Congratulations! You’ve crossed the finish line of writing your manuscript, the first significant milestone in your journey as a self-published author. But where do you go from here? The journey from a completed manuscript to a polished, published book can seem challenging, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. The steps in this article will help ensure your book doesn’t just reach the readers but captivates their interest with a high-quality product.
First Step: Engaging an Alpha Reader
Before you send your manuscript off to an editor, consider engaging an alpha reader. Alpha readers—those trusted advisors who are willing to read your raw manuscript—are invaluable. They provide feedback and constructive criticism, pointing out plot holes or inconsistencies in your characters, thus helping you strengthen your storyline as it develops.
Pro Tip #1: Wondering how to find a good Alpha Reader? You can start by doing a quick search within Facebook groups with the term “Alpha Readers.” Many groups will come up with that query and all you have to do is read the description, join the group or groups that are most relevant for you, and post an inquiry.
It’s worthwhile to do the same kind of search on Goodreads, although Facebook groups have a greater selection.
A few other ways to find Alpha readers are by meeting up with readers in your local community. Join a local book club or author group and as you build relationships with the community members, you can feel free to ask if one of them would be willing to help you.
Second Step: Seeking Help from a Developmental Editor
Once you’ve incorporated your alpha reader’s feedback and feel good about your draft, consider involving a developmental editor, especially if you’re a first-time author or trying out a new genre. These experts evaluate your book’s content, plot development, characterization, and structure, taking your manuscript from good to great. This stage can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it’s an essential part of refining your work and making it the best it can be.
Pro Tip #2: If you know you need a developmental editor but you don’t know where to find one, these are the resources we recommend. These platforms place an emphasis on ensuring quality and trustworthiness. For all of these resources, we recommend that you read the reviews about the professional to ensure you’re a good fit:
Reedsy
- A curated platform specifically designed for the publishing industry.
- Connects authors with vetted industry professionals, including editors, designers, and marketers.
Fiverr
- A dynamic marketplace for creative and digital services.
- Allows you to explore a wide range of editorial gigs from proofreading to in-depth developmental editing.
Upwork
- A global platform connecting businesses with top freelance talent.
- Allows you to post a specific job requirement and receive personalized bids.
You can also search Facebook groups where authors share providers they recommend.
Third Step: Involving Beta Readers
After the developmental editor, it’s time to bring in the beta readers. These individuals read your nearly completed work and provide feedback from the perspective of an average reader. Having at least three beta readers review your work can give you varied feedback and a more comprehensive understanding of how your potential audience may perceive your book. Remember, feedback is gold in the self-publishing industry!
Pro Tip #3: You can find Beta Readers in much the same way that you find Alpha readers. Begin by searching Facebook groups using the keyword “Beta Readers.”
You can also find them on Fiverr and Upwork.
Beyond online communities, consider networking within your hometown. Attend local reader gatherings, book fairs, or writer workshops.
Fourth Step: Final Editing
With all the feedback from your beta readers, it’s time to take a last look at your manuscript. This stage involves the nitty-gritty, focusing on grammar, syntax, punctuation, and style. It’s all about getting your book to be the best version of itself, ensuring it’s not just a good read, but a great one.
Pro Tip #4: When searching for an editor, it’s important that they are well-versed in the genre you write in. If you hire a developmental editor, you may decide to use them again for the final editing. If you don’t need developmental editing and are searching for an editor, reach out to other authors about who they’ve used. Personal references are usually very helpful. You can also find an editor by heading over to Reedsy, Fiverr, Upwork, and by searching in Facebook groups.
Fifth Step: Ready for Publication
Once you’ve incorporated all the feedback and edits, it’s now time to add the finishing touches before the grand unveiling. This is where formatting and design come in. Successful self-published authors often start the cover design process early, during the outlining phase, or when the manuscript is still in draft form. An eye-catching cover does more than just look good—it lures the right readers and sets expectations for the content inside.
Equally important is the formatting. You can hire a professional formatter, or do it yourself with different software and tools. Some of the most successful self-published authors use Vellum for Mac and Atticus for Windows. A well-formatted book will help ensure publication on the various book-selling platforms like Google Play, Kobo Books, Amazon Kindle, Smashwords, and others, while also enhancing the readers’ engagement and comprehension.
When you pair a great cover with a professionally formatted, easy-to-navigate interior, you create a total package that enhances the reader’s experience and boosts your book’s standing in a fiercely competitive market.
Pro Tip #5: When your book is ready for publication, is about the same point when you should be creating your review team with Booksprout and beginning to implement your launch strategy. Check out some of our other blogs on how to build an engaged and supportive launch team to get even more Pro Tips for a Five Star Launch!
From Writing to Publishing
While the journey from manuscript to published book involves several steps, each one is crucial in ensuring a high-quality end product. Engaging with experts in your genre will help ensure that the final product is polished, marketable, and caters to the target audience.
It’s important to keep in mind that discerning readers—including those from the Booksprout community—appreciate quality work. When your work is well-edited and presented, you stand a much better chance of securing positive reviews. It’s about producing a book that’s not just attractive and enjoyable to read, but one that genuinely resonates with your audience.
