5 answers
khadijah
Student
Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
2
Questions
Updated
938 views
what do i do? how do i do it?
i am writer and i have written alot of books but i don't know how to publish them.
pls help me do so.
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5 answers
Garima Lajras
Illustrator, 2D animator, Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer
112
Answers
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Updated
Garima’s Answer
Hello Khadijah,
That’s really amazing that you’ve written so many books you’ve already done the hardest part by writing the books! Publishing might seem like a lot, but it’s totally achievable if you break it down step by step:
1. Choose Your Path:
Decide between traditional publishing (finding a literary agent to pitch your books to publishers) or self-publishing (using platforms like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark to release your work independently). Traditional publishing can take longer but offers wider reach, while self-publishing gives you control and higher royalties.
2. Polish Your Manuscript:
Work with a professional editor to refine your book, and get feedback from beta readers to make it the best it can be.
3. Create a Stunning Design:
A strong cover is essential, so consider hiring a designer. You’ll also need to format your book for print and eBook platforms tools like Canva or Reedsy are great for this.
4. Build Your Presence:
Start sharing your journey on social media, create an author website, and join writing communities to connect with readers and fellow writers.
5. Publish and Promote:
If you’re self-publishing, follow the platform guidelines to upload your book. For traditional publishing, keep submitting to agents it takes time but can be worth it. Either way, promote your book with giveaways, social media posts, or events.
Take it one step at a time, and don’t give up. Your stories deserve to be read.
I hope this helps and best of luck to you on this exciting journey!
That’s really amazing that you’ve written so many books you’ve already done the hardest part by writing the books! Publishing might seem like a lot, but it’s totally achievable if you break it down step by step:
1. Choose Your Path:
Decide between traditional publishing (finding a literary agent to pitch your books to publishers) or self-publishing (using platforms like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark to release your work independently). Traditional publishing can take longer but offers wider reach, while self-publishing gives you control and higher royalties.
2. Polish Your Manuscript:
Work with a professional editor to refine your book, and get feedback from beta readers to make it the best it can be.
3. Create a Stunning Design:
A strong cover is essential, so consider hiring a designer. You’ll also need to format your book for print and eBook platforms tools like Canva or Reedsy are great for this.
4. Build Your Presence:
Start sharing your journey on social media, create an author website, and join writing communities to connect with readers and fellow writers.
5. Publish and Promote:
If you’re self-publishing, follow the platform guidelines to upload your book. For traditional publishing, keep submitting to agents it takes time but can be worth it. Either way, promote your book with giveaways, social media posts, or events.
Take it one step at a time, and don’t give up. Your stories deserve to be read.
I hope this helps and best of luck to you on this exciting journey!
I appreciate your support, Garima
khadijah
Saint P
SongWriter and Creative writer
75
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Saint’s Answer
Hey Khadijah!
First off, that's awesome that you’ve written so many books! I totally get where you're coming from. I’ve written a lot of books too, and I’m currently in the process of publishing them. It’s been quite a journey!
Getting your books published is a big step, but it’s definitely possible. If you're thinking about going the traditional publishing route, the first thing you'd need to do is find a literary agent or a publisher that suits your genre. This usually involves writing a query letter and submitting a sample of your writing, or sometimes a full manuscript. It can take a while, but the right fit can really open doors.
If you're looking for something quicker and more hands-on, self-publishing is a great option too. Platforms like Amazon KDP allow you to publish both e-books and print books. You’ll need to format your book, design a cover (or get someone to design it), and upload it. You can also set your own price and start promoting your book immediately.
If you like the sound of both, there’s also hybrid publishing, which combines some traditional publishing services with the flexibility of self-publishing. It’s a nice middle ground if you want more control but also need some support along the way.
It all comes down to how much control you want, how quickly you want to publish, and how much involvement you want in the process. What kind of books do you write? That might help us figure out what path could be best for you!
Let me know if you want help with anything, I’m happy to share what I’ve learned!
Good Luck!
Saint
First off, that's awesome that you’ve written so many books! I totally get where you're coming from. I’ve written a lot of books too, and I’m currently in the process of publishing them. It’s been quite a journey!
Getting your books published is a big step, but it’s definitely possible. If you're thinking about going the traditional publishing route, the first thing you'd need to do is find a literary agent or a publisher that suits your genre. This usually involves writing a query letter and submitting a sample of your writing, or sometimes a full manuscript. It can take a while, but the right fit can really open doors.
If you're looking for something quicker and more hands-on, self-publishing is a great option too. Platforms like Amazon KDP allow you to publish both e-books and print books. You’ll need to format your book, design a cover (or get someone to design it), and upload it. You can also set your own price and start promoting your book immediately.
