Table of Contents

• The Purpose of Hiring a Writing Coach or Publishing Coach
• What is the Difference Between a Publishing & Writing Coach?
• Publishing Coach & Indie Publishing Coach
• Online Writing Coach
• Book Writing Coach Program
• Types of Writing Coaches
• Writing Coach Rates
• Publishing Coach Costs

The Purpose of Hiring a Writing Coach or Publishing Coach

If you are serious about being published you consider hiring a writing coach. Writing coaches are incredibly helpful when your goal is to publish a book. Writing a book is time-consuming and can take years. Therefore, with the help of a professional writer, you can accomplish your dream to write and publish a book. 

What is the Difference Between a Publishing & Writing Coach? 

A writing coach should be someone with professional, published writing experience. Teaching experience, as well as motivational strategies, are key skills in a writing coach. Simply put, a writing coach collaborates with writers to ensure they arrive at the finish line. They help writers determine what they are writing, why are they writing, and to whom they are writing. These are key factors in propelling the writing project toward completion.  However, a publishing coach plays a larger role, where the coach collaborates with the author as they lead the completed manuscript through the (usually) book publishing process.

Publishing Coach & Indie Publishing Coach 

A publishing coach moves your works through publishing processes using indie publishing, self-publishing, or traditional publishing. The writing process is first, the book proposal is second, and the publishing process is last. A publishing coach guides your book through the creative services and technical portions required to publish.  

An indie publishing coach or self-publishing coach is laser-focused on directing creative works for print. Both coaches are highly knowledgeable in printing processes—especially the preparation of book files for print. Hiring a publishing coach to ensure that your book goes to print, often removes many expensive and time-consuming mistakes. Coaching costs should at least save the money wasted from not knowing the process (you don’t know what you don’t know). Digital and indie publishing have a high learning curve. Most people would not go to court without a lawyer and most people should not publish a book without a publishing coach. The publishing coach will focus on book cover design, interior layout, and preparing the book files for print.

Online Writing Coach  

Once upon a time, writers met writing coaches in person. However, with Covid lockdowns, people have adjusted to working at home. Indeed, the cost of gas, and the time it takes to meet your coach, adds to the total cost. Many people have discovered Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime, and may easily enjoy meetings with their coach online. This method of receiving coaching is convenient and significantly less expensive for everyone, as well. When hiring an online coach, check their references, reviews, and testimonials. Deborah S. Nelson, Writing and Publishing Coach, offers a free half-hour coaching session for a $5 processing fee.

Book Writing Coach Program 

Writing a book is a serious endeavor—and not for the faint of heart. Just as you may hire a guide for a safari, book writing is no less adventuresome. Book writing may take years. Therefore, a good book coach will keep you from getting lost, or becoming discouraged. Book writing coaches offer programs and courses to help you make massive progress in a short amount of time. Deborah S. Nelson, Book Coach, offers courses and books to help you reach your goal to publish a book.  

The most value of book coaching programs is derived from the coach who leads writers through the process in chronological order. Like building a home, the general contractor does the foundation first, the framework next, and lastly, the painting, floor work, and other details. Similarly, you must follow the proper order in book-building for the book to be a success. Therefore, you will hire a content editor, copy-editor, proofreader, book cover designer, and interior book layout expert, for example. These must be done in proper order, or you will incur unnecessary costs. The book coach can supervise these projects to ensure the highest standard—and without inflated pricing from specialists. 

Types of Writing Coaches—Business Writing Coach, Children’s Writing Coach, Christian Book Writing Coach 

When hiring a writing coach, consider the type of writing you will do. If specializing in a specific area, look for a writing coach experienced in that genre. Some writers are focused on writing a novel—and, in that case, look for a writing coach with published novels. In addition, if writing books for the Christian market, hire someone who has worked with Christian books. This is a large market with its own nuances that you should keep in mind. Children’s writing is another large genre, with its own challenges. Writing must be age-appropriate. Additionally, children’s books are often highly illustrated and must be published in color. On the other hand, business writing requires a high degree of communication and accuracy. These genres require special writing coaches. Therefore, you might consider a coaching specialist in one of these genres. 

