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27 Steps from Book Idea to Published

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Ready to save years of research on what exact steps to take to get a book from idea to publication, inexpensively? I’ve saved you the trouble by outlining every action I took to write and self-publish my Rhythms & Muse novel and music CD, spending about $1,500 total. A real deal in the book publishing realm!

I recently related this information in my presentation Taking a Book from Idea to Publishing on a Budget at the Write Stuff conference at the Chandler Public Library.

The following 7 Book-Creation Phases, and 27 Action Steps, are those I identified (and got approved by a publishing coach) as necessary to self-publish a book.

7 Book-Creation Phases

  1. Research/writing
  2. Editing
  3. Positioning
  4. Production
  5. Publishing
  6. Distribution
  7. Marketing

27 Action Steps

Phase 1: Research/writing

1. Develop  your idea.

2. Create the best content possible through research and intuition.

3. Network!

  • Meet with a critique partner.

4. Clarify legal issues with a copyright lawyer: music lyrics, quotes, celebrity and trademarked names, recognized commercial verbiage, etc.

5. Read!

  • My fav’ for character development: Goal Motivation Conflict, Debra Dixon
  • My fav’ for plot development: The Writer’s Journey, Christopher Vogler

6. Make time to write, consistently.

Phase 2: Editing

7. Ask for feedback from other writers/prolific readers in your target market, on scenes as you write them and on your final manuscript.

8. Hire a professional editor. I found mine through the FictionThatSells listserv on Yahoo!

Phase 3: Positioning

9. Determine if you need an agent. Some publishers will not consider your manuscript without an agent.

  • Find out everything you need to know about the writing marketplace in the Writer’s Market publication available online, at libraries and book stores.
  • Check into agents, their histories, success rates and more at Agent Query.

10. Decide if you want to publish traditionally or self-publish. Pros and cons:

  • Traditional:
    • You have a team so you don’t have to do it all yourself
    • Offers some financial support
    • Less ROI Less control
    • You still do most of the marketing
  • Self:
    • You do it all yourself
    • Self-funded
    • More ROI
    • More control
    • You do all the marketing

Phase 4: Production

11. Decide if you want support from a virtual author’s assistant to accomplish steps 12–27.)

12. Obtain an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) from Bowker. A unique ISBN is required for each book format you use (hardback, softcover, e-book, audio book, etc.) You must buy blocks of 10 numbers. They cost about $125.

13. Obtain a bar code, also from Bowker. Required. This small image encrypts the cost, ISBN, and other information about each individual book.

14. Obtain a Library of Congress card number. Required only if you want your book to be available in libraries.

[Note: Steps 12–14 are available for free when publishing through CreateSpace, an Amazon company enabling do-it-yourself or with-help production and print-on-demand for media such as books, CDs, DVDs, MP3 files, video, and more), plus a broad distribution system.]

15. Obtain legal permissions, and licenses (for which you’ll pay royalties). This means you must check to see if the individual’s creation you’re using is available in the public domain, or whether you must pay for its use.

16. Decide if you want to officially copyright your work through the U.S. Copyright Office. This is optional, as anything you create is already technically your copyrighted material.

17. Decide whether to hire a designer or if you have the professional talent to create the “look” of your book by yourself.

18. Create images to use in the book creation. You MUST get a designer who understands the psychology of book purchasing, especially if you want your book on a main bookstore shelf. Options include:

19. Create the front and back covers, including the images developed in step 18. This can be accomplished using a graphic designer, a contest design site like Mycroburst, or CreateSpace templates.

20. Create the interior page layout. Consider the size of the book itself, margins, fonts, page numbers, graphic images, and more. A graphic designer can do this, or you can do it yourself using software programs like Word, Publisher or Pagemaker.)

Phase 5: Publishing

21. Determine how you want to get the book printed.

  • Traditional publishing house.
  • Independent publisher.  My finalist was Lightning Source, because other indie publishers outsource to them, and they are affiliated with Ingram, a leading distribution house.
  • Print-on-demand.  I decided to use CreateSpace for reasons including cost and easy tools to create the book and CD myself.

22. Identify what other formats you want to create:

  • E-book.  Smashwords takes your upload and formats it to fit all the available e-book formats including Kindle, Nook, iPad, and many more.
  • Audio book.  You can record your book relatively easily in the GarageBand software podcast function.

Phase 6: Distribution

23. Determine how your book will be distributed.

  • Traditional publisher
  • Fulfillment house, such as Lightning Source with its Ingram distribution arm
  • You and the post office
  • Amazon, through an account set up by you
  • A print-on-demand provider like CreateSpace, that sets up your Amazon page, a CreateSpace eStore page and, for $39, puts you into its expanded distribution into the computer systems of Barnes & Noble, Borders, and other national book sellers.

24. Consider the ease of your payment options and set up avenues for receiving:

  • Cash/check
  • Credit cards
  • PayPal (allows both EFT bank transfers or credit card payments)

25. Obtain sales tax forms from every city and state in which you sell your book.

26. Obtain inventory recording forms to report to the state.

Phase 7: Marketing
(This section could be another entire blog post, so I’ll just give you some pointers.)

