Living the content before writing the book

Throughout my life I’d read comments following my social media posts, blogs and various (but brief) writing disclosures, ‘Ally, when are you going to write a book?’

My reply: ‘I’ve not finished gathering content, yet.’

What I meant was, ‘I am too fearful of the process to even think about putting pen to paper (AKA fingertips to keyboard).’ Oddly, I never had fear or hesitancy about the writing process, but it never felt like the ‘right time’.

In many ways, the ‘right time’ for me was constantly changing. Invariably, I was either falling in or out of love, because, personally, I’m a sucker for a good love story. Or I was too busy living the content, knowing that one day it may make for a good chapter or twenty. For much of my life, I’ve never lived in the ‘right’ time, because I was too busy living in the ‘wrong’; a series of traum-edy moments that needed my attention before I could ever contemplate writing about them.

I believe that we all have a story to tell. We’ve all (I suspect) lived through heartbreak, career changes, big life shifts, or magical milestones that deserve a little attention. For me, this came in the form of a medical diagnosis.

After my sweet sixteen (not so sweet) birthday, I was delivered news that would alter my life forever; news that one day would become my debut memoir. I will never forget the day the doctor pulled the curtain around my bed, opened my hospital file, and explained that I was born with a unique condition called MRKH.

This rare condition, known as Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome, affects 1 in 5,000 females. It is defined by the underdevelopment or absence of the uterus, cervix and vaginal canal. I was just sixteen years old at the time of this life-altering diagnosis. I was practically a child, learning I would never carry a child – long before I even contemplated motherhood.

The emotional impact, despite their choice to complete treatment or not, has the power to send a woman into a devastating spin. This condition is so sensitive, complex and layered with shame, identity, fertility-loss, hope, societal expectations and belonging (to name a few).

Or in my case, a feeling of ‘unbelonging’.

I felt defeated and apologetic for not being ‘complete’.

But, I ultimately knew that I wanted a different life. In my early thirties, I decided I could no longer be a passenger in life. I wanted to heal. And the only way I knew how to heal was through the power of storytelling, my way.

When writing the book becomes the easy part

It was a Thursday lunchtime.

I nestled into the corner of a cosy English cafe, ordered myself a flat white, and took a bite from a chocolate bar. With excitement, I opened my laptop screen, knowing that I was opening up a new future for myself as an author.

As my fingers started to tap away, there I was, writing the opening words to my book; a book I had been dreaming about writing for twenty-five years. However, the only problem dreaming up a book as a teenager was a distinct lack of content. So, I had some living to do before I attempted to become a debut author, and like many memoirists, the story finds you before the book does.

So, I got living.

And then I got writing.

As the days, weeks and months passed, and the edits rolled into every month from my editor, I was staring back at something incredible: my ever-growing manuscript.

I couldn’t and still can’t believe that I wrote a book. I think it’s wise to never get complacent with the biggest achievements in our lives.

The only thing I wish I’d known back then… writing a book is actually the easy part. I know how this statement sounds a little crazy. But yes, writing a book is the part of the publishing process that holds an element of control, whereas the next 47 steps, not so much.

Don’t get me wrong, many days I would be putting myself back together after writing a tricky chapter about my past. I would be making apologies to those closest to me for my random outbursts as I made peace with some of the ghosts I put to rest. And some days, I would just keep reading my words, forgetting that I needed to make an income with my other commitments.

And then the hunt for a publisher commences.

Exploring potential agents and publishers can feel like messaging the love of your life for a first date, or applying for that dream job – it’s incredibly scary and unknown, but it is also steeped in knee-jittering excitement. It’s endless nights imagining cover reveals, book launch ideas, TV appearances, book sales and of course, 5-star reviews!

So, after crafting the perfect chapter outline, tapping into my writing rituals and creating the first draft of my manuscript, there I was… an author.

Blending trauma and technicalities

I was very fortunate that one of my closest friends was also a published author and acclaimed editor. For a good decade during our friendship, she knew my book was coming, so it was no surprise when I ‘officially’ asked her if she’d edit my memoir. Of course I was delighted when she said yes!