If you like the sound of both, there’s also hybrid publishing, which combines some traditional publishing services with the flexibility of self-publishing. It’s a nice middle ground if you want more control but also need some support along the way.
It all comes down to how much control you want, how quickly you want to publish, and how much involvement you want in the process. What kind of books do you write? That might help us figure out what path could be best for you!
Let me know if you want help with anything, I’m happy to share what I’ve learned!
Good Luck!
Saint
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Oh, Khadijah, you've written books already?! That's amazing! 🎉 You're already one step ahead of many aspiring writers. Now, let's talk about how to publish those beauties. I’ve got you covered with a full-on guide to get your works into the hands of readers. And yes, there’s a little bit of magic (and hard work) involved. 🪄📚
Here’s how you can publish your books and get them out into the world. Grab your pen, and let’s get started:
1. Edit, Edit, and Edit Again ✏️
Before you even think about publishing, make sure your work is polished and ready for the world. A well-edited book will make a huge difference in its success.
Self-editing: Read through your manuscript and fix any glaring mistakes.
Hire an editor: If you can, hire a professional editor to look at your work. They can help polish your writing, improve structure, and check grammar, punctuation, and flow.
2. Decide Between Self-Publishing and Traditional Publishing 📖
Now it’s time to make a big decision—how do you want to publish? Both self-publishing and traditional publishing have their pros and cons. Let's break it down.
Self-Publishing 🚀
More Control: You control everything—design, pricing, distribution, and marketing.
Quicker Process: You can publish your book whenever you want. No waiting for approval from a publisher.
Royalties: You keep most of the profits (around 70-80%) depending on where you sell it.
Platforms: Popular self-publishing platforms include:
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): The biggest self-publishing platform where you can publish eBooks and paperbacks. Super easy to use.
Smashwords: Another platform for eBooks, with wide distribution to different retailers.
IngramSpark: For publishing and distributing print books globally.
Lulu: Another self-publishing platform that allows both print and eBooks.
Apple Books: If you want to target Apple users specifically.
Marketing: You’ll be responsible for promoting your own work. This means building an author platform (think social media, websites, and book launches).
Traditional Publishing 📚
More Resources: Publishers will handle the editing, design, distribution, and sometimes even marketing. If you’re lucky, they’ll take care of the hard stuff.
Brand Recognition: Being published by a reputable publisher can give your book instant credibility.
Slower Process: It’s a longer process since you’ll need to submit your manuscript, go through multiple rounds of edits, and wait for approval.
Royalty Split: You’ll get a smaller percentage of the profits (usually around 10-15%).
Querying Agents: To get a traditional publisher, you often need to first get a literary agent. You’ll need to send a query letter to an agent, and if they’re interested, they will help you find a publisher.
3. Prepare Your Book for Submission (Traditional) 📑
If you’re going down the traditional route, you’ll need to submit a polished manuscript and a query letter to literary agents or publishers. Here’s what you’ll need:
Query letter: A concise letter introducing you and your book. This should include a brief synopsis of the book, why you’re the right person to write it, and any relevant writing experience.
Synopsis: A short summary of your book (usually 1-2 pages).
Sample chapters: Some agents/publishers ask for the first few chapters of your book to see your writing style.
How to Find Literary Agents:
Research: Look for agents who represent books similar to yours (genre, tone, audience).
Submission Guidelines: Every agent has specific guidelines for submissions, so follow them exactly. Check their website for info.
4. Design Your Book 🎨
Whether you self-publish or go traditional, the design of your book matters! Here’s what you need to think about:
Cover design: This is the first impression people will get of your book. Make sure it looks professional and fits your genre. You can hire a designer or use design tools like Canva or BookBrush.
Formatting: Your book should be properly formatted for both eBooks and print books. Many self-publishing platforms offer formatting guides or you can hire someone to do this for you.
5. Get Your ISBN (If Self-Publishing) 📚
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier for your book. If you’re self-publishing, you’ll need to get one. You can purchase ISBNs through sites like:
Bowker (for U.S. residents)
ISBNs.org (for international use)
6. Publish Your Book (Self-Publishing) 📲
Once your book is ready, you can upload it to your chosen self-publishing platform. Here’s what the general process looks like:
Create an account: Set up your account on the platform you’ve chosen.
Upload your manuscript: Follow the instructions for formatting, cover image, etc.
Set your price and royalties: Choose the price you want to sell your book for, and decide whether you want to offer it in multiple formats (eBook, paperback, hardback, audiobook).