27. Figure out how you plan to accomplish your marketing.

  • All you.
  • Traditional publisher.
  • A publicist. I lead a group of independent PR pros – the AZ Independent Communicators & Creatives Tribe – who are available to help you. Plus, I am willing to help any time. Just contact me to ask a question, bounce an idea, or ask for more help.

I also offer online resources, many of which are free or low cost on my vIDEAn Unlimited Web site, BizTribe blog, and ANVidean blog. If you are an established writer, you also might want to consider participating in my ALWAYS writers’ tribe.

Or, if you’d benefit from an in-depth Catch Your Dream strategic workshop to help you move forward in creating your book, give me a shout and I’ll provide you with a free one-hour consultation.

………………………………………..

I would love to have your feedback and additions to this conversation as, obviously, this is just one person’s journey through the book creation process, and we can all stand to benefit from each others’ knowledge and experience. Cheers!

Suggestions for Selling Books, etc., at Expos

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I recently staffed a table to sell my Rhythms & Muse novel and music CD at the Arizona CityFest Women’s Luncheon and Expo. Between talking with visitors, I made note of certain tactics effective in drawing people into a booth.

My friend Janet Drez (R) and her daughter Summer (L) at my expo table.

Here are some of the techniques I identified:

  • Register early so you get the best pick of tables considering the traffic flow
  • Wear a name tag
  • Fill your table corners so attendees can’t place purses or other items on them, which block your table visibility
  • Have a focal point on your table that draws the eye, like flowers, a computer monitor, etc.
  • Use good eye contact
  • Ask a compelling question as someone walks past the table
  • Offer special discounts just for that day
  • Offer neat finger foods like cookies, hard candy or licorice
  • If you’re selling from the booth, make sure product prices are prominently, but tastefully, displayed
  • Stand in front of the table to hand out “leave-behind” marketing, like a business card, postcard or flier
  • Remember to bring sufficient change for cash purchases
  • Provide receipts

What else can you suggest?

How to Catch Your Dream: Immediate Ideas

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Recap of the “Catch Your Dreams” writing workshop and brainstorm for the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers, Jan. 26, 2011
By Ann Narcisian Videan

©2010 ANVidean

Do you have a life dream you want to catch and live, but can’t get past everyday reality? Need a jump-start to move you toward your goal?

In our January brainstorming session, we talked about how – by listening to intuitions, using available resources and taking action – you can find true fulfillment, just as I have, and also as my heroine does in my novel Rhythms & Muse.

I asked participants to express their life dream and, with input from everyone in the room, we shared the ideas, resources and support recorded in this blog post.

Expect to gain at least one, but probably many, positive action items to help you take the next step with your writing, or life goal.

_________________________________

Writing Goal #1: Publish a historical fiction book for young adults.
Next step: Get started.

Ideas Resources/Action Items
Research how it’s done. • Read books on the topic.
• Attend professional meetings. Scottsdale Society of Women Writers is a good start.
Take a writing class. Check out Gotham online writing workshops.
Contact Stella Pope Duarte, author of If I Die in Juarez. Duarte teaches classes at Paradise Valley and Phoenix community colleges.
Contact Jessica McCann. (Glendale, AZ writer) McCann‘s book All Different Kinds of Free releases April.

_________________________________

Writing Goal #2: Publish My Book(s)
Next step: Get out of overwhelm.

Ideas Resources/Action Items
Hang out with others who will support and encourage your efforts. Start with the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers.
Set up one next step and do only that. Then, set one more step and do that.
Listen, and ask for what you want. Interview authors, get to know others who already do what you want to do.
Protect your rights. If you wrote it, you own it. You may also copyright works legally, using online forms.
Find an illustrator. Ask other writers, visit illustrators’ association meetings, and participate in pertinent blogs.
Never give up! Example: Misty Hyman, Mesa-born swimmer who swam 22,000 miles to earn Olympic gold.

_________________________________

Life Goal #1: Buy cottage in Maine
Next step: Find the money

Ideas How to apply the ideas to a writing goal
Visualize yourself in the place you want to be, in clear detail, and write it down. Visualize your writing goal, in clear detail, and write it down.
Create a picture board or three-ring binder with magazine cutouts showing what you want. Create a picture board or three-ring binder with magazine cutouts showing samples of other’s works or ideas representing what you want to create.
Never say never. Indeed!
Make a list of ways to obtain your cottage without money. Make a list of ways you can accomplish your writing goal, elements and resources you might need.
Rent a cabin/become part of the community. Immerse yourself in the community, connect with other industry people associated with what you want to do. Ask for input and ideas!
See what trades are available. See if you could create a mutual support system with someone else. You help them, they help you. Perhaps a critique partner.
Find a realtor/private person and switch places for a summer. Find a critique partner, agent, editor, publisher, writer’s group, or others with whom to swap information and skills.
Develop a pen pal in the area. Find a mentor who’s done what you want to do, and meet consistently.
Create a blog with entries about making the cottage purchase happen. Create a blog with entries about making your writing dream come true.
Start a savings account and fill it with change or any extra money. Divide the work into small, reasonable steps so you don’t get overwhelmed. Or collect needed notes or tools as you work forward.
Explore the costs and set a budget. Explore what’s involved in your next step and set aside the resources (time, money, people) to make it happen.
Keep the mindset, “I have enough.” (use play money) KNOW you can obtain anything you need to meet your goal.
Keep in mind what it represents to you. Picture yourself after accomplishing the goal and hold that image.