So, every three weeks, I would send my editor, Amy, three draft chapters. The three-week cycle was deliberate, as it meant that we could immerse in the story without breaking up the creative flow.

Eagerly, I would compose my email, attaching 9,000 words at a time and wait a further agonising seven days for her reply. Despite my editor being one of my closest confidants, I was nervous and excited to see her edits. Now, Amy was a tough editor; she didn’t hold back on strike-throughs, restructure requests, or comments such as, ‘this isn’t relevant to the reader!’ Once, I would have shrivelled up receiving this type of feedback, but I always knew that a good editor only wants the best for your story, and not your ego.

And that is what I did.

Week after week, I would spend hours scrutinising my developing manuscript. I would question why a fact so important to me, may not be important to the reader. I would cry while re-reading the parts of my past that broke my spirit in two and smile at how I found my way back. I would revel in my ability to write. I know this sounds weird, because writing a book isn’t just about writing. There is a subconscious formula on how to construct a chapter, decoding the anecdotes I want my reader to feel, and giving them reason to read it in the first place. There is a fine line in memoir writing between sharing to unload and sharing to inspire. Ultimately, it’s telling your story to help someone else’s. It can become very easy to get entangled in every minor detail, because, after all, it’s a memoir. However, too much self-indulgence can soon become a diary and not a marketable book.

As the weeks rolled on, I felt like I was in therapy without a therapist. Cathartically, I would relive the hardest and best days of my past, finding resolution as the chapter came to a ‘wrap’. I found myself apologising to my loved ones for random outbursts, quiet sobs and random epiphany show-downs. I wasn’t just writing a book, I was paying tribute to everything that existed to get me there.

With humility (and massive pride), in August 2022, my final manuscript was written. While I’ve always been a pro at living in future feelings (some would say this is an unhelpful habit), planning a book launch was no different. So, seeing 53,000 words in black and white was surreal and insanely magical.

And just like that, I was ready to relax.

The next bit was navigating admin not adversity – and how hard could that be?

Credit: Katie Holmes

The 47 steps to publishing a book!

I will never forget the day I compiled nineteen separate documents into one giant piece – my manuscript. I exhaled. I called my best friend. I had a little cry.

I, Ally, had written a book.

Now came the next part, the part that I thought was an instant given: securing an agent.

Little did I know then – naive perhaps – that securing an agent was one of the most competitive aspects of bringing a book to life. Slowly, I started plucking up the courage to read various blogs and articles about ‘How to up your chances of securing a literary agent.’

However, I didn’t fully comprehend the reality of this process one little bit.

It started with a spreadsheet of agents who I felt would represent me and the book the best. I sourced agents who specialise in a genre best suited for my memoir. My spreadsheet was growing, as was my angst. It is recommended that no more than six agents are queried at once because one, agents talk. and two, they want to feel, let’s say consciously targeted. A scatter-gun approach, whilst tempting, can also backfire. Why? Because most agents will have a submission process. Some prefer a cover letter, sample chapters and synopsis. Whilst others, would prefer you complete an online Q&A submission, to ensure your commitment is iron-clad.

Eventually, I did find my perfect agent. Gosh, I remember the day we first met on Zoom. We talked for hours about me, my book, my life and hers. It was informal and perfect. Then, I was asked to sign the agreement. Every facial muscle in me wanted to burst into tears, however, I chose to remain calm and composed until I left the meeting – then, I folded in two, texting everyone to say, ‘I’ve got an agent.’

Now, as a debut author, I was up against those established in the author world. However, believing in my book (and myself) was crucial. After months of rejections (yes, rejections are a huge part of publisher submissions), my self-esteem was wobbly but relatively intact. My agent compassionately explained, ‘publisher passes are not uncommon, and whatever you do, don’t Google “passes”.’ So, of course, I googled, ‘How many publisher passes are considered “normal”.’

