This handbook is for:
- Anyone who desires to write but has yet to put pen or pencil to paper or fingers to a keyboard.
- Anyone who writes but is unfamiliar with the publishing industry and desires to enter it.
- Anyone who has written some darn good narratives and is encountering problems landing a literary agent or needs a shove to self-publish.
Although there are many articles, books, videos, and webinars about writing and publishing, especially self-publishing, this is a hands-on, step-by-step approach to improving your creative writing skills with the ultimate goal of publishing.
Moreover, there is no secret code or foolproof method for becoming a better writer and ultimately publishing. However, there are industry standards that all successful authors typically follow.
The step-by-step approach provides five rules that the author follows when she writes that may or may not apply to your situation. The point is to establish a regimen that works best for you.
In addition, the author shares creative writing tips, including standards for developing characters, such as a protagonist, establishing a point of view (voice), and creating the stages in a story. Also included are "A Word about Establishing Your Writing Career as a Business," "A Word about Literary Agents, Writing a Query Letter, and Retaining a Contract Lawyer or an Intellectual Property Rights Attorney," "A Word about Permission Rights," among other "Words about" other subjects new and emerging authors might appreciate.
Next, there are seven essential steps and detailed procedures necessary to get published. New and emerging writers are encouraged to create a budget and acquire the appropriate writing tools. Hiring a professional editor is also essential, regardless of one’s writing ability. However, the most crucial step is the actual publishing process, which involves many substeps. The most technical aspect of this process is converting manuscripts into digital formats and electronic files. This handbook also covers audiobook conversion. To attract attention to their book(s), authors must promote them actively. Finally, authors should feel free to adapt these steps to fit their circumstances.
Throughout each of the seven steps, new and emerging authors are encouraged to consider what works best for them thoughtfully. For instance, if, for any reason, you cannot complete the seven steps, you might think about retaining the professional services of a hybrid publisher, mainly if you are waiting to be picked up by a literary agent. For others, adapt each rule and step, then create a roadmap that best suits you.
Indie author M. J. Simms-Maddox, Ph.D., is the creator of the Priscilla series, a unique series of novels chronicling the coming of age and adventures of a modern-day, self-assured Black American young woman.After writing several book-length manuscripts and publishing four novels, one of which won first place in an international book contest, and after speaking about becoming an independent book author at professional development sessions for empowering women, she was encouraged to share advice about her writing and publishing experiences; hence, this handbook.The South Carolina native grew up in the Snowbelt of western New York. Her academic credentials include a Doctor of Philosophy degree in political science from Ohio State University. She has served as a legislative aide in the Ohio Senate, operated a PR firm, and taught political science for many years.