Writing Coach Rates 

Writing coach rates vary by experience and reputation. Like in any field, look for a person with good references and a portfolio of previous work. Indeed, reviews, references, and testimonials are a good indication of the quality and type of work they do. Writing coaches range from $35-$75 an hour. Of course, celebrity writing coaches can and do command ridiculous prices. Generally, normal-level writing coaches can do the job just as well for an average of $50 an hour. Many writing coaches offer packages or courses which can reduce the pricing significantly.  

Publishing Coach Costs 

Publishing coaches are rarer than writing coaches and require a degree of technical savvy. Yet, the same hiring process applies for writing coaches, but understand that when going through the publishing process, you will need to also pay for book cover design, editors, and other professionals.  

The publishing coach will hire and oversee the best book specialists for the best pricing available. Consider that publishing coaches work with the best people to help publish your book. In general, publishing coach costs will range from $50-$150 an hour. However costly, unless you understand digital pre-production, if you try this on your own, you will face a two-to-three-year learning curve. Finally, in order to successfully publish, if you do not know digital publishing, you will need an expert publishing coach by your side.

RELATED ARTICLE Becoming a Published Author

Okay—you’ve done it! You’ve published a book. Now what? But, have you given much thought to selling your books and author branding?

Selling Your Books

Writing and publishing a book is a big undertaking, and you may feel exhausted. However, if you lay the groundwork of author branding as you go, when it comes time to launch that book, you’ll be ready to sell books.

Author Branding Sells Books

Author branding signals to readers who you are and what types of books you write. Author branding is the foundation of selling books and includes the following aspects.

1. Logo and Tagline
2. Author Bio
3. Author Headshots
4. Author Website
5. Social Media
6. Video Channel

Author Logo and Tagline

The idea of author branding is to create a recognizable name for yourself. You will want to develop a logo, with a tagline representing your name and mission. For example, one of my coaching client’s logos is a vibrant image of herself making fresh orange juice juxtaposed over an ocean background. Her tagline is “Cleansing for Energy.” Her products and services are all health-oriented with the goal of cleansing. Her readers and clients know that if you need cleansing, one of her three books and many products will help you accomplish that.

Author Bio Sets the Tone for Author Branding

As an author, uses for an enticing and captivating author bio are almost endless. You will need an author bio for the “About the Author” section of your book, as well as your author website, social media sites, and online book descriptions. Take some time to write your story. Tell people what your mission is and who you are in terms of a simple, recognizable brand. 

Increase Book Sales with Professional Author Headshots

This is not a place to skimp. Your author headshot is everything. Hire a professional headshot photographer. You will need headshots for the back cover, your website, and social media accounts—so take time and care in shooting these photos. Full body shots that show you in action and emphasize your mission can also enhance your author website. These photos can be used for other author branding purposes as well. To sell books, get a great author headshot and body shots that will reflect your best qualities. 

Author Website is a Place for Selling Your Books

An author website gives you a web presence. Be sure to buy a domain with your name. If unavailable, simply add hyphens between your first and last name. Usually, you can land a dot com domain by selecting the hyphens. Or, if you do not want hyphens, buy one of the many alternative extensions, such as dot TV, dot guru, dot money, or any other than dot com. I prefer dot com, so when I run into an unavailable domain, I just add hyphens. Dot com has more authority with search engines and is preferable for stronger author branding.

Bookstore on Your Website

In addition, of course, you will want a theme that includes a shopping cart, so that you may sell your books directly from your website. If you focus on Amazon and other book-selling networks, you will pay 40% to the bookseller. Although important for ratings, selling books on Amazon is necessary for the first months, but down the road, you will make a much better profit selling books from your website—and simply drop shipping from your print-on-demand account.

Author websites need not be complex or expensive. Go for an author theme, such as Author Pro by Genesis, which is a framework available from Premium Press. Or, hire a freelancer from Fiverr.com to build your website. 

Social Media Presence Builds Fan Base

An author-branded presence in your writing niche can create interest in your books. Be sure to use professional photos, logos, and make your brand clear. Once readers recognize your brand, it is an easy step to book sales. Use social media to announce live stream videos, book offers, your website, and otherwise make your brand obvious. Do not forget to join Goodreads which is the “Facebook” for book lovers.

How a Video Channel Sells Books

Creating a channel on YouTube, Vimeo, or Bit Shute can build your fanbase and give them a chance to know more about your subject material. Once they are hooked on the information you provide in your videos, you can send them to your website or Amazon to purchase your book. Offer courses, speaking engagements, and other collateral products and services through your video account. If you are shy about putting your face on video, you can use slides and voice-over to share, teach, and promote your books and other offerings.