As the weeks rolled on, with no sign of a bite, I chose to write more. I played with seven new book titles, and I prayed to the literary gods, a lot. Eventually, I realised that the traditional publishing route wasn’t for me. But then I found Whitefox Publishing. I found my book’s home. I found a team who would make me feel special, with every email sent and received.

The intel you’ve been waiting for!

A friend reminded me yesterday, while nerves tend to take a front row seat when producing a book, there is only ever going to be this ‘one-time feeling’; the weeks, months and even years leading up to publishing your book! Despite not being able to fully immerse in this emotional euphoria, I did pause to digest what she said. Every email, decision, meeting, social media post, this is an experience to embrace. Sure, not every step is glamorous but every step is honouring the author and their incredible work.

Every email sent from the creative team is sent from the perfect cheerleading squad. It dawned on me, while I was gift wrapping the last of my books for my book launch, that this moment will never repeat itself again. Every moment bringing a book to the world will never happen again – not like this one. I may have many books up my sleeve, but this book – this moment – is one of a kind.

So, let’s break this magic down and take a closer look at the steps to publication and embrace every single one of them!

1//: Chapter outline and creating the manuscript writing: OK, so this is a fairly obvious one. However, I’ve worked with many writers who dive headfirst into writing without a chapter outline. While the story is key, so is the structure, as it’s so hard to veer off course, potentially losing the reader, the arc and yourself.

2//: Editor selection process: I’ve actually worked with six editors on my book and engaging with the ‘right’ editor for you is so important. Even the best writers skilled in grammar and punctuation benefit from having a neutral, objective eye. For me, I engaged with an editor who had written similar work, understood my tone and voice, was firm with strikethroughs and friendly enough with praise.

3//: The search for the ‘right home’ for your book: Regardless of how the book will enter the world – self-publishing, hybrid publishing or traditional publishing – you may choose to seek agent representation or go directly to the publishing house that is right for you. This is a process that requires mental stamina and a very large serving of patience and self-belief. Eventually, your book will find its home because both you and your team need to be equally passionate about your book!

4//: Eeek, the contract!: Voilà, your book has found its home. You’ve written your book and now you’ve read the email heading, ‘We’d love to sign a book deal with you’. Nerves are bouncing, tears are flowing and now you can exhale a sigh of relief. However, it’s vital that you read the contract line by line and, if need be, ask an industry expert to review your contract to decipher the legalese between the lines. Trust me, the day you squiggle your signature on your contract will be a very happy day.

5//: Choosing and selecting the final book title (and subtitle if you need one): Honestly, at one point, I had seven working titles on the go. As the book evolves and the publishing team work on the pre-production phase, the title of the book will likely be workshopped to ensure the best positioning for sales, audience engagement and visual appeal. This is the time for originality, uniqueness and market appeal. Let’s say, practising the art of non-attachment was a handy lesson for me to learn. When the title is right, you’ll know and you will fall confidently in love with your book even more!

Vagina Uncensored, published in October 2024.

Eventually, your book will find its home because both you and your team need to be equally passionate about your book!

6//: ISBN procurement: Allocating the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a small step, but an important one. An ISBN is essentially a product identifier used by publishers, booksellers, libraries, internet retailers and other supply chain participants for ordering, listing, sales records and stock control purposes.

7//: Create author bio and headshots: This is quite fun. I’ve written a gazillion bios throughout the years, depending on where and how the bio will be used. Writing an author bio is actually quite hard, because us authors have egos (and this is a good thing). However, knowing what to write, edit and remove is tough because, well, everything is important, isn’t it? I would recommend enlisting help and outsourcing your bio to a trusted writer! You are building your brand, so producing a stand-out author bio coupled with branding photography ensures absolute professionalism. Plus, it’s actually quite fun being the centre of attention on a photo shoot!

8//: Set up author website and social media accounts: If website building isn’t your thing, hire a tech bod for help! Not only do you need a digital shopfront, your website is your marketplace and hub for everything related to the book: reviews, testimonials, links of where to purchase your book and so much more. Likewise, social media is your friend! Getting slick with ‘virtual’ everything, while foreign to some, is going to give your book and brand (yes, you’re the brand!) the boost it needs! In a saturated web environment, this is where you need to sell, sell, sell!

