Writing is something we’re all capable of doing, but there are few people who can pull it off well; after all, putting a whole book together takes effort and commitment, and some people just don’t make it to the finish line!
If you’ve managed to write a book, you should be incredibly proud of yourself. You did it, and that’s something to celebrate! But, where do you go from here? Here’s a list of some great next steps.
Give it a Moment
Once you’ve finished writing, try to take a moment. Let the feeling sink in, and celebrate it – you’ve been at this for months, or even years, and now you’re all done! Take at least a couple of weeks, and then come back and read through your manuscript again.
This pause will give you a fresh perspective and can help you to spot little or big mistakes before you move onto the next stages. You’re also a much more experienced writer now than when you started writing, and that’s definitely a benefit when editing!
Work Out Your Publishing Strategy
One of the hardest parts of the post-writing process is working out your publishing strategy. What do you want to do here? Try to get an agent to represent you, or go your own way and get your book published all by yourself? The latter option is obviously easier to start with right away, as there’s no one to reject your manuscript. Indeed, you can even get Hardcover Book Printing done yourself!
However, when you have a literary agent on your side, it’s a lot easier to market and network your book, as well as cheaper to get it printed for mass production. You can send out query letters to all publishing houses as well. A smaller, independent publisher is more likely to accept, but the big houses need new authors too! Consider what’s best for you, and decide what YOU really want then go for it!
Get an Outside Perspective
Once you’re sure about how you want to proceed in getting your book to the market, it’s time to let some other people read it. Known as ‘beta readers’, these people read through your script and give their honest feedback and are invaluable to all writers.
Your beta readers will be able to tell you what was good and what needs working on, in terms of spelling and grammar or flow and structure, and whether or not that scene in the middle really needs expanding on! They’ll tell you whether you’re explaining too much or too little and where the rough edges in plot and character can be smoothed out.
With an outside perspective, you’ll be able to edit and revise your manuscript and turn it into the best version of your book that it can be. And remember, it’s important to listen to what your beta readers have to say and consider it carefully because you’re definitely going to be biased!
So you’ve written a book; congratulations! Now’s the time to get the ball moving, and ensure your book one day hits the shelves!
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