Book Publishing Services—Editorial

Many people have heard the expression: “You don’t know what you don’t know.” This has never been more apparent than in the field of self-publishing. 

Firstly, the term self-publishing has been commercialized by digital printing companies. The meaning of the term self-publishing indicates that the author takes on the responsibility of publishing their own works. 99% of so-called self-publishing companies become self-appointed publishers—not the author! Most of these companies offer “free print-on-demand printing,” and entice the writer with other expensive services required to publish a book such as book cover and interior design, sales materials, and more. This sequence of events results in a pseudo-self-publishing model which is not transparent—and low quality, as well. 

Book editing is one of the most important events in book publishing. New writers use the term editing loosely, which causes a lot of confusion in the editing process. When self-publishing or independently publishing a book, you must understand the different types of editing, what makes a good editor, and the chronological order of editing. 

When Not to Use Self-Editing 

Many first-time self-publishers overlook the editing process. The editing process is just as important as writing the book. Understand something called “word immunity” (coined by Deborah S. Nelson, Publishing SOLO Magazine publisher) operates when trying to edit and proofread your own work. The focus in writing is to get the concept across to the readers, so the author’s mind automatically “edits and removes mistakes.” Consequently, a writer can never edit or proofread their own work successfully. Even if you were a professional proofreader by trade, proofreading your own work would be folly, because of the reality of “word immunity.” 

However, having said that, doing a final self-edit is important in preparing the manuscript for publication. Do not turn over a rough draft to the design people. Be sure you do a once-over self-edit. Publishing SOLO offers a free article called 10 Tips for a Smoothly Written Ride, which will greatly help with your final self-edit. Nevertheless, self-editing is part of the writing process—not the professional editing process. 

Three Types of Book Editing 

When I worked for a publishing house, we hired professional editors. Once the manuscript is submitted by the author, the first editor is a content editor. Then, once the content editor has finished their job, the next editor is a copy editor. Finally, the last editor to lay hands on the manuscript prior to publication is the proofreader. 

Types of Book Editors 

Content Editing a Book

Content editing focuses on meaning, chronological order, and flow. The content is the focus. Therefore, a good content editor will check for accuracy, consistency, and meaning. What is the author trying to say here? Didn’t they already say that? This sentence is a contradiction to the chapter before this. These are the types of things a content editor finds. A content editor may move sentences, paragraphs, and even chapters into a different order. In fact, a good content editor will organize the material so that it makes sense, flows in an orderly fashion, does not repeat, or confuse the reader.

A good content editor will also help the author to rewrite sentences with words or thoughts missing. A writer commonly leaves out entire concepts, definitions, and thoughts related to the main theme because they know the material so well. Writes often make assumptions about the reader being able to understand their work. 

Copy Editing a Book

The ideal copy editor overlaps the content editor and the proofreader. They will look at the manuscript with a closer eye. A copy editor will analyze the sentence structure, grammar, and look and feel of the copy. They address compound words, proper use of em-dashes, as well as verb tenses, pronoun consistency, and word meaning. They may find themselves rewriting sentences, making a run-on sentence into two or three sentences, but will not move content around or do organizational editing. This is much more of a micro-level. Copy editing overlaps with the proofreading realm because a copy editor is also a designer of copy. They follow a style guide and fix formatting issues related to italics, bold, subheadings, and more.  

Additionally, a copy editor formats how the endnotes, footnotes, and title pages look. If there are testimonials, quotes, lists, and charts, the copy editor’s job is to make these look presentable and consistent. This is detailed work but is also primarily focused on making the copy look professional and easy to understand. Their goal is to make the copy look visually appealing, accurate, as well as orderly. A good copy editor will use one of the six professional style guides or create a custom style guide with input from the author and publisher.  

Proofreading a Book

Proofreading practically requires a microscope. Finding a good proofreader is more difficult than you may realize. First of all, be sure the proofreader is making decisions according to the style guide that the copy editor used or created. When interviewing proofreaders, ask them what style guide they use. If they do not know anything about that, do not hire them. These editors are often winging it, shooting from the hip—proofreading according to their 8^th grade English teacher.

