Begin with the end in mind. Famous words of the late Stephen Covey. Words that are very important when starting on a major project. A few months ago, I began writing a new book. Relevant Light is the title. It is an adventure novel, that takes place in 1984 in the North County of San Diego. The protagonist is a young man of 24, who wants to join a local motorcycle gang. The story travels fast, with racing, risk, and mayhem.
As I started the book, I envisioned where the story would go, and how the book would be published. I began at the end, and worked my way backwards. I found out quickly that my six month timetable was too quick to even consider a traditional publisher.
So I considered my options.
Self publishing will be the only way to accomplish this goal. Yet there was more to the story than just writing and publishing the book. I also need to build a platform. Without that, the book is doomed from the start.
So I put all the options on paper. I’ll need an edited and formatted copy that can be printed on paper. I’ll need a looser format that can be formatted as a Kindle version. I’ll need an audio copy. Once the basic book is done I’ll need a workbook and tutorial videos. As I compiled the list, it grew and grew and grew. What started out as a simple book project had now taken on a life of its own.
A realization struck me. I need to bring others along on this self publishing journey. So many of my friends and business associates want to create their own books. Yet they don’t know where to start.
So, after much consideration, I’ve decided to create blog posts, that will track my book creation adventures. They will be written from very humble beginnings, so that anyone who wants to publish a book can follow along. Posts will include common tools and services that are low cost and readily available. From writing, critiquing, editing, all the way down to publishing and promoting. I’ll write to be published.
The bottom line. It will trace the creation of a book, from idea to published reality. But it won’t stop there. It will also include, building a launch team, creating relevant products, and using the social web to bring potential readers in.
The articles and posts will include…
- How to write and publish fiction
- How to write and publish non-fiction
- What you need to write a book
- How do you get a book published
- How a book is published
- How to promote your published book
If you have ever wondered, “How do I get my writing published?”, I’ll have the step by step answers.
I’ll have full information here when we are ready to go.
If you have ever wanted to write a book, be sure to come along. The journey may not be easy, but we’ll put all the pieces together and get the presses roll’n…
Question: Have you ever considered self publishing?