Choose distribution: Some platforms allow you to sell on multiple marketplaces (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.).
Hit publish: Once everything is set, click publish! Your book will be available for sale on your chosen platforms in a matter of days.
7. Market Your Book 📢
Marketing is key to making your book a success. Here’s what you can do:
Social media: Build a presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Share sneak peeks, teasers, and personal stories to engage readers.
Book blog tours: Reach out to book bloggers who review books in your genre.
Create a website: Set up a website where readers can learn more about you, your books, and upcoming projects.
Book giveaways: Use platforms like Goodreads to do giveaways and drum up excitement for your book.
8. Keep Writing ✍️
This is the fun part—write more books! 📚 Once your first book is out there, don’t stop! The more books you write, the more likely it is that you’ll gain a following and continue to improve your craft.
---
Key Takeaways (Khadijah’s Publishing Power Moves):
1. Edit, edit, edit—make sure your manuscript is polished.
2. Choose your publishing route: self-publishing for control, or traditional for resources.
3. Prepare your manuscript (query letters, synopses, sample chapters).
4. Design your book cover to make a strong first impression.
5. Get an ISBN (if self-publishing).
6. Publish your book on a platform (Amazon, IngramSpark, etc.).
7. Market like crazy—build your social presence and network.
8. Keep writing—one book is just the beginning!
Your journey to publishing is about to get even more exciting! 🚀 You've already done the hard work by writing your books—now it’s time to share them with the world. 💥
Here’s how you can publish your books and get them out into the world. Grab your pen, and let’s get started:
1. Edit, Edit, and Edit Again ✏️
Before you even think about publishing, make sure your work is polished and ready for the world. A well-edited book will make a huge difference in its success.
Self-editing: Read through your manuscript and fix any glaring mistakes.
Hire an editor: If you can, hire a professional editor to look at your work. They can help polish your writing, improve structure, and check grammar, punctuation, and flow.
2. Decide Between Self-Publishing and Traditional Publishing 📖
Now it’s time to make a big decision—how do you want to publish? Both self-publishing and traditional publishing have their pros and cons. Let's break it down.
Self-Publishing 🚀
More Control: You control everything—design, pricing, distribution, and marketing.
Quicker Process: You can publish your book whenever you want. No waiting for approval from a publisher.
Royalties: You keep most of the profits (around 70-80%) depending on where you sell it.
Platforms: Popular self-publishing platforms include:
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): The biggest self-publishing platform where you can publish eBooks and paperbacks. Super easy to use.
Smashwords: Another platform for eBooks, with wide distribution to different retailers.
IngramSpark: For publishing and distributing print books globally.
Lulu: Another self-publishing platform that allows both print and eBooks.
Apple Books: If you want to target Apple users specifically.
Marketing: You’ll be responsible for promoting your own work. This means building an author platform (think social media, websites, and book launches).
Traditional Publishing 📚
More Resources: Publishers will handle the editing, design, distribution, and sometimes even marketing. If you’re lucky, they’ll take care of the hard stuff.
Brand Recognition: Being published by a reputable publisher can give your book instant credibility.
Slower Process: It’s a longer process since you’ll need to submit your manuscript, go through multiple rounds of edits, and wait for approval.
Royalty Split: You’ll get a smaller percentage of the profits (usually around 10-15%).
Querying Agents: To get a traditional publisher, you often need to first get a literary agent. You’ll need to send a query letter to an agent, and if they’re interested, they will help you find a publisher.
3. Prepare Your Book for Submission (Traditional) 📑
If you’re going down the traditional route, you’ll need to submit a polished manuscript and a query letter to literary agents or publishers. Here’s what you’ll need:
Query letter: A concise letter introducing you and your book. This should include a brief synopsis of the book, why you’re the right person to write it, and any relevant writing experience.
Synopsis: A short summary of your book (usually 1-2 pages).
Sample chapters: Some agents/publishers ask for the first few chapters of your book to see your writing style.
How to Find Literary Agents:
Research: Look for agents who represent books similar to yours (genre, tone, audience).
Submission Guidelines: Every agent has specific guidelines for submissions, so follow them exactly. Check their website for info.
4. Design Your Book 🎨
Whether you self-publish or go traditional, the design of your book matters! Here’s what you need to think about:
Cover design: This is the first impression people will get of your book. Make sure it looks professional and fits your genre. You can hire a designer or use design tools like Canva or BookBrush.
Formatting: Your book should be properly formatted for both eBooks and print books. Many self-publishing platforms offer formatting guides or you can hire someone to do this for you.
