You’ve made it! Over the past three months, you’ve tackled writing foundations, self-editing techniques, and character development. You’ve poured your heart into your manuscript and shaped it into a polished, publishable work. Now it’s time to share it with the world.
Publishing is your next big step, and it comes with its own challenges, decisions, and exciting opportunities. This article offers practical tips to help you navigate the final stages of sending your manuscript off into the world.
Don't Skip Proofreading
Even after countless revisions, typos, formatting inconsistencies, and small errors can linger in your manuscript. Proofreading is the final quality check before publication—a step you shouldn’t skip.
Even professionally edited manuscripts often harbor minor errors. I highly recommend hiring a professional proofreader. Fresh, trained eyes can catch issues that you, and even prior editors, may overlook.
Why hire a professional? By this point, you’ve likely read your manuscript dozens of times. It’s hard to catch every error when you know the text so well. A professional proofreader will bring a fresh perspective and their expertise to identify grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes; formatting inconsistencies; typographical errors; and continuity issues.
Finding and Vetting Editors
Whether you’re seeking a developmental editor, line editor, copyeditor, or proofreader, here’s how to find and vet the right professional for your needs:
Start with research. Ask for referrals from fellow writers. Explore directories like the EFA, ACES, Editors Canada, and the CiEP. Search online for editors specializing in your genre and check out their online presence (website, social media presence, or blog).
Dig deeper. Look for relevant certifications, professional memberships, or completion of editing courses. Keep in mind that newer editors might not have extensive experience or testimonials but could still be a great fit, especially if they’re knowledgeable in your genre.
Discuss budget upfront. Editing costs can vary significantly. Determine your budget before you begin a conversation with an editor and prioritize what’s most important (e.g., developmental editing vs copyediting). Consider editors who offer flexible payment plans if upfront costs are a concern.
Request a sample edit. Many editors offer free or low-cost sample edits. If you are requesting sample edits from more than one editor, send the same sample to each to compare their approaches and find the best fit for your manuscript.
Clarify everything upfront. A professional editor should provide a contract that outlines their services, timeline, payment terms, and expectation. Contracts protect both parties and set a clear foundation for the project.
Publishing Options
Choosing your publishing journey is a significant decision. Here’s a brief overview to help you weigh your options.
Self-Publishing
Self-publishing offers the freedom to control every aspect of your book’s journey, from its content to its distribution. While this path provides flexibility and independence, it also requires taking full responsibility for editing, production, and marketing.
Pros:
You have complete creative control over every aspect of your book.
You’ll have higher royalty rates compared to traditional publishing.
You can release your book on your own schedule.
Cons:
You’ll have upfront costs for editing, design, and marketing.
You’re responsible for managing all production and promotional efforts.
Here are some platforms to consider:
KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)
Each platform caters to different needs, so consider your priorities—whether that’s reach, ease of use, or specific features.
Traditional Publishing
Traditional publishing involves submitting your manuscript to agents or publishers who handle editing, design, marketing, and distribution.
Pros:
You’ll have access to professional editors, designers, and marketing teams.
You’ll have access to established distribution channels to bookstores and libraries.
You’ll have no upfront costs for production or marketing.
Cons:
It’s a highly competitive process. It can take months or years to secure a publishing deal.
You’ll have limited creative control over content, design, and marketing strategies.
You’ll receive lower royalty rates comparted to self-publishing.
Tools for a traditional publishing journey:
QueryTracker: helps you find agents open to submissions in your genre and track your query progress.
MSWL (Manuscript Wish List): helps you discover agents and editors actively seeking manuscripts in your genre
Audiobook Publishing
Audiobooks are one of the fastest-growing segments in publishing, offering a new way to reach readers who prefer listening to stories.
If you’re considering creating an audiobook, explore these platforms:
Narration tips:
Choose a narrator whose tone matches your book’s mood and genre.
If you plan to narrate the book yourself, invest in professional equipment or a studio for high-quality audio.
Tips for marketing your audiobook:
Include sample clips on your website or social media to entice listeners.
Partner with audiobook review sites or create promo codes for free downloads to generate buzz.
