1st Step: Gathering the Right Publishing Tools

Before you begin writing there are three things you should do:

• Create a comfortable environment
• Identify and then eliminate or minimize  the distractions when you are writing
• Put together the perfect writer's toolbox

Before you sit down and write your book you want to make sure that you gather the writing tools that you'll need for the process. The writing tools will make the process a lot easier and help the author to be more productive.

• Pen (if you would rather hand write your book first)
• Notebook or Journal (if you would rather hand write your book first)
• Computer
• Internet
• Word Processor (Microsoft Word, Open Office, etc....) 

Notes on Interviewing & Hiring Freelancers

Interviewing Freelancers

Self-publishing a book requires a wide range of skills and knowledge, some of which you may not yet possess. To ensure that each step of the process is handled correctly and to avoid costly mistakes, hiring freelancers to help you often makes sense. Some of the freelancers you may need to hire include a ghostwriter, an editor, a graphic designer for layout and or/cover design, a proofreader, salespeople, a public relations/advertising specialist, and a Web site designer.

Interview the freelancer to ensure that they have experience working on book projects similar to yours. Ask the following questions:

• What previous experience do you have?
• Have you ever worked on similar book projects in the past?
• What are your fees? How do you want to be paid (by the house or at pre-defined set rate)?
• Can you complete the necessary work in a timely manner (based on the author's publication schedule)
• Can you provide samples of your previous work or list projects you've worked on in the past and provide references?

More Tips for Hiring Freelancers

Here are some additional tips for hiring qualified freelancers:

• Make sure that the freelancer understands your book target audience and knows how to reach them appropriately.
• Review education, training, and past work experience.
• Check references.
• Review the freelancer's portfolio of work.
• Negotiate the price or fees in advance. Payment can be based on a flat fee or by the hour. Get a written estimate from the freelancer about the time commitment necessary.
• Negotiate the price or fees in advance. Payment can be based on a flat fee or by the hour. Get a written estimate from the freelancer about the time commitment necessary.
• Ensure that the freelancer has time in his schedule to work on your project that matches your time frame.
• Determine if you can work with the people you hire. Freelancers shouldn't compromise your creative vision, so from a creative and personality standpoint, try to pick people you mesh with.

Major Steps in the Self-Publishing Process

The following are the major steps involved with the self publishing process. The order in which you complete these steps and how long each step takes to complete varies based on the type of book, your time and financial commitment, and the publishing process used.

Major Steps in the Self Publishing Process

• Develop an awesome book idea.
• Research the idea to make sure that it's viable as a full-length book.
• Define your target audience.
• Create a detailed outline for the book's content.
• Research the book's potential content.
• Write the manuscript.
• Establish your publishing company (if applicable).
• Have the manuscript edited. 
• Choose a self-publishing option, such as offset printing or Print-On-Demand (POD), and then hire a printer and /or publisher.
• Apply for an ISBN, copyright, and other book-specific information, if necessary (this step may be handled for you, depending on the publishing process you choose and the company you work with).
• Set the cover price for your book.
• Select a publication date.
• Have the manuscript's interior pages designed and laid out.
• Hire a graphic designer to create your book's front cover and back covers.
• Develop press materials for your book.
• Plan implement a comprehensive marketing, public relations, and advertising campaign.
• Develop a Web site to promote your book.
• Begin pre-selling your book (pre-selling includes sending out press materials, promoting the book to distributors, lining up book sellers to sell the book, taking out ads, and so on).
• Have  your bok listed with online retailers.
• Publish the book and ship it to consumers, booksellers, retailers, and distributors (as appropriate).
• Continue promoting and marketing your book as you take orders.

Self Publishing For Dummies

Hello everyone, my name is Shawne Jackson. I am going to reading the book called Self Publishing For Dummies. As I read through it I will be blogging about the stuff in the book that I want to try with my publishing company. Have you read the book called Self Publishing For Dummies? If you have please feel free to get your copy of the book and read along with me.

Self Publishing for Dummies covers budgeting, copyrighting, and marketing in the world of sell publishing. In this book you'll also find out the pros and the cons of self-publishing and traditional publishing. Are you thinking about publishing your book? If your answer you might want to follow this blog. 

Self Publishing For Dummies is a no-nonsense guide that walks you through the entire process of going it alone, from preparing your manuscript and creating the perfect title to selling the final product. You'll see how to obtain an ISBN, work with printers and distributors, create a buzz with publicity, and take advantage of electronic publishing.

With this guide you'll discover how to:

* Start your own publishing company
* Edit your work effectively
* Design and format your book
* Hire skilled professionals to help
* Manage outside vendors
* Build awareness for your book online

If you're interested in reading this book with me please feel free to go to amazon.com and purchase your copy of Self Publishing for Dummies: Click Here