Published authors on RP, what are the next steps after writing a complete manuscript?

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sun, 29 May 2016 12:56:04 -0400

I know we have a plethora of published authors on RP, so I figured I would ask the question here.

I just "finished" (and I use that term very loosely) my Alpha Draft of a manuscript I have been working on. I know it needs to go out to Editing, but that process is "daunting" to say the least.

I figured I would ask the community for any and all advice, so I could avoid any potential pitfalls.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 29 at 2016 1:29 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 29 May 2016 13:29:02 -0400

I was just curious, on what topic? I was just wondering, so far as you might care to mention, I have thoughts that might possibly jelp you, possibly, as to where to turn for help, however, the more you might be able to elaborate, the more I might be able to suggest, that's all I'm trying to say, hope is of interest, would be most eager to hear more, many thanks.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2016 1:49 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 May 2016 13:49:15 -0400

How about trying Amazon to see if you can get it published.

Response by SN Greg Wright made May 29 at 2016 2:01 PM

SN Greg Wright — Sun, 29 May 2016 14:01:35 -0400

https://www.scribendi.com/advice/ebook_editor.en.html

I was going to link some editors that I think are good, but it's really kind of a subjective thing, so I think you're better researching and settling on one yourself, after reading reviews, requirements, prices, etc. I couldn't agree more with the article I linked, however: you will multiply your sales by an exponential factor if you involve a professional editor. (I know you know this, Aaron, I'm writing this for others who may be interested, upon seeing your thread.) This article includes some good links to editors, but again, I'd be thorough and do my own research. You have a good product that you sweated for. You'll want your best foot forward with it, right out the gate.

On another note, I'll keep my promise and see you by the end of the day.

Hiring an Ebook Editor Will Boost Your E-book Sales | Scribendi.com

Scribendi.com explains why hiring an ebook editor will be the best decision you ever made.

Response by Nicholas Efstathiou made May 29 at 2016 2:17 PM

Nicholas Efstathiou — Sun, 29 May 2016 14:17:45 -0400

Hello Sergeant, I think your best bet would would be to prepare a small section, maybe 4K - 5K words, and post the job on a site like Upworks. You can hire three or four likely candidates and see whether or not you like the way they edit the piece. Just make sure you have them sign an NDA, just to protect yourself. Feel free to message me if there's anything I can help with.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made May 29 at 2016 2:50 PM

SSG Pete Fleming — Sun, 29 May 2016 14:50:04 -0400

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, congrats!!! Now comes the hard part. First off do you wish to publish traditionally or self publish both have pros and cons. Before I cover a few of those allow me to stress one key factor; Never... Never pay for publishing. No legitimate publisher (self or traditional) charges you a publishing fee. Now there are some expenses you might be charged for, editing, cover art, marketing/promotion. But never pay to get it published.

Self-publishing companies like Authorhouse and Trafford charge you a fee based on which publishing package you choose. It can cost you a couple hundred to thousands before they have even looked at you stuff.

Createspace (amazon), Smashwords, Lulu are examples of self-publishers who do not charge you to submit and publish your work through their company. They only charge you a small percentage fee per sale. This is the same as traditional publishing houses.

You can choose to register your work yourself, but no need whether you use self or traditional publishing they will assign it an ISBN (International Standard Book Number). Now you can choose to purchase these as well.

Traditional publishers are great in that they have a vested interest in your book. This is how they make their money. But they typically will own the editing, movie, and other rights (until you become famous). They control the marketing. And it can be a long process from submission, approval, reworking, printing, and sales. Usually they don't take submissions directly. you need a literary agent. They take a larger percentage of the sale price, but more top sellers have been traditionally published.

Self-publishing is also great. You retain all rights. Just furnish you an outlet to get your book out there. You can stop using them at anytime (usually). But they are limited in the additional services they provide, for free. They make their money with editing, cover art, marketing and such. You submit your work directly to them, most are now set-up so that if you don't additional support (editing, you already have cover art) you can submit your work directly and have it go live almost immediately. Self publishing has gained in popularity and many have gone on to have great success.

Either way, editing is key. Both traditional and self publishing companies make your book available in almost every format, available both on line and in brick&mortar stores. Most have contracts with Amazon and most will assist with the overall process. There are strict guidelines when submitting to traditional publishers. Self publishers have guidelines but they are also vey user friendly with simple instructions you can download.

Congrats and good luck!!!!

Response by LT Mark Morgan made May 29 at 2016 5:01 PM

LT Mark Morgan — Sun, 29 May 2016 17:01:30 -0400

Without knowing the subject of the manuscript (novel? techno-thriller? bio? history?), first step is to ID possible publishers, such as Schiffer, which specializes in historical subjects and books on collectables (brother Rick and I used Schiffer for the A-6 Intruder history, he followed up with a second on carrier aviation, 1975-2010 or thereabouts). Check the publisher's web page, find out what the submission requirements are (generally a CV, outline/summary of the book's story line and a few sections which display your writing skills), and send a package in. And keep at it, eventually you could just hear from a book editor about taking your manuscript and putting it into publication. Good luck!

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 29 at 2016 5:26 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 29 May 2016 17:26:27 -0400

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS Congrats on the manuscript, that's awesome, I bet it'll be a great book! Steven Pressfield writes on writing and also on Publishing along with one of his favorite publishers Shawn Coyne on his blog: http://www.stevenpressfield.com/category/writing-wednesdays/?mc_cid=3e40e82388&mc_eid=ffecbb59a7

Writing Wednesdays | Steven Pressfield

Website of author and historian, Steven Pressfield.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2016 2:57 AM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 02:57:40 -0400

http://www.dissertationtutors.co.uk

congrats Sgt Aaron Kennedy to completed book. I have read this book and really beautifully describe.

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