingredients to create a compelling work that will have readers eager to turn every page because they can't wait to see where you're taking them next.
Not sure how to do that? We've created a system that helps you deliver every step of the way.
Question. Do I need to do these things even if I'm planning on a traditional publisher?
Answer: Yes.
Traditional publishers are no longer willing to take on rough drafts. They want things as close to print-ready as you can get them. They will still run it through their in-house editing team, but the more polished it is, the more likely they are to accept it.
Question: What if someone reads my work and steals my ideas?
Answer: It's unlikely, but if you are truly concerned about it, register your work with the copyright office.
Most writers have so many more ideas of their own than they could execute in a single lifetime, so the chances aren't great that your idea is going to be stolen. Furthermore, even if someone takes your ideas, they can't steal your execution of those ideas.
However, I can't say that it never happens. So cover your assets. Register your work with the copyright office and protect yourself.
You've written the book - is it ready to publish? Not quite. These next steps differentiate the professionals from the amateurs.
Taking shortcuts here will cost time, money, and lost opportunities later.
Rough drafts are just that - rough. They are conversation starters, not conversation enders. It's time for the editing process.
Your first pass should check for the following manuscript problems:
- Back of the Book: Does your book deliver on what you promised on the back of the book? If not, fix it.
- Time Line Errors: Is the action taking place in the book logical and possible or are there places where things happen too soon or too late for it to be possible?
- Continuity Errors: Is something said in one area of the book that is contradicted in another area of the book?
- Cliches and Pet Phrases: Hunt them down and eliminate them.
- Fact Checks and Source Citations: Give credit where credit is due and check facts for accuracy.
Once you've completed your own checks, it's ready for beta readers. Beta readers give you a reader's eye view of your work.
Beta readers are essential to producing a professional quality manuscript. Beta readers should be regular readers of your book's genre so they know what is expected and whether your book met the qualifications or not. They should also be someone who doesn't know you and therefore isn't biased for or against you.
Keep fixing things until your beta readers can't spot problems with your manuscript - then hand it over to a professional editor to take it to the next level.
There are many different types of editors. Figure out which type your editor is before hiring them.
Developmental Editors: They will help you structure the book to make it the most compelling it can be while offering suggestions and support as you work through the book writing process.
Content Editors: They look at the writing from a big picture standpoint and make sure that everything works together to help readers get from where they are to where you want them to be by the end of the book.
Copy Editor: These editors look at the small details from the facts to the grammar and formatting you use. They will help you tighten your writing so that it becomes more effective.
Proof Reader: This is the very last step, the one you only want to take when you are 100% sure that your book is ready for publication. These editors will look for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors and fix them.