9//: Handing over the manuscript: As you can see, most of these steps are happening all at once, so multitasking is a helpful skill to have. So, you’ve written your book and had it professionally edited. It’s likely you’ve been writing and editing for the best part of two years. And then comes the day, where you need to submit your full manuscript over to the publisher. I know – it’s both scary and brilliant, but do not fear – you’ll have plenty more opportunities to review and revise. For me, it feels like waving goodbye to a loved one at the airport, when you know you’ll see them in a month or two!

10//: Editing: A reputable and committed publisher and creative agency, will work with the best freelancers and expertise in their fields. A proof editor will comb your manuscript from start to finish and a really good editor will not only pick up on typos and grammar checks, they will remember repetition and skewed timelines and ask questions the reader may need clarification on. Do not fear, the tracked changes may seem immense, but the more changes, the more perfect your book will become.

11//: Author developmental corrections: Carve out some time in your diary, find a quiet spot, and make sure your laptop is fully charged (and yourself). Again, it’s important to remember that this process is in place to enhance your work and not critique it. Take your time but also take decent breaks – the more you read, the more you can overlook. Nurture this step because now your book has been read by your first complete and utter stranger (get used to that feeling if you want to sell a lot of books!).

12//: Typesetting: I loved seeing samples of various styles of typesetting formats. I didn’t think I would fall in love with fonts so much as I did in this step (and I am stickler for fonts as a side-hobby). It wasn’t until I landed on ‘the one’ that I pictured my reader turning each page. The typography I chose was like the perfect outfit for my words – it just felt right. Have fun with this, because now your book is coming to physical life!

13//: Author typesetting corrections: See, I told you that the editing won’t stop! Over a number of days (and many coffee shops), I would read my book line by line and made a conscious decision to not read the story but to graze the words. I was looking for errors over emotion and this is a mindset shift that is crucial as you move through these stages.

14//: Proofreading: Once the typesetter had implemented my changes (via a very snazzy spreadsheet I created), back to the proof editor it went. What I loved about the editing stages was the crucial practice of version control. There was always one master manuscript that was left untouched. This made me feel very secure as the author, knowing how scrupulous the steps were becoming. As an author, I felt incredibly supported and this is what a good publishing team will ensure you feel.

15//: Author proofreading corrections – proof pages: The editor has reviewed the typesetters changes (see step 14), and will review the entire manuscript again prior to sending back to the author. I was incredibly impressed by the level of detail. It’s so wonderful and yet so easy to miss certain parts of your book if you’ve been reading the same sections for years. As I scrolled through the comments (approximately 1,197), I changed or typed ‘approved’ as requested. At this stage, it was all getting very, very real! PS: Don’t forget to bask in all the steps, because now your book is edging towards the finishing line.

16//: Typesetter corrections: All changes have now been confirmed and the typesetter will apply them all. The proof editor steps back, the typesetter steps back and now it’s over to you and the publishing team.

17//: Final text ready: Congratulations, you have your final manuscript. No more changes, no more additions, no more edits. Gulp!

18//: Select and submit ideas to cover designer: This a brilliant step and one that will typically happen in parallel to steps 10–17. Your publishing team will often ask, ‘What covers inspire you?’ It didn’t take me any longer than an hour to source my favourite book covers that I used as a ‘brand pallet’ for my own book. I knew my favourite colour tones, font (see, love a good font!), artwork and graphics, but words are my thing, and visuals are not. This is why working with a designer is brilliant, as they can bring your vision to life. My brief to the designer was, ‘I want my reader to feel empowered.’ With one little instruction, the designer created five book cover samples, and I was speechless (in a good way!). You’ll love this step, so please don’t rush it!

19//: Designer submits concepts round 1: I’ve never felt more excited to open an email. This step is the step dreams are made of. Smile, have a little cry, and pop your branding cap back on, because now you’re in business!