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Life Goal #2 Manifest a Civics Program for inmates.
Next step: Bring Sandra Day O’Conner into the movement.

Ideas How to apply the ideas to a writing goal
Contact Sandra Day O’Conner. Get to know other successful writers.
Tie in your contact to your book, or maybe the book she wrote with her granddaughter. Existing work can open doors. Think about how you can leverage what you’ve already done.
Andrea Beaulieu (http://www.yourauthenticvoice.com/) knows Dick Snell, who went to college with Sandra Day O’Conner. Ask others if they would be willing to make introductions with others in their network (an editor, agent, publisher, mentor etc.).
Just ask!
• Sandra Day O’Conner to participate
• Everyone around you to help
(What’s the worst thing that could happen?)		 Just ask!
(What’s the worst thing that could happen?) 😀
Sandra Day O’Conner may simply be a stepping stone for you to get to the person who can’t wait to help you reach your goal. (Supreme Court Judge Rebecca Burch? Or someone else!) Keep your options open and listen for ideas to move you in the right direction with your writing.

_________________________________

Do you have other ideas or resources to share? Please comment.

Do you have a goal for which you’d like others’ help? Ask here and let’s see if we can’t get you moving forward with help from our “village.”

Media signing, Feb. 4, Chandler Coffee Bean

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Ann Narcisian Videan announces a
media signing for her debut novel and music CD.

Friday, Feb. 4, 2011
2 p.m.– 7 p.m.

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Chandler
2560 West Chandler Boulevard
(just east of I-101)

Novel ($16.50) , CD ($6.50), or both ($23) available for sale on-site
with cash or check.

Win a free signed and numbered CD.

________________________________________

Praise for Rhythms & Muse

“One of the best ‘chick flicks’ I have ever read. Rhythms & Muse, Ann Videan’s freshman release, engages your heart and spirit with the same lilting energy as a romantic soft rock ballad. If ever a dream was meant to be realized, this book is that dream, and you will gladly enfold yourself in its verbal magic.”
– JM de Biasi, literary critic, bibliophile

“Definitely a page-turner! I loved the great dialogue, flashbacks and dreams, and the juxtaposition between the ’70s and current day. Plus, a lovely ending.”
– Laurie Fagen, writer, publisher SanTan Sun News

“Love your writing! What a pro, the way you wove the past and the present together seamlessly.”
— Andrea Beaulieu, author Finding Your Authentic Voice and Ah Ha!: 100 Flashes of Insight and Inspiration From Your Authentic Voice (www.yourauthenticvoice.com)

“Wonderful. I love the way you took us from the present back to the past to weave the storyline for each of the main characters. I am recommending the book to my daughters and granddaughters who are searching for their life rhythms.”
—Margaret Jacoby, SPHR, the Goddess of Compliance with MJ Management Solutions (www.mjms.net)

________________________________________

About The Novel

Witnessing a horrific car accident seen many times before in her dreams spurs award-winning singer Alexandra Lauren to reevaluate her glamorous Hollywood lifestyle. With her lofty musical goal now tarnished by reality, and her unfulfilled memories from her senior year in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, haunting her, Alex takes a bold step to change the rhythms of her life. Leveraging her newly acknowledged intuitions, she makes a plan to reconnect not only with her musical touchstone and high-school sweetheart Matthew Roberts, but with her desire to impact lives for the good through the innocence and beauty of music.

***

Even though Matt holds Alex in his heart as his only muse, he resolves to ignore her existence. He cannot stay in control with her powerful presence in his life. Besides, how can he ever forgive her? In alliance with their charismatic friend Daniel, her betrayal demolished Matt’s joy in creating their hit single, not to mention their future lives, together.

***

Can anything in this world shift Matt’s resolve to distance himself from Alex? And, with Daniel still pursuing Alex even as his wife Kathy looks on, can Alex actually find fulfillment? Will music draw the estranged soul mates together again and guide them to realize their dreams?

________________________________________

About the Music CD

A solid 1970s folk and rock-ballad influence on five original tunes inspired by songs “written” by characters in the Rhythms & Muse novel. The author composed and sang all the vocals, played piano and guitar on select compositions, and mixed the tracks in GarageBand software.

Where To Buy

Book: createspace.com/3485275 [CreateSpace E-Store]

Book and music MP3 files: www.tinyurl.com/ANVamazon [Amazon]

Limited Edition Music CD: I’m offering 50 numbered and signed hand-pressed music CDs upon personal request at avidean@videanunlimited.com, until my CDs are available online (within a couple of weeks).