Regardless of the publishing path you choose, a solid story wrapped in a polished manuscript is crucial to a good published book. In manufacturing, they call this the "garbage in, garbage out" rule. If your story was hastily typed without regard to the fundamentals of plot, characterization, world-building, and structure, then no matter how much you spend and how much work you put into the publishing process, your book will never be as good as it could've been.
Don't choose self-publishing because one hundred publishers rejected your story. Rejections may mean a story is not a good fit for a house, but they may also mean there's a serious flaw in the story. Self-publishing should be a primary plan, not a backup plan. Choose self-publishing because you believe it's the right publishing path for your story, whether that's because you want revenue, exposure, or experience.
Regardless of how you publish, book promotion falls squarely on your shoulders. While traditional publishing houses will help with some marketing, don't expect a nationwide book tour unless your publisher thinks your book will be a #1 New York Times best seller. Learning how to actively market your books will help you throughout your career.
All publishing, regardless of the path you choose, involves work and commitment from marketing to meeting deadlines. When you approach publishing as an engaged professional, you're sure to succeed.
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The Tidy Guide to Writing, Editing, and Publishing Your Novel
Non-FictionDo you dream of writing a novel, but not sure where to start? Have you been working on a book for ages but feel stuck? Despite all your best efforts, do you feel overwhelmed? Here's a clutter-free guide for planning and writing your novel right the...