20//: Author review & respond: My feedback was a little ‘longer’ than I originally thought it would be, because while I loved what the designer had created, some aspects weren’t quite aligning with what my visual brain had in mind. A good publishing team will encourage more feedback than less. They will not want you to be overly polite, nor will they agree with you if they don’t feel it’s the right artwork for your book cover. Don’t forget, you are working with industry professionals here, so remain versatile, objective and take the advice on-hand.

21//: Designer submits 2nd round: I loved, LOVED, the changes implemented from my feedback. Now, I could see my book popping on bookshelves. I could see the colours jumping off the screen on Instagram. I could see the reader holding it in their hands on their commute home from work. I was sold, but then, the publishing team had some more ideas. I thought, ‘but it’s perfect’. It wasn’t perfect because my reader demographic isn’t holding books like my one. I needed more colour. I needed more ideas. Remember, hold onto a steady state of non-attachment. Back to the digital drawing board we went.

22//: Author review & respond: Just like step 19, I saw an email pop into my inbox. It was from the publishing team sharing new sample covers created by the designer. Well, it would seem that I wasn’t so attached to the samples in step 21, because THIS WAS THE ONE! I loved everything about it; the curvature of the title, the way the subtitle stood out proudly, my name in bold letters, and a review quote from a fellow and admired author. I have never felt more like an author than I did that day. After years and years of writing and fretting and worrying and editing, my words had their cover girl!

23//: Final cover design selected: It was a big fat ‘YES’ from me!

24//: Back of book blurb: Much like writing a bio, writing a back of book blurb is very hard. I asked my friend, a writer who had also been one of my seven editors, to write this for me. It’s incredibly tough creating a blurb of an entire book in just 150 words. Remember, writing less is so much harder than writing more on this occasion. The blurb has to hit the key landmarks of your book, the characters, the arc, the hooks, everything. The blurb is most likely going to be the deciding factor of whether a person chooses to read more or not. Make it brilliant!

25//: Review quotes and endorsements: Fortunately, after finishing my first draft (pre-seven editors), I sent my manuscript to a trusted few, and people who would ‘publicly’ be happy to put their name against a glowing ‘reference’. Now, not only are they rallying my book, but their words are featured on the cover and the pages. I’ve chosen to use these quotes as part of my marketing campaign and press release pitches. Seek out people who feel as passionate about your book’s purpose as you do, will feel happy to put their name to the project, and, ideally, carry some clout with your audience.

26//: Lay out jacket front and back: Now, your book has an assigned ISBN, price, barcode, back of book blurb, final artwork and your name in lights.

27//: Review and accept artwork!: Signing off this step is as important as the editing process, because this is one of the biggest selling points you can complete.

28//: Print vendor selection and setup: Whether you are choosing the self-publishing pathway or working alongside a hybrid or traditional publisher, choosing the platforms where your book will be printed, distributed and marketed needs some hefty homework. Understand how the back-end systems work, the marketing pros and cons, and get confident with the usability of certain platforms. After publication date, your vendors are one of the key gateways between you and your readers.

After publication date, your vendors are one of the key gateways between you and your readers.

29//: So many choices: (refund and return, preorders, author setup for banking): I know, so many choices, right? There are two main platforms most individual sellers or publishing houses will use: Amazon and IngramSpark. Both come with stringent set-up steps, commission and royalty structures, returns and refunds terms and agreements, and digital profiles. Fortunately, most vendors will work to an industry standard and offer informative ‘how-to guides’. Again, much like a contract, seek advice where you can!

30//: Final spine width calculation – cover template design: Did you know the jacket of a book cannot be finished until you know the final page numbers? I didn’t either. It’s all to do with the calculation of the spine width. Timelines are everything in the book business, so whether you are working solo or with a team, ensure you hit the big dates in your project timeline! It’s these little steps that can sometimes stall or progress a project, so facts and stats are always useful, even the width of a cover spine.

