13.1 Introduction

You have reached the point where you have a completed manuscript; the product of months, maybe years, of hard work.

Congratulations!

This is a real achievement.

But before you consider sending your work to publishers or self-publishing it is very important that you get your manuscript to as high a standard as you possibly can.

This usually starts with leaving it for a while, at least a few days, a week or even a month, before you read through it again. You will have become so familiar with its every twist and turn that you will find it difficult to highlight any mistakes you have made if you skip this step. After the waiting period, read through your manuscript slowly, not just taking in the sense of what you are saying but reading every single word. You must check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, coherence, syntax, and internal consistency in both plot and technical aspects.

Once you believe that it is perfect you can give it to a trusted friend or family member to read, preferably someone whose opinion is valuable in this context. Consider giving it to some children to read too, to get their opinions. Although it can be hard, do not rush this stage. Many editors find that authors submit their manuscripts hurriedly, under the impression that there is some time limit that they need to keep to. This can often lead to work being submitted with mistakes, thus causing the manuscript to be rejected. It is better to take two months more to make your book the best that it can be rather than submit early and be rejected.

This can be done fairly cheaply and proof readers abound on freelancing sites like Upwork. You enter a description of the work you need doing on the site for potential proof readers to submit proposals to you, outlining their expertise and how much they will charge you. It is not a good idea to simply go for the cheapest bidder here; choose someone who has proven expertise in proof reading your type of book and pay the little bit extra to ensure you get an excellent finished product.

Once your manuscript is in tip-top condition you can consider which route you wish to take: self-publishing or conventional publishing with a publishing house. Each has its advantages and drawbacks, and we will discuss the process for each so you can decide which suits you.

13.3 Here are the Steps for Self-publishing:

1. Perfect your manuscript

We talked about this above. Remember that with self-publishing the lack of editor standing between you and publication also means that you do not have someone telling you where you have gone wrong. If you make a mistake it will go to print like that. Consider getting a freelance editor to format and analyse your book before you take it to publication; you can achieve this on freelancing sites, as with proof reading.

2. Decide with type of printing you want

There are two structures you can employ for getting your book published. One is with a publisher called a 'vanity press', who will charge you a set amount of money for a finite number of books to be printed, usually 50 or 100 as a minimum. These will be sent to you and you will then send them to your buyers as they are purchased. The other is print on demand, where you submit your manuscript and a book is only printed when someone orders one.

3. Research which company you want to go with

Choosing a good printer can be a bit of a minefield, so you must research thoroughly and only go with a company that you can trust. When you have a shortlist consider contacting people who have had a book produced by them, rather than just going with the testimonials on their website. Look into whether you will retain all the rights to your book and what the company can offer you alongside the printing, in the form of marketing or other helpful services.

4. Price up the project

Find out exactly how much it will cost, not forgetting the services of an illustrator if you need one.

5. Raise the money

If you have the money to hand, that is great. If not, and this is probably the majority of us, consider launching a campaign on a crowdfunding site like Kickstarter to raise the money. This is where you have a page that gives potential funders information about your book and your situation. It is a good idea to include a video and photos, to humanise the process and appeal to people's emotional generosity. You offer incentives or rewards for each donation, which could range from a signed postcard of the book for a £3 donation, to a first edition signed hardback copy of the book with a personal dedication in the front for a £50 donation.

6. Get printed

Go ahead and get your book printed and bask in the pleasure of holding the product of all your hard work in your hands.

7. Market

Don't bask for too long though, as now you have to market your book. Create a website where you can sell your book, a twitter account, and a Facebook page for you as an author. Spread the word far and wide about your fabulous new book, starting with family and friends. Consider starting a blog or YouTube channel to increase public exposure. Approach bookshops and offer them a commission of your sale price to stock your book on their shelves (large, chain bookshops are less likely to agree to this than smaller, independent types). Donate copies to libraries and schools, offering to do a reading at each. Use your imagination and drive to promote your book at every opportunity.

13.5 When Your Manuscript is Accepted

Celebrate!

Then carefully look at the contract you have been offered. It is best to employ a professional to analyse the legal wording of this document for you, so you fully understand its implications before signing.