So you have your idea about the book you want to publish but you are not sure where to start ?
We have made a guide on the approach that we use to publish our books:
1 - Research
Go to the book store, amazon, wherever you are planning on selling your book and see what others are doing. Buy everything, read everything. First of all, you will be more knowledgeable on the subject. Secondly, you will know where to position your book between the competition. You need to understand where the demand can exist and focus on how you can satisfy it.
2 - Brainstorm the Table of Content (TOC)
Make a list of the topics that you want to talk about, write them down. Try to make logical links between the different topics. You have your TOC version 1. Show it to someone. Discuss it. Revise it. You have version 2, etc..
Often, the TOC will change as you progress in the composition of the book. It's okay but you need to start somewhere.
3 - Think from the buyers perspective
How is the book going to sell ?
Is your book going to sell from the cover only? You'd better work on the cover before you even start the book.
Is your book going to sell by word of mouth? What are the key triggers to show to get the attention of the buyer ?
Is your book for young children? It might be the parents making the purchase, or it might not.
4 - Get a writer, photographer, designer, illustrator, copywriter
Unless you are a very talented person, odds are you won't be able to do everything alone. Sure various websites will help you to get things done fast but most probably you will have to make concessions.
Most probably you will need to make a team and you will be the leader. As the person in command, it's important to explain to each person what you expect from them while getting their honest professional opinion on your vision of the book.
5 - Plan it and follow up
If you are working on getting the book ready for a specific fair or a special event. You can't afford to be late or the entire project might be in jeopardy.
It's very easy to fall behind on such a project. It's important to set deadlines and stick to them.
Create a specific timeline that everyone involved in the project is aware of.
Put reminders and remind everyone.
6 - Get the files ready to print
All the content is ready, the layout is in place. Now you need to get all the files in one folder and ready to be sent to the printer.
An essential step in printing is the finalising. Where the files will be checked and modified to assure quality output. Often times the printing press will provide this service in which case they will ask for the original files so they can edit if need be.
If the designer will do the finalising, you only need to send the PDF of the book.
Now you are ready for the proof.
Check "How to Self Publish a coffee table book" - Part 2 - the soonest.
We have made a guide on the approach that we use to publish our books:
1 - Research
Go to the book store, amazon, wherever you are planning on selling your book and see what others are doing. Buy everything, read everything. First of all, you will be more knowledgeable on the subject. Secondly, you will know where to position your book between the competition. You need to understand where the demand can exist and focus on how you can satisfy it.
2 - Brainstorm the Table of Content (TOC)
Make a list of the topics that you want to talk about, write them down. Try to make logical links between the different topics. You have your TOC version 1. Show it to someone. Discuss it. Revise it. You have version 2, etc..
Often, the TOC will change as you progress in the composition of the book. It's okay but you need to start somewhere.
3 - Think from the buyers perspective
How is the book going to sell ?
Is your book going to sell from the cover only? You'd better work on the cover before you even start the book.
Is your book going to sell by word of mouth? What are the key triggers to show to get the attention of the buyer ?
Is your book for young children? It might be the parents making the purchase, or it might not.
4 - Get a writer, photographer, designer, illustrator, copywriter
Unless you are a very talented person, odds are you won't be able to do everything alone. Sure various websites will help you to get things done fast but most probably you will have to make concessions.
Most probably you will need to make a team and you will be the leader. As the person in command, it's important to explain to each person what you expect from them while getting their honest professional opinion on your vision of the book.
- See How to hire a Writer/Copywriter
- See How to hire a Photographer
- See How to hire a Designer / Illustrator
5 - Plan it and follow up
If you are working on getting the book ready for a specific fair or a special event. You can't afford to be late or the entire project might be in jeopardy.
It's very easy to fall behind on such a project. It's important to set deadlines and stick to them.
Create a specific timeline that everyone involved in the project is aware of.
Put reminders and remind everyone.
6 - Get the files ready to print
All the content is ready, the layout is in place. Now you need to get all the files in one folder and ready to be sent to the printer.
An essential step in printing is the finalising. Where the files will be checked and modified to assure quality output. Often times the printing press will provide this service in which case they will ask for the original files so they can edit if need be.
If the designer will do the finalising, you only need to send the PDF of the book.
Now you are ready for the proof.
Check "How to Self Publish a coffee table book" - Part 2 - the soonest.
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