31//: Submit jacket and interior PDFs: This is where steps 1–30 have been completed, because now your manuscript and final cover jacket will be uploaded onto the seller and distribution platforms. This step can take between 2–5 business days for final approval. If you have a publication date to hand (and I’d heavily suggest this has been confirmed at step 4), give yourself time to amend any set-up incorrections, alterations to the digital files, and reuploads for approval. As you are now working with the third-party platforms, they have processing timeliness to take into account. It’s highly likely your nerves will be feeling the publishing pressure, so manage this part of the timeline accurately!

32//: Printer’s proof production and shipping: Yes, your files have been uploaded and approved. All the back-end setup has been completed and your book is waiting in the wings for the publication date. But not before you get your little hands on the book first! Hearing the sound of that long-awaited parcel, your author copy, falling through your letterbox is another magical moment. You may even want to record your reaction for social media!

33//: Review proofs: As the author, you will want to see the book before your reader does. By this stage, all corrections have been confirmed and you get to see the book in its final, physical glory. Now, if you do happen to spot any typos, correct them after the book launch. You don’t want to be interrupting or causing issues ahead of the publication date this far down the track. Any amendments can be made after your launch, because you don’t want to cause major headaches for yourself (and your buyers!) at this point.

34//: Breathe: Simple, but true. You’ve worked so hard to get to this point. Enjoy the moment. Everything, as I always say, is always ‘figureoutable!’ and it will all come together beautifully! You’re oh so close now!

35//: Erm, plan your launch!: If there is a time for your book to have its big unveiling, it’s your launch. I suspect you’ve been dreaming of this time in your life for a good while. You’ve been picturing the day you get to sign a copy of your book for a hopeful reader. Whether you choose to hold a digital celebration or an in-person party, planning a launch is the time where you and your people get to celebrate. You might like to enlist the help of others who are more savvy with events to plan your launch, however, this moment is all about you. Don’t shy away from your time in lights because you’ve worked so hard to get here.

36//: Purchase author copies for your launch: Most platforms, like Amazon and IngramSpark, provide the author a discounted unit cost, meaning you can purchase copies of your book for events, giveaways and promotional activities. Make sure you understand the process, timelines and steps around this feature, because it will save you time and money.

37//: Add book preview to author website: Remember those glowing reviews that you asked for from your friends, peers and colleagues to share, well, update these on your website, social media tiles, newsletters (that you may have in circulation) and even a cheeky little quote on your email signature can never hurt!

38//: Write the perfect press release: I love writing press releases, but writing my own was weird and overwhelming. With some publishing teams, you may choose to engage with a marketing department to create the perfect press release. You may choose to do this collaboratively or alone, but whatever you do, engage with a PR specialist to approve the final press release. Your press release is your pitch. It’s what is going to sell your book, excite journalists, and get you onto bookshelves, podcasts, events, TV sofas and author panels.

39//: Create a killer spreadsheet with a detailed PR strategy: I really do love a good spreadsheet. I have four main headers: Endorsements (those I have gifted a complimentary copy to in exchange for a social media post), ‘Pitchers’; journalists and media specialists for potential articles, ‘Community’; those within my main demographic who will push the book promo out with me, and finally, ‘Future events and podcasts’; where I could land a speaking gig! Take time to build a robust PR strategy, but remember, competition is high and the pressure can be overwhelming. Plus, you are building up the perfect ‘black book’ of contacts!

40//: Get comfortable landing in a gazillion inboxes seeking endorsements, social media shout-outs and collaborations, digital and print press, radio spots, podcast recordings: If media and promotion is not in your wheelhouse, I get it. It can feel intrusive and overwhelming sending email after email, DM after DM. But this is your time to make an impact and get your book and name out as much as you can. This isn’t about ego, this about business and your book is a business. You are going to be the most passionate person behind your book, so honour this and your book. Let the world celebrate you, because you, my friend, deserve it! Oh, and try not to take deflections, silence and arduous timelines personally. Remember, you want everyone to be as passionate about your book and your story as you are.

