A full year of writing did not prepare me for the lightning speed movement from Manuscript to final product.
My 4 Best Writing Friends
Chapter 4:
Let me introduce you to my amazing friends. The four books pictured above have been my road maps in the meandering world of self-publishing. Each provides insight into the writing world with steps I needed to take to assure I have a marketable product. The biggest recommendation I can make is do your research!
In the menagerie of self-help books and how to publish a book I needed to create my own criteria for what was necessary. I gave my self deadlines and searched for the materials that would fit into my timeline. I needed easily digestible information that I could put into action now while still completing my edits and so on. The first book I purchased was "Cover to Cover." It provided all the info I needed in completing my 4 rounds of self-editing. The information and advice was practical. It provided resources for those that wanted to dig in a little deeper and on how to find the editor for you. Because of this book I made my next purchase, "On Writing," a memoir and master class wrapped in one by Stephen King.
I read King as a child and never thought I could even be in the same world as him. His stories are truly classics. I will never forget the very first time I read "Carrie." I had an obsession with horror. King and Poe were my go to reads at the time. I learned so much from his Memoir. Not only about his past and journey but how real he really is. If you want your writing to shine definitely invest in "On Writing." Your world will forever be changed.
The last two purchases were on a whim. I wanted a quick guide to self-publishing, which is where "Successful Self-Publishing" came in. It was a fast and easy read. Granted the book had plenty of resources pointing you in the author's direction but it was not off putting. I realized after this quick ready I needed more. The world of self-publishing is insane and knowing what you are walking into helps when you have moments of self-doubt or are so overwhelmed you want to hide your head in the sand.
Which leads us to "Published." This was the book I really needed. It was a step by step guide with downloadable templates to help map out your book, market it, and launch with success. Hence, my current blog. Building buzz for your upcoming novel is one of the strategies I learned among others. Of course, these books are not the end all be all but they have helped me in my current journey. Stay tuned for my next chapter - The Hunt for Liability Insurance! It is a must.
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