Hybrid Presses
Hybrid presses combine elements of self-publishing and traditional publishing. You typically share production costs but receive professional services in return.
Pros:
You’ll have access to professional editing, design, and marketing support.
You’ll have greater control over the creative process compared to traditional publishing.
You’ll typically receive high royalty rates than traditional publishing.
Cons:
You bear some of the production costs, which can be significant.
The quality and reputation of these presses vary widely, so research is essential.
What to look for:
Seek out hybrid presses with transparent pricing, clear contracts, and a proven track record of successful titles. Avoid presses that require excessive upfront payments or make unrealistic promises about sales.
Indie Presses
Independent publishers, or indie presses, are smaller, often genre-specific publishing houses that operate outside the big traditional publishing houses.
Pros:
They offer a personalized approach and closer collaboration with editors and publishers.
You’ll have more creative freedom compared to traditional publishing.
They are often focused on niche genres, making them a great fit for unique stories.
Cons:
They have smaller marketing budgets and distribution channels than traditional publishers.
They may require authors to be more involved in promotional efforts.
What to look for:
Research indie presses that align with your genre and audience. Review their published titles to gauge quality and reach out to authors they’ve worked with to learn about their experiences.
Vanity Publishers
Be cautious of publishers that charge you fees to publish your manuscript. Unlike legitimate self-publishing services or hybrid and indie presses, vanity publishers often provide low-quality products with little to no marketing support.
Research these presses thoroughly before making any payments. Use resources like Writer Beware to identify potential scams. A legitimate press will never ask for exorbitant fees or make guarantees about sales or bestseller status.
Keep these warning signs of predatory presses in mind when you are exploring options:
They demand exorbitant upfront fees without a clear breakdown of services.
They guarantee unrealistic results, like hitting bestseller lists without substantial evidence.
Contracts lack specifics about royalties, rights, or termination conditions.
They have a history of poor communication, unmet promises, or questionable reviews.
Their previous publications show low-quality editing, formatting, or cover design.
Book Covers and Interior Formatting
Your book’s presentation is as important as the story itself. A professional-looking cover and interior design will signal to readers that they’re holding a quality product.
Your cover should align with your genre while standing out on shelves or screens. If you’re self-publishing, consider hiring a cover designer with experience in your genre. They will understand how to create visually compelling designs that resonate with your target audience and adhere to industry standards.
Interior formatting plays a crucial role in providing a seamless reading experience. Consistency in font styles, chapter headings, margins, and spacing result in a more professional book. Tools like Atticus and Vellum are user-friendly and can help you create beautifully formatted interiors Alternatively, professional formatters can handle the technical aspects.
Build Your Author Platform
Your author platform is the foundation of your visibility and reach. It includes your online presence, professional branding, and your ability to connect with readers, reviewers, and fellow writers. Building an author platform is essential for engaging with your audience and establishing credibility as an author.
Here are some ideas to get started:
Create a professional website. Feature your author bio, contact information, a list of your published works, and links to where your books can be purchased. Consider starting a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel to share updates, insights about your writing process, behind-the-scenes content, book themes, or genre-specific topics.
Establish a social media presence. Choose platforms where your target readers are most active. Post regularly, engage with your audience, and share a mix of content—writing updates, personal anecdotes, and even fun interactions like polls or Q&As.
Start a newsletter. Grow your mailing list to keep readers informed about your upcoming projects, events, and special offers. Consider offering lead magnets (free resources or writing tips, character worksheets, book club discussion guides, first chapter previews, bonus short story or deleted scene, etc.).
Explore networking opportunities. Attend in-person or online author events, conferences, and workshops to connect with other writers, industry professionals, and readers. Join online writing communities (e.g., Goodreads author groups, Scribophile, or Facebook groups for writers) to exchange ideas and build a supportive network.
Your platform isn’t build overnight. It’s a long-term investment in your writing career. Start small and grow as you become more comfortable engaging with your audience.