In reality, beyond proper spelling, proofreading is an art. The idea is to create consistent punctuation, grammar, quotes, bolds, and of course, find duplicate words, sentences, paragraphs, as well as missing words. This is the last pass and must be extremely detailed. However, the last pass can only be “perfect” if the content editor and copy editor have done their job well. Often, if the manuscript is originally full of errors, the errors are passed down to the proofreading process. Therefore, each editor must do a thorough job to produce an error-free book. 

If your goal is an error-free book, you will need these three editors in the process. As the author, you will be reviewing the corrections each editor made, and you have the right to veto any corrections. You have the last say. However, most corrections made by editors are sorely needed and make your book readable. Many self-published books are full of errors these days, and a lot of readers will notice. If they see errors in your book, that reflects on you. Maybe they will never catch the errors, but in general, if the book is not clean-looking they may never get past the first chapter. And, videos are so much easier to read! 

Has hiring a professional ghostwriter ever crossed your mind? What does a ghostwriter actually do? A ghostwriter writes a book for you! A ghostwriter is a specialized author who compiles, researches, and writes a book for you in your name. This is common among highly successful people without the time, or skills to write their own book—but have a dramatic story to tell or important information to share.

A Ghostwriter Helps Fulfill the Impossible Dream
of Becoming an Author

Have you always dreamed of publishing a book, but do not have the time or skill level? Perhaps you do not want to suffer the rejection that submitting to a traditional publisher inevitably brings. A ghostwriter, (along with a ghost publisher) can help you hop, skip, and jump over the time, money, rejection, and connection game that generally comes with writing and publishing a book.

Notably, many famous authors were rejected multiple times before landing a publisher—as reported in Top 10 Most Rejected Bestsellers. How can a ghostwriter help? Under your direction, they literally write your book! A good ghostwriter does the heavy lifting for you and allows you to excel and cash in on your day job. Now, you need not agonize over the procrastination involved in writing a book.

Advanced Authorship for CEOs, Professionals, Speakers & Celebrities

With 21st century digital publishing and print on demand (POD), no one need suffer the inevitable rejection that submitting to a publishing house brings. Democracy has arrived in publishing, and most writers can become published authors without fitting a publishing house’s strict constraints. Combining ghostwriting with self-publishing is an advanced way to publish and market your book at Amazon Books within a year.

Authorship Increases Net Worth & Self Worth

Today, we may opt for self-publishing and use print on demand which requires a small investment and may offer huge returns. With POD printing, one book is printed at a time for a small cost. Therefore, hiring a ghostwriter and then doing independent publishing (or hiring a ghost publisher) can position you as an author for a minimum of 10K (for a small book—physical book, not e-book).

By contrast, traditional publishing houses spend $50-300K investment in printing, then more, when distribution and sales efforts start. Therefore, a relatively small investment to publish on Amazon Books is a great alternative to chasing traditional publishing houses.

When is a Ghostwriter Right for You?

You may not have the time or bandwidth to write a book. As a busy CEO, your time is more valuable elsewhere! You may be an artist or celebrity, unable to put a wrinkle in your rising career to write a book. In any case, you possess a certain “secret knowledge,” and, without realizing it, may have already written the book. If a blogger, speaker, television, or YouTube host, with previously produced videos, the content is already done. You will only need a keen eye from an expert who will organize the content into proper book form.

This is where a ghostwriter comes in handy. You may hire them to compile and write your book while you function in your successful career—without substantial interruption!

10 Qualities to Seek in a Ghostwriter

1. Writing a Book Takes Time

No way around it—writing and publishing a book can take years. However, with digital publishing, that time can be cut in half. Expect the writing process to take from 6 months to a year. This does depend on how much material you provide to the writer. Sometimes a client provides material they have already written and the ghostwriter organizes the material into a concept, edits, and perhaps adds more content. This may take up to two years—depending on length of the book, difficulty of the material, and how much initial direction is provided.

2. Cost—Does the Ghostwriter Know How to Price Their Services?

First, understand when you hire a writer, this will cost money. At the very least, expect to spend $5,000 for a small book, of 20,000 words. Writing a book is a time-consuming, detailed, and labor-intensive process. A small 100-page book, 6 x 9 inches (standard size), is about 20,000 words. If a ghostwriter charges less than $0.25 per word, you can guess they do not know their craft. Even a college graduate, a natural English-speaking writer, should not accept any less than $0.25 a word. If someone is charging too little, do not expect your book to be completed. They are likely to become exhausted, ditch the project, and your down-payment disappears with them.