Those glowing reviews that you asked for from your friends, peers and colleagues to share, well, update these on your website, social media tiles and newsletters.

41//: Add launch announcement to author website and social media: So, I’ve written about social media and promotion quite a lot! For many, posting regularly on social media doesn’t come easy, and even finding the right post can feel like ‘procrastination central’. However, social media is a machine that can work in your favour. Now, I am not going to promote excessive scrolling (#mentalhealth), but the lead-up to the big launch is vital. Plus, there is a wealth of info such as ‘30-days to launch a product’ social media schedules to offer you advice and ideas on what to post if you have decision fatigue (like I did!).

42//: Produce a media kit (and make it easy to share): So, you have your website, press release, social media presence, book cover graphics, a sparkly PR spreadsheet, so now is the time to consolidate it all into a media kit. You want the marketing component to be streamlined and efficient and most potential media supporters will ask you for this. So make it easy on them (and you) and prepare a media kit you can circulate at the click of a button!

43//: Compile testimonials and reviews on your author web page: If people are showing a keen interest and responding to your social media campaigns, ask them to leave a review once they’ve read your book on Google, Amazon, your website or anywhere a public acknowledgement can be made. This will not only endorse your book but increase SEO so more potential buyers and readers can find you!

44//: Celebrate with your people: Gather loved ones, industry stakeholders, author community, friends, supporters and, well… whoever you like. Do it privately or shout from the rooftops! After all, it is your book and you deserve more than one launch.

45//: Trust the process: Your author adventure may be going solo as a self-publisher, working with a hybrid publisher (where decisions are collaborative and directed), or a traditional publisher (where some, if not all decisions are made by an in-house team). Whatever the particular model, it’s likely you will at some point consult with an expert in their field; designer, typesetter, editor and many more. While the portion of control varies from one model to the next, you will come across feedback that goes against your inner dreamer. Having a vision is so important but being open to flexibility is another. You may find that how the project started is so much different from how it finishes. And this is a GOOD thing. You’ve trusted the process, worked with the crème de la crème of publishing prowess, and now… you’ve got the perfect book!

46//: Awards and recognition: Some authors choose to go down the author awards and certification process. This means sourcing awarding organisations who will review your book and offer an industry recognised digital badge. This is a great way of being acknowledged by industry professionals and peers circulating within a similar space. If you can gain attention in ‘bulk’, shall we say, source it!

47//: This is just the beginning: The book writing and pre-production may be complete, but really, the launch has only just begun. You are pleased and content with your book being out in the world for the readers to find, but if you are wanting your book to be a solid source of revenue or a pillar product within your business, promotion cannot stop. In fact, if you’ve built up momentum prior to launch date, then ride the wave of attention you’ve cultivated. Hold onto your audience, engage on social media often, attend and feature in local and national book fairs, speak to boutique bookstores and online retailers, and continue to email publications about that special feature piece!

Voilà!: You’re an author!

Finding the right ‘home’ for your book can be fraught with questions, queries, research and a lot of trust. The relationship between author and their manuscript is intimate, protective and sacred, much like the bond between a parent and child. So, like any nervous parent taking their child to the school gates for their first day at school, an author will feel the same when handing over their manuscript to an agency.

When I first emailed Whitefox Publishing, I refreshed my inbox every few hours, awaiting a response. Less than 24 hours later, my phone went ‘bing’ with a notification that one new and unread email had hit my mailbox. It was from Hannah Bickerton, Marketing Director for Whitefox Publishing, inviting me to a telephone conversation to scope out my project.

Instantly, I knew my book had found its home.

OK, so not all 47 steps are detailed or demanding, but for the most part, every step comes with a crucial decision. Granted, providing an email, telephone number and postal address is not exactly challenging, but when you know these details are going to be placed on a contract, a book’s entry into the world can get very real, very fast. All steps matter.

Actually, let’s add step 48: ‘Record signing of contract.’

I recorded myself signing the contract because I knew this was a day that would and has changed my life.

Congratulations, author, you did it!