Book Marketing Basics
A well-planned marketing strategy can make all the difference in reaching your audience and generating buzz around your book. From pre-launch to post-launch, here’s how you can make your marketing efforts effective and engaging:
Pre-Launch Buzz
Build excitement before your book’s release:
Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your book cover, excerpts, or fun facts about your story to engage your audience.
Start a countdown on social media to generate anticipation as your release date approaches.
Recruit enthusiastic readers or fans to help promote your book through word-of-mouth and on their platforms.
Promotional Materials
Your visuals should grab attention and reflect your book’s genre and tone.
Create graphics for social media posts, digital banners, and physical materials like flyers or bookmarks.
Use free tools like Canva to design visually appealing and professional-looking promotional assets.
Partner with Book Influencers and Reviewers
Connect with readers who already have an audience:
Reach out to book bloggers, BookTubers, podcasters, and Bookstagrammers specializing in your genre.
Offer a free copy of your book in exchange for an honest review, feature, or interview.
Launch Campaign
Your book launch should create a buzz that extends beyond release day.
Host virtual events like a Q&A session, a live reading, or a giveaway on social media.
If possible, organize an in-person event at a local bookstore, library, or community center.
Collaborate with local organizations to create unique, community-based promotional opportunities.
Incentive Early Purchases and Reviews
Encourage readers to take action immediately.
Offer exclusive bonuses for pre-orders, like signed copies, extra chapters, deleted scenes, signed bookmarks, character art, or personalized thank-you notes.
Use stretch goals. For example, if you hit a certain number of pre-orders, unlock a bonus Q&A or an exclusive scene.
Run a review incentive campaign where readers can win prizes or shoutouts for leaving honest reviews on Amazon or Goodreads.
Ads and Promotions
Reach a broader audience with strategic advertising.
Run targeted ads on platforms like Amazon, Facebook, and Instagram to reach potential readers in your genre.
Use services like Goodreads Giveaways to amplify your book’s visibility.
Diversify Your Marketing Channels
Expand your reach beyond social media.
Write guest posts for blogs or magazines in your genre.
Create a Pinterest page, YouTube channel, podcast, or newsletter to share content related to your book’s themes.
Partner with local businesses or libraries to host readings or book signings.
Ongoing Engagement Post-Launch
Keep the momentum going after your book is released.
Share reader reviews, fan art, or milestone celebrations (like hitting a sales goal) to maintain excitement.
Host interactive events like a character Q&A or a writing workshop to connect with your readers.
Use analytics tools to track engagement and refine your ongoing marketing efforts.
Collaborate with Other Authors
Cross-promotions can help you tap into new audiences.
Team up with other writers in your genre for joint giveaways, co-hosted events, or bundle promotions.
Community Outreach
Partner with schools, libraries, bookstores, or community organizations to host workshops, book talks, readings, or signings.
Join or create local book clubs to foster in-person connections.
Attend or organize events like author fairs or book festivals to build direct relationships with readers.
Remember, marketing is an ongoing journey. Start small and build as you grow!
Subscribe to the newsletter and follow along on social media (@writewayedits #ProseInProgress) for additional resources this week.
Reflect on Your Writing Journey
The process of writing and editing a manuscript is no small feat, and you’ve made it to the finish time. Taking some time to reflect on your journey can provide clarity on what you’ve learned and set the stage for your next steps.
Here are some journal prompts to guide your reflection:
What part of the process challenged you the most?
What surprised you about your writing habits?
How has your manuscript evolved since you started?
What’s one thing you’re proudest of in your manuscript?
What did this experience teach you about your strengths as a writer?
What areas do you want to work on in the future?
Where do you see your writing journey taking you next?
What goals or projects excite you?
Is there a genre or style you’d like to explore in the future?
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
Sharing your reflections with writing communities can inspire and connect you with fellow writers. You’ve come so far—celebrate your progress and embrace the lessons you’ve learned.
You’ve reached the end of Prose in Progress, but this is only the beginning of your writing journey. Take pride in your hard work, reflect on your growth, and share your success.
You’ve come so far—take a moment to enjoy the milestone you’ve achieved. Whether you’re preparing to publish or planning your next story, remember that every step forward is a victory worth celebrating.
With care and creativity,
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