4-Final Steps

Begin with 1-The Journey Begins >>

What a journey! My book is almost a reality. The cover has been designed, the proof pages have been edited and returned to the publisher, and they are nearly ready to send it to the printer. Just a few more things remain.

12. A back cover text must be written. That’s what you see on the back of the book to get a reader interested enough in the story to buy the book (or check it out of the library). Usually, the author supplies a summary of the story, and someone at the publishing house writes it up to sound exciting.

13. Once the book is sent to the printer, it takes a month or two for the books to ship back to the publisher’s warehouse. Then the publisher ships your free author copies, and that is another exciting moment: the first time you hold your first published book in your hands.

I would like to say, “And they lived happily ever after.” But I’m afraid that getting the book into your hand is not the end of the story. Nowadays, you need to help the publisher “sell” or “market” your books. Book signings, radio interviews, newspaper articles, school visits, blogging, newsletters, homeschool conventions, writing workshops, blog tours, reviewers, more book signings. This part never ends. But that, my friends, is another story! Read about Marketing Your book >>>

Read how to Self-publish your book “Do It Yourself” >>