Self-publishing: part 2

Here’s the second of five installments on self-publishing, courtesy of my guest blogger, Lyn Chamberlain of Arcadian House Writing & Publishing.

Missed Part 1? Read So you want to write a book ...

Now, onto Part 2: What do I do first?

Okay. You want to self-publish a book? What do you do first? Write the book. If you’re having a problem in that area, talk to a developmental editor. She’ll help create a structure and organize material logically. She’ll make sure that your information is current and may even suggest information to add or point out items that should be deleted.

Find a good copy editor. An editor’s job is to make sure you sound like the professional you are. Besides checking grammar, usage and punctuation, she’ll provide a host of services like checking for conflicting statements, eliminating wordiness or triteness, and making sure all explanations are clear.

The traditional publishing world often criticizes self-publishing for lack of quality control. Unfortunately, too often that criticism is deserved. Good editing, proofing and quality book manufacture provide quality control.

Proofread.

Contract for an illustrator. Producing good artwork takes time. Your book will need at least a color cover, and you may want interior illustrations.

At Arcadian House we send a book summary to several illustrators. Interested illustrators respond with a price quote and an art sample. As author, you can choose an artist based on style and price.

Complete pre-press activities. With the manuscript edited and the art work finished, it’s time to put everything together in a format the press can use. First is to create a design for the book and then feed the text into the design. Pre-press also supplies all the things that register a book where needed and make public sales possible: ISBN, barcode, and registration with the Library of Congress, Books in Print, and U.S. Copyright Office.

Proofread.

When the printer receives the files and sets them up for the press, he sends pages proofs, sometimes called galleys, for checking. Once they are approved, books are manufactured and delivered to your door.

That’s it for today. Next time, we’ll talk about what to look for in a non-traditional publisher. Until then, please visit my website at http://www.arcadianhouse.com/.

By JanO on 7/7/08, In writing, Tags arcadian house, book, how to write, ideas, self-publishing