If looking for an experienced professional find someone who charges in the $0.40 to $0.50 per word range. Some experienced and well-known ghostwriters charge $1 a word, which is not completely unusual. Run away from those charging “by the page.” This could be anything from 100 to 500 words depending on the size of the book. Charging “by the page” is too ambiguous and misleading—and leaves too much space for misunderstandings. 

3. Evaluate Their Writing Experience

The ghostwriter you select should have extraordinary writing experience. You certainly do not want to hire someone who bites off more than they can chew, and gives up in the middle! Writing a book is potentially more intense and comparable to having a baby. Seriously. When interviewing a ghostwriter, ask them for links to books they have written. Read at least the first and last chapter to get a sense of what type of writer they are. 

4. Check References & Testimonials

Ghostwriters from foreign countries who are inexpensive can quickly turn into a bad experience. You should hire a natural-born English writer, who has written at least 5 books. Ask for testimonials and references to ensure they do not take your deposit and then forget to produce the book. Many scammers are in the publishing industry, ready to take advantage of those with a dream to publish a book.

5. Does the Ghostwriter Know the Subject Matter?

Interview the ghostwriter to determine if they are relatively knowledgeable in the subject matter of your book. Some ghostwriters specialize in fiction and others in nonfiction, so be sure you are a match. Furthermore, if a ghostwriter is strong on research, this is helpful.

Yet, it is your responsibility to lead the writer as to how the material should be best presented to your market. Be prepared to explain your market, goals for the book, as well as the information you want to impart in detail. Try to find a ghostwriter who has written material on your subject matter but also be sure that what they write will be original. If possible, pay them to write one sample chapter, and run it through a duplication software to determine if the writing is original. Then, read the material to see if you like the style of their writing. This will save you time and trouble.

6. Ask Ghostwriter for a Production Schedule Before Payment

Part of hiring a ghostwriter includes asking them for a production schedule upfront. However, this should be completed before you sign the contract and send a down payment. Certain deadlines and timelines for both the ghostwriter and yourself are imperative. In addition, you may expect to be in a meeting at least twice monthly or weekly to stay on track with the writing progress. You need to take responsibility for providing the content, or at least describing in detail the content you want in your book.

7. Extra Services? Editing.

Some ghostwriters will provide editing as well, but be sure to determine if the editing is included. This separate task is often performed by specialists. Some ghostwriters can do a light edit, but be prepared to hire an editor once the book is written and turned over to you.

8. Extra Services? Sales Copy.

Ask your ghostwriter to include sales copy, if they are a talented writer in the marketing area. They know your book better than anyone. Therefore, they may quickly prepare the book synopsis for book descriptions, back cover copy, and review requests. If you can get them to include this, you will not need to hire another expert later.

9. Negociate a Book Proposal

If you are intent on being published through a traditional publishing company, once the book is written, with a light edit, you may prepare a book proposal to send to certain traditional publishing companies. This is a separate task and you may hire the ghostwriter for this as well. The ghostwriter knows the book better than anyone. However, the other option is to hire a book proposal specialist.

10. Copyrights, Royalties & Contract

Once you select a ghostwriter, ask them for their contract. If they do not have one … oops—next! Agreements must be as clear as possible. These projects are not easy or simple. Some ghostwriters will ask for credit as the ghostwriter or, perhaps a co-author credit on the cover. They may wish to be included on the copyright page, as well as receive your testimonial for their future marketing efforts. Some will even ask for a percentage of the book’s profits. To keep it clean, pay for the entire work in installments.

Of course, in the contract be sure all rights and royalties are spelled out carefully and completely. In most cases, the ghostwriter is simply a writer for hire and will give all royalties and copyrights to the hiring author. However, in cases of “celebrity ghostwriters,” this will not be the case. Yet, contact need not be complicated. Use a contract as a communication and “scope of work” tool—not an expectation of legal issues!

The Thrill and Lifestyle of Authorship

Publishing a book is an incredible accomplishment but will cost time, money, sweat and in most cases, some tears before the final book is in your hands! I have led 100 books and their writers through the publishing process, and although the journey is intense, the rewards are greater. Indeed, many of my authors have increased their income, net-worth, and self-worth many times over by becoming authors. With a fan base, writing a book is a way to build an income stream while also marketing your brand. Although a complicated and daunting task, the rewards are amazing. Once you become an author, the effort, time, money, and frustration pale in comparison to basking in the sunshine of being a published author.