5. Get Your ISBN (If Self-Publishing) 📚
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier for your book. If you’re self-publishing, you’ll need to get one. You can purchase ISBNs through sites like:
Bowker (for U.S. residents)
ISBNs.org (for international use)
6. Publish Your Book (Self-Publishing) 📲
Once your book is ready, you can upload it to your chosen self-publishing platform. Here’s what the general process looks like:
Create an account: Set up your account on the platform you’ve chosen.
Upload your manuscript: Follow the instructions for formatting, cover image, etc.
Set your price and royalties: Choose the price you want to sell your book for, and decide whether you want to offer it in multiple formats (eBook, paperback, hardback, audiobook).
Choose distribution: Some platforms allow you to sell on multiple marketplaces (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.).
Hit publish: Once everything is set, click publish! Your book will be available for sale on your chosen platforms in a matter of days.
7. Market Your Book 📢
Marketing is key to making your book a success. Here’s what you can do:
Social media: Build a presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Share sneak peeks, teasers, and personal stories to engage readers.
Book blog tours: Reach out to book bloggers who review books in your genre.
Create a website: Set up a website where readers can learn more about you, your books, and upcoming projects.
Book giveaways: Use platforms like Goodreads to do giveaways and drum up excitement for your book.
8. Keep Writing ✍️
This is the fun part—write more books! 📚 Once your first book is out there, don’t stop! The more books you write, the more likely it is that you’ll gain a following and continue to improve your craft.
---
Key Takeaways (Khadijah’s Publishing Power Moves):
1. Edit, edit, edit—make sure your manuscript is polished.
2. Choose your publishing route: self-publishing for control, or traditional for resources.
3. Prepare your manuscript (query letters, synopses, sample chapters).
4. Design your book cover to make a strong first impression.
5. Get an ISBN (if self-publishing).
6. Publish your book on a platform (Amazon, IngramSpark, etc.).
7. Market like crazy—build your social presence and network.
8. Keep writing—one book is just the beginning!
Your journey to publishing is about to get even more exciting! 🚀 You've already done the hard work by writing your books—now it’s time to share them with the world. 💥
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
6848
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Khadijah!
How to Publish Your Books as a Writer
Step 1: Understand Your Publishing Options
Before you begin the publishing process, it’s essential to understand the different publishing options available. There are primarily three routes you can take:
Traditional Publishing: This involves submitting your manuscript to established publishing houses. If accepted, they will handle editing, design, distribution, and marketing. However, this route can be competitive and time-consuming.
Self-Publishing: This option allows you to maintain full control over your work. You can publish your book through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, or Lulu. While self-publishing gives you more creative freedom and higher royalties, it also means you are responsible for all aspects of production and marketing.
Hybrid Publishing: This is a blend of traditional and self-publishing where authors pay for some services while still receiving support from a publisher. It offers more flexibility than traditional publishing but may require an upfront investment.
Step 2: Prepare Your Manuscript
Regardless of the publishing route you choose, ensure that your manuscript is polished and ready for publication:
Editing: Hire a professional editor or use beta readers to provide feedback on your work.
Formatting: Properly format your manuscript according to the guidelines of your chosen publishing platform. Each platform has specific requirements regarding font size, margins, and layout.
Step 3: Design a Book Cover
A compelling book cover is crucial for attracting readers:
If you’re self-publishing, consider hiring a professional designer who understands market trends in book covers.
Ensure that the cover reflects the genre and tone of your book.
Step 4: Choose Your Publishing Platform
If you opt for self-publishing, select a platform that suits your needs:
Amazon KDP: Ideal for eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks; it offers wide distribution.
IngramSpark: Great for reaching bookstores and libraries; however, there may be setup fees involved.
Smashwords or Draft2Digital: These platforms help distribute eBooks across multiple retailers.
Step 5: Set Pricing and Royalties
Determine how much you want to charge for your book:
Research similar books in your genre to set competitive pricing.
Understand the royalty structures of each platform; typically, self-published authors earn higher royalties than those published traditionally.
Step 6: Publish Your Book
Once everything is prepared:
Upload your manuscript and cover design to the chosen platform.
Fill out necessary details such as title, author name, description, keywords (for search optimization), and categories.
Step 7: Market Your Book
After publication, focus on marketing strategies to reach potential readers:
Utilize social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram) to promote your book.
Consider creating an author website or blog where readers can learn more about you and your works.
Engage with writing communities online (like Goodreads) or local events (book fairs) to build an audience.
Step 8: Monitor Sales and Gather Feedback
After launching your book:
Keep track of sales data provided by the publishing platform.
Encourage reviews from readers; positive reviews can significantly impact future sales.
