Part 1 of 3: Writing My Book and Getting it Published

Writing and publishing a book has been on my mind for ages, and while I often tinker with my poetry or scribble ideas for the two books I’m working on, I haven’t quite finished them.

So I spend a lot of my time searching for simple, effective ways to finally get my poetry out there. Whilst feel the pull to make it happen, there’s still a fear of failing that holds me back. Strange, isn’t it?

Although I’ve yet to publish a book, here are seven key steps to keep me on track (and hopefully, they’ll help you too):

1. PROOFREAD WITH CARE

Your book needs to shine, free from typos and clunky layout. A professional editor is worth every dollar, and your readers will thank you for a smooth, polished read.

2. WRITE A CAPTIVATING DESCRIPTION

A well-crafted description is like the cover letter for your book. Make it sing! This short snippet should hook potential readers and give them a reason to click ‘buy’.

3. MASTER PUBLICITY

You can write the best book in the world, but if no one knows about it, it’ll stay hidden. Invest time learning how to market your work and aim your promotion at the right audience. Luckily, many online courses and articles offer expert advice.

4. MAKE YOUR COVER, CONTENTS, AND BACK COVER STAND OUT

These are the first three things a potential reader will notice. Don’t skimp here—quality design can make or break a book’s success.

5. LIST YOUR BOOK ON AMAZON

Creating a stellar publisher’s description is crucial here. Precise, polished, and engaging text will help readers decide if your book’s for them.

6. UTILISE AMAZON’S “SEARCH INSIDE”

Send two copies to Amazon so readers can preview your book online. This feature allows them to see beyond the cover, which can make all the difference.

7. BUILD A WEBSITE

Link your website to your Amazon listing and use it as a hub for all things related to your book. It’s also the perfect space for blogging and sharing updates with your audience.

To wrap up, marketing is where your book either takes off or stalls. Get creative and aggressive with press releases, articles, and blogs. After all, a book’s success relies as much on its visibility as it does on its content.

“If you wait for perfect conditions, you’ll never get anything done.” – Ecclesiastes 11:4 (Well, it sums it up nicely, doesn’t it?)