For additional information explore FAQ Self-Publishing Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Deborah S. Nelson. If you are ready to hire a ghostwriter, visit Dream to Publish.

RELATED ARTICLE: Hire a Publishing Coach

How to Self-Publish a Book Without Pitfalls

As a book publishing coach for nearly a decade, one of the most frequently asked questions by writers is, “What are pitfalls to avoid when self-publishing a book?” Dream to Publish offers various levels of book coaching. Therefore, I recommend clients assess their skill level first, to avoid an unsuccessful book project. 

9 Major Pitfalls in Self-Publishing a Book

1. Knowledge—You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

This pitfall involves the concept: You don’t know what you don’t know. Many writers do not realize that as the publisher of their book, more time and effort are required than printing the book. Publishing a book involves extensive pre-production services, which may be expensive, time-consuming, and technical. If the skill level is not present, a writer can find themselves disappointed, and frustrated beyond repair. Counseling may be necessary! 

2. Printing—Print on Demand for Self-Publishing

Since the advent of print on demand, self-publishing is affordable and doable for the normal person. However, many so-called self-publishing companies are less than honest. To start with, these companies are misrepresenting themselves as self-publishers. As an aspiring self-published author, you are the publisher, not them. These misleading companies advertise “free” self-publishing knowing that most people do not realize the full scope of publishing a book. Once you send them your manuscript, your book becomes hostage to high price points and low quality provided by unscrupulous companies. 

3. Subcontractors—Hire Book Publishing Specialists

During the process of publishing a book, you will need to hire subcontractors to complete elements of your book such as book cover design, content editing, copy editing, proofreading, interior design, sales copy, finding reviews, and more. Unless you are connected in this field, these contractors may charge too much and know too little about book publishing. They may be a graphic designer but have never designed a book cover. They may be a layout artist with no experience in book interiors. This part is tricky and pricey. Often, subcontractors don’t know what they don’t know, and your book quality and budget may suffer. 

4. Too Many Cooks—Maintain a Vision for Your Book

Most first-time self-publishers cannot resist the temptation to ask others for their opinion of their manuscript, book cover, and interior design. This is a big mistake because everyone is an expert and they all disagree—causing you more confusion than ever! Resist the temptation for approval and support during this process from friends and family. Check with professionals and research online the way books, title pages, back covers, and other components are designed. Do not ask your brother, mother, or some random designer who knows nothing about designing books. Too many cooks in the kitchen can spoil the broth. 

5. Chronology—Follow a Publishing Timeline

This pitfall involves the lack of making a production schedule, following a timeline, and keeping the work in order. If the work is done in the wrong order, you will waste time, receive inferior results, plus, of course, cost yourself more money. The work must flow in a particular order. To start, self-publishers must create a production schedule and timeline, plus stay on track. 

6. Falling in Love with Your Writing—Don’t Do it

Since you are the writer and the publisher, you will find it challenging to maintain objectivity. You may think that your writing is a certain style when in reality, that style is in error. More than one of my clients fell in love with using the word “it” repeatedly to start a sentence, and this is not a style—good writers and editors call “this style” weak writing. However, as the publisher, you are the boss. Although falling in love with your writing is natural, this practice is also risky without the guidance of professional subcontractors who provide honest, high-quality feedback. 

7. Perfectionism—Stop it!

Oh, this is a good one! The book is never going to be perfect. Most books published by traditional publishing companies contain errors—I see them all the time. Yet, these errors can be corrected in the 2^nd edition, so resist perfectionism on the 1^st edition. Hire a professional proofreader and be done with it! Each change you make begets another. Once you reach a good point, publish and print. Perfectionism can drag you into a black hole of endless corrections. Remember, corrections are not done in a vacuum and are certain to cause a ripple effect going forward. Many people are perfectionists because they are afraid to push the publish button. This is the most heartbreaking pitfall of self-publishing a book. A person makes so much progress and at the bitter end is unable to publish, making all kinds of excuses as momentum dies. 