By following these steps systematically, you’ll be able to navigate the complexities of publishing successfully.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Writer’s Digest
A comprehensive resource offering advice on writing techniques as well as detailed guides on both traditional and self-publishing processes.
The Creative Penn
A well-respected blog by author Joanna Penn that provides insights into writing, publishing options, marketing strategies, and tools available for authors today.
Self-Publishing School
An educational platform dedicated to helping writers understand the self-publishing process with step-by-step guides on how to publish their books effectively.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|========================God Bless You, Richly!============================|
|======================James Constantine Frangos==========================|
|============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN================|
|===========Programming For Your Nutrition Education ~ Since 1972!===============|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
How to Publish Your Books as a Writer
Step 1: Understand Your Publishing Options
Before you begin the publishing process, it’s essential to understand the different publishing options available. There are primarily three routes you can take:
Traditional Publishing: This involves submitting your manuscript to established publishing houses. If accepted, they will handle editing, design, distribution, and marketing. However, this route can be competitive and time-consuming.
Self-Publishing: This option allows you to maintain full control over your work. You can publish your book through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, or Lulu. While self-publishing gives you more creative freedom and higher royalties, it also means you are responsible for all aspects of production and marketing.
Hybrid Publishing: This is a blend of traditional and self-publishing where authors pay for some services while still receiving support from a publisher. It offers more flexibility than traditional publishing but may require an upfront investment.
Step 2: Prepare Your Manuscript
Regardless of the publishing route you choose, ensure that your manuscript is polished and ready for publication:
Editing: Hire a professional editor or use beta readers to provide feedback on your work.
Formatting: Properly format your manuscript according to the guidelines of your chosen publishing platform. Each platform has specific requirements regarding font size, margins, and layout.
Step 3: Design a Book Cover
A compelling book cover is crucial for attracting readers:
If you’re self-publishing, consider hiring a professional designer who understands market trends in book covers.
Ensure that the cover reflects the genre and tone of your book.
Step 4: Choose Your Publishing Platform
If you opt for self-publishing, select a platform that suits your needs:
Amazon KDP: Ideal for eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks; it offers wide distribution.
IngramSpark: Great for reaching bookstores and libraries; however, there may be setup fees involved.
Smashwords or Draft2Digital: These platforms help distribute eBooks across multiple retailers.
Step 5: Set Pricing and Royalties
Determine how much you want to charge for your book:
Research similar books in your genre to set competitive pricing.
Understand the royalty structures of each platform; typically, self-published authors earn higher royalties than those published traditionally.
Step 6: Publish Your Book
Once everything is prepared:
Upload your manuscript and cover design to the chosen platform.
Fill out necessary details such as title, author name, description, keywords (for search optimization), and categories.
Step 7: Market Your Book
After publication, focus on marketing strategies to reach potential readers:
Utilize social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram) to promote your book.
Consider creating an author website or blog where readers can learn more about you and your works.
Engage with writing communities online (like Goodreads) or local events (book fairs) to build an audience.
Step 8: Monitor Sales and Gather Feedback
After launching your book:
Keep track of sales data provided by the publishing platform.
Encourage reviews from readers; positive reviews can significantly impact future sales.
By following these steps systematically, you’ll be able to navigate the complexities of publishing successfully.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Writer’s Digest
A comprehensive resource offering advice on writing techniques as well as detailed guides on both traditional and self-publishing processes.
The Creative Penn
A well-respected blog by author Joanna Penn that provides insights into writing, publishing options, marketing strategies, and tools available for authors today.
Self-Publishing School
An educational platform dedicated to helping writers understand the self-publishing process with step-by-step guides on how to publish their books effectively.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|========================God Bless You, Richly!============================|
|======================James Constantine Frangos==========================|
|============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN================|
|===========Programming For Your Nutrition Education ~ Since 1972!===============|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
khadijah
No Worries At All Khadijah, Pleased To Help!
James Constantine Frangos
Howard Ray
Content Creator/Optican
1
Answer
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Howard’s Answer
Publishing your work is possible, there are many options- Self-publishing is an option where you work with third-party company to format it according to their standard.
There are questions you may need to discuss with a mentor for Example- Would the format be a digital book, would it be printed and shipped all over, cover design, the Foreward, etc.
The writing, has the ability to affect others, and that is amazing!
Contact an editor to go through your work together
Look into the Format you would be using
Contact a marketing specialist to get the work- out there!
There are questions you may need to discuss with a mentor for Example- Would the format be a digital book, would it be printed and shipped all over, cover design, the Foreward, etc.
The writing, has the ability to affect others, and that is amazing!
Howard recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
khadijah