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Creating a Quality Product
Home » Freelance Writing » Self-publishing » Creating a Quality ProductThe first step in self-publishing your book is to have it edited for any errors. A book with mistakes will make you look unprofessional, and tends to cause the reader to lose confidence in your work. It is recommended that you secure the services of a professional editor for your final edit. You should have already done a few self-edits by the time you hand it off to a professional. There are things that the author does not see when editing their own work. You may be shocked at the number of changes and corrections an editor will find in a manuscript that you have already edited. Editors will also critique the plot structure, character development, and inconsistencies in your story.
Selecting the format of your book can be a daunting task. You have choices of hardcover, paperback, or e-books are now very popular. Go to your local library and bookstores to look for books you can use as a model of how you would like your book to look. Decide on the size of your book, anywhere from 6” X 9” to 8 ½” x 11” are the normal sizes depending on what is included in the book.
When choosing the right title for your book, choose a title that gives the reader a hint of what the story is about.
When designing your book, remember that covers can sell books. As with any product, packaging makes a difference in the sell of the product. If the cover does not catch the reader’s eye, they most likely will not even pick up the book to look at the content. It is recommended that you have your book cover designed by a professional so that it will stand out on the book shelf.
Go to an offset printer and oversee the process of the layout, printing, and production of the book. Ask to see samples of the printer’s and supplier’s work before putting your book into their hands.
You will need to request an International Standard Book Number (ISBN). This is a worldwide standard code used for identifying your book and can be requested at www.isbn.org for a small fee and processing fee. You can request a number and log sheet for ten or more titles. Generally, new publishers are limited to a block of ten numbers. Be sure to also copyright your book.
Related Self-publishing Articles
- Self-publishing Overview
- Advantages to Self-publishing
- Starting Your Own Publishing Company
- The Three Forms of Businesses
- Creating a Quality Product
- Marketing and Promoting Your Book