8. Author Branding—Part of the Process

Technically, author branding is needed after self-publishing to sell books. However, in all reality, one must start this process before approaching a publishing date. Most books are sold online now. Therefore, an author’s website and social media are key to author branding and to make books available through the author. Your author brand is often developed from book concept artwork, so as you go through the publishing steps, be sure to include author branding in the process. Once your book goes to press, your website will be ready and able to sell books or, at least link to your distribution network.  

9. Review Copy—Easily Forgotten When Self-Publishing

As you go through the publishing process you will reach a point where the manuscript and book cover has been proofread. Although not yet in book form, in your hands is a final copy. This is the time to create a PDF of the book cover and interior. Once you do this, you may send this copy through email to solicit reviews. Reviews are necessary to sell books. Additionally, many books include a page at the beginning with review comments. These reviews help sell the book, plus you may include these reviews in your online book description. Once the book is published online, you have lost your chance to include these reviews in the description area of the book. Yes, that can be done later, but not easily. 

Try our quiz, HOW PUBLISHABLE ARE YOU? to determine the level of your publishing skills and decide if self-publishing is the right fit for you! 

Making Time to Write

I reveal how I make time to write throughout this online magazine. However, also I offer 1/2 hour complimentary publishing consultations. I do this for many reasons. Firstly, I am excited to teach independent publishing. Secondly, often one smart idea, when applied, can improve a writing project by 25 or 50%. This brings me great joy, even if I never hear from that writer again. Thirdly, I can encourage authors in the making!

During my complimentary sessions, I repeatedly encounter this question, “How do I find the time to write?” I get that—and so I will address this question in today’s blog.

The Big Time to Write Issue

In the 21st century, most humans are inundated with continuous obligations and responsibilities. When is the time to write? Today, for example, I filled my car with gas; paid for health insurance; took my computer for repair; updated my virus checker; changed my cell phone plan; replaced my vehicle’s defective door strip; and, changed the batteries in my home security system.

Financial life is also complex, with constant money management duties. For eight months, I have been trying to talk to Amazon regarding misapplied payments; and contact my bank for a refund of the $5/month they are subtracting from my savings account. Plus, two checks from a small income stream are missing in the mail. Tracking monies is so time-consuming—we either pay in money or in time.

Tips to Make Yourself Write!

1. Make Lockdown a Time to Write

Many unsung writers are emerging from their shells during lockdown. What better time to write in 2020 than during lockdown? In 2009, I took a 3-month writing sabbatical to write and publish a book to Amazon. This period was a self-enforced lockdown and that book paid my rent for at least 5 years hence. Use the concept of lockdown and visit me in the Caribbean for a writer’s retreat!

2. Write About What You Know and Love

Writers often believe that they must be novelists, best sellers, or scholarly to publish. Indeed, culture and society have created stereotypes—but, the digital publishing age of the 21st century has obliterated these. Therefore, if you write about a subject you know and love, your writing will have merit. Plus, your words will flow like water and you will hardly be able to stop writing. Even half-an-hour a day will make great progress.

3. Find Time to Write—Make Writing a Habit

If there was just one habit for how to write a book in record time, I would recommend this trick. Set aside half-an-hour to an hour a day to write! Many of us spend that time in a flash on Facebook or watching TV. If you give yourself one hour a day to write, after a month, you will have a chunk of your book magically written.

4. A Timing Issue or Writer’s Block?

Forget about what your writing sounds or looks like. Get the heart of the content written. Later you can edit, copy-edit, proofread or even have a trusted friend check for typos and punctuation errors. Spell-check is not your friend. Do not focus on content and form at the same time. Both will suffer. First things first. Get the heart of what you want to say in writing. Then, you can polish its form.

5. Blog or Write for a Blog Daily

This is a magical way to finish a book in record time! Commit to providing an article once a day or once a week for a blog. Organize the book concept so that the articles will fall into the chapters of a book. The great thing about this trick is that you are also developing a following while writing. Go to WordPress.com and start a blog on the subject of your book.

6. Publish Your Book

Make a plan to publish your book. Best selling author Jack Canfield once said that writing a book without publishing it is like having a baby and leaving it on someone’s doorstep. You may find traditional publishing challenging and time-consuming, but self-publishing is doable at an affordable price. Notably, if you are an entrepreneur, you can recoup the cost of self-publishing quickly by offering consulting, coaching, and courses in your field of expertise.