If The World Were A Library And You Were A Book,
How Would You Write And Get It Published?
The process in writing a book and finally getting it published has many pathways. As a writer, you begin with a thought or idea; or even a dream may be the catalyst for writing a story. You may write in a journal or personal diary. For years I kept a diary that I wrote in off and on. In fact I still have two which span from 1971 to 1985 with sporadic comments updating how things turned out. I would make notes in red or a different color giving testimony that I no longer have those habits or thoughts; how I’ve grown in my walk with the Lord. Journals may be composition books, tablets, 3x5 cards or on back of napkins. You never know when your subconscious mind or the Holy Spirit will encourage or inspire your writing.
So the journey of a book begins with a single thought or inspiration. The source of the book can be taken from a letter or series of letters that were written over years or during stressful or joyous periods of your life. The source could be a collection of poetry or inspirational essays that kept you going during dark and lonely times in your life. The source could be a collection of sayings that your family members and friends who have influenced your life and your personal growth.
As the content of your book develops and grows your focus then turns to, “Should I publish this? Would anyone be interested in what I have to say?” If the answer is yes, your book is then in need of a title. What do you name this precious piece of work? For my current work, I’ve given it the title, “Half Way There.” This year I turn sixty and I believe that if I keeping my body and mind healthy, I could conceivably live another sixty years. In Genesis 6:3 God said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for his is mortal, his days will be a hundred and twenty years.” If God said it I believe it.
Some may say who wants to live 120 years I’ll be too old to do anything; I’ll be a burden to my children and my children’s children. I don’t believe that is necessarily so. If the Lord has given you a series of missions, who says they can only be completed while you are young? Who says that we have to accept society’s dictates that when we grow old we have to be pushed aside; or that we have to die of some dis-ease. A lot of people think that way because they are narrow minded and settle for less than what they are truly entitled to from their life. Who says that taking care of your health will not prevent diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease? No one! The health and wellness industry is the next trillion dollar industry because of those of us born between 1946 and 1964.
I believe that God’s word is true. I believe that as long as I use the gifts that he’s given me, and honor my body as a temple, I will be able to stay vibrant and productive until it’s time for me to go home to be with him.
So I have my title, “Half Way There.”
Next once the content and title has been completed, you need to decide what you want to do with your book. Who is your target audience? How do you want to deliver your precious “baby?” It is a baby because it was birthed from your soul. I liken the publishing process like a nine month gestation process. You begin with conceiving the idea for the book. Then comes the gestation process, the content grows out of bringing your sources together; written word, illustrations or photographs, whatever it is you need to complete your project. Then finally who will help you produce this book; or how will you bring this book to life? You need to find someone who can help you produce a manuscript in a format that can be sent to the production house for printing and manufacturing.
In finding this person keep in mind, this is your baby, you want to retain and maintain the integrity of your manuscript as the editing process evolves into a final book. This person should have the expertise to edit for grammar (as it is appropriate); and maintain the integrity of the storyline. For example, when Markeeta Foster approached me about her book project; she was very concerned that I would change how the characters spoke. She did not want her characters to speak what we call “proper English.” She wanted their conversations to be real for her target audience. In some cases, there is minor profanity or slang when appropriate.
Even before you are ready to send your work to a printing house, you need to design a book cover. In some cases, you might want the production house to design the cover for you. Your book cover will be reflecting your brand. What image will you design that will compliment not only your title, but the content of your book?
These are questions that can and should be answered by your editor. You should find someone who in reading and editing your manuscript can help you design the best choice in a book cover.
Once your interior and exterior design is complete, you are ready to submit your baby to the production house. They will review it to ensure that the dimensions are exactly as they should be. If your book has a spine, they will warn you that the print is too big and may overlap the back and front cover. They will warn you that your pictures are not the right resolution and most likely will come out blurry. Understand that this is a process, and it may mean you have to make corrections and resubmit your manuscript. Be patient…multiple resubmissions are part of the process.
Once your interior and exterior is submitted and accepted by the book designers, you will get an alert that your “Proof is Ready to Order.” This is an exciting moment for a first time author.
On the day that your proof arrives, it is an exciting moment even for the editor/publisher. This book is the result of many hours of pouring over the pages and paying close attention to detail. Personally, both my clients and I have shed tears of joy when we first see and hold the book in our hands for the very first time. At that moment, we may not see the imperfections or errors. All we see is the spanking new book. Just as new mothers and fathers look on their new born baby with pride in awe that is exactly the way an author looks at their book for the very first time.
The book should be carefully examined inside and out. Even still there is no guarantee that there will not be errors in the book. The goal is to correct all errors, but it is a funny thing about our brains. Sometimes as we read the book, we substitute words that aren’t really there in print. For instance, here’s an example where an error that wasn’t caught. “I had a hard time wid that story you told last night.” Now anyone reading this would say, well maybe that’s how it was meant to be. “Wid” is a slang word for “with.” But in reality, the sentence should have read, “I had a hard time with that story you told last night.” As we read that line, our brain filled in the proper word, even though it was not on paper. Intellectually we know the proper word is “with” and our brain helped us out by masking “wid” as we read.
Once the book is finally proofed and corrected. It is resubmitted for one more final proof. The final proof is optional, but I highly recommend it unless you are under a very important deadline, order your proof, especially after major corrections and changes have been made.
In the meantime, work with your publisher to review your marketing schedule and timeline. Marketing schedules are generally put in place throughout the lifetime of the book production process. Once you have a definitive idea when the book will be completed begin booking your book launching parties. You may have more than one throughout your local region. You must be prepared to become a local celebrity. People buy books because of your story. You have to be prepared to become ‘somewhat’ transparent. I say somewhat because you can still maintain some level of privacy and still be a public figure. It all depends on you.
From conception to reality writing and producing a book is a wonderful experience.
Deborah Wilson Smart
Senior Publishing Consultant
Gladstone Publishing Services
