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Anyone planning to embark on the book writing process, who doesn't want to put in years of research to figure out all the steps, will benefit from this presentation from Literary Architect, author, and editor Ann Narcisian Videan (http://anvidean.com).
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27 Steps from Book Idea to PublishedOne Literary Architect’s fast-track advice on how to create a book
Ann Narcisian Videan • anvidean.com
Envision Your Future
Book-Creation Phases
Research/Writing
Editing
Positioning (how to publish)
Production (creation)
Publishing/Distribution
Marketing
Research/WritingPhase 1
Research/Writing
1. The Idea
Connect with other writersBlogs
Brainstorm
Gather your scribbles
Listen to your dreams/intuition
Research/Writing
2. Research
Use your library resources
Participate in topical blogs/groups
Follow/”friend” other authors
Research/Writing
3. Network
Join associations
Participate in writer’s groups
Attend conferences
Find a critique partner(s)
Research/Writing
4. Legality
Using other’s work requires permission/licenses:
Quotations
Photos/images
Music lyrics
Research/Writing
5. Read
About your genre
Ask other writers for recommendations
My favorites for fiction:Goal Motivation Conflict by Debra Dixon
The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogel
Research/Writing
6. Write
Make time to write, consistently
Accept this as a “spiritual/businesss” practice
This is the most important step!
EditingPhase 2
Editing
7. Beta readers
Other established writers
Prolific readers
Looking for overall impressions
Editing
8. Professional editor
You do NOT qualify! (see blog Writing Tip #10)
Look for input on both story flow and grammar
Looking for specifics
PositioningPhase 3
Positioning
9. Find an agent?
Decide if you need one
Consult the Writer’s Market
Research individuals:AgentQuery.com
Referrals from other writers
Conferences
Positioning
10. Traditional vs. self-publishing
TraditionalDon’t have to do everything yourself
Some financial support
Less ROI and control
Expect to do your own marketing
Positioning
10. Traditional vs. self-publishing
Self-publishingDo everything yourself
Self-funded
More ROI and control
Also expect to do your own marketing
ProductionPhase 4
Production
11. Virtual publishing assistant?
Decide how much you want to/can do yourself
ISBN, Barcode, Preassigned Control Number (PCN)
Permissions and royalties
Copyright
Design: images, cover spread, interior layout
Production
12. ISBN
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
Purchase from Bowker (traditional)
Available through print-on-demand/ebook publishers (CreateSpace, Smashwords)
Production
13. Barcode
Universal Product Code (UPC) includes:Type of product
Manufacturer’s ID
Distributor’s item number
Check digit
Purchase from Bowker (traditional)
Available through print-on-demand/ebook publishers (CreateSpace, Smashwords)
Production
14. Preassigned Control Number (PCN)
Library of Congress card number for cataloging and book processing
Apply at the Library of Congress
Free or minimal fee from some print-on-demand, ebook publishers
Production
15. Permissions and Royalties
Free use of public domain
Anyone else’s work requires rights
Request support from a legal rep or virtual publishing assistant
Production
16. Copyright
If you wrote it, it’s yours.
Purchase an official copyright through the U.S. Copyright Office
Time consuming (3–5 months online)
Request support from a legal rep
Production
17. Design
Do it yourself (DIY)?
Hire a pro?
Consider these elements:Images
Cover spread
Interior layout
Production
18. Images
Use photos or illustrations?
Use stock photos
Manipulate images [PhotoShop, GIMP, Google Docs drawing function]
Hire a professional
The “look” of your book represent you!
Production
19. Cover spread
Cover, spine and back cover
Book-cover experience needed from:Professional graphic designer
Contest sites (Mycroburst.com)
Publisher templates (CreateSpace)
Production
20. Interior layout
How the inside pages lookBook size
Margins
Page numbers
Font
DIY with professional book layout software (InDesign, Quark Express, Pagemaker, MS Word)
Hire a production designer
Publishing/DistributionPhase 5
Publishing/Distribution
21. Printing
Your choices:Traditional (Random House)
Independent (Lightning Source)
Print-on-demand (CreateSpace)Hire/manage your own printer
Publishing/Distribution
22. Format(s)
Your book format choices:Print (traditional or POD)
E-book (Kindle, Smashwords)
Audio book (ACX)
Publishing/Distribution
23. Payment options
Choose you book format choices:Cash/check
Credit cards (Paypal)
Mobile payment options
Publishing/Distribution
24. Sales tax reporting
Acquire business licenses:For Arizona
For every city where you sell books
Submit book sales every month
Publishing/Distribution
25. Inventory reporting
Submit printed-book inventory every month to the state
Publishing/Distribution
26. Distribution
How will your books get into readers’ hands?
You
Traditional publisher uses fulfillment house (Ingram)
Independent publisher (Lightning Source/Ingram)
Print-on-demand provider (CreateSpace)
MarketingPhase 6
Marketing
27. Develop readership
ResourcesPublisher (minimal support)
Hire a publicist (azICCT on Facebook)
DIY visibility
Marketing
27. Develop readership
ToolsMedia (print and broadcast)
Social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)
Word-of-mouth strategy (creative, outrageous, chat-worthy)
Realize Your Future
Next stepsSee you...Feb. 22"11 Editing Tips to Wow a Publisher”
March 8"Market Outside the Books: Outrageous Ideas to Entice Readers to Talk You Up”
