The Jennifer (Author) Diaries: It Takes A Village To Create A Book

I went to a conference a few years ago that set me on the path to publication. It wasn't for writers, but the message was on how our dreams are better accomplished in community with other people. When the speaker specifically mentioned the profession of writing, I felt like she was talking to me. She convinced me to seek a team of private and professional supporters.

Why does a writer need a team? They don't unless they plan to publish. This was the other half of her message: Communities benefits when people share their passions. There is no project too big or too small to share with others. This encouraged me to publish. If even one child enjoys my books, then I have enriched another person's life and, to me, that qualifies as success.

After years of writing stories in isolation, I "came out" and let it be known to everyone, not just my closest friends, that I write stories. I pulled The Pet Washer off my hard drive, invited some friends to be beta readers, asked an artist to draw the cover, joined online writer forums, opened accounts at Createspace, Smashwords and the like, and I published my first book. Listening to children talk happily about The Pet Washer fulfills me and thrills me as much as I thought I would. I have my team to thank for how far I've come since I attended that conference.

I want to encourage all writers to build their own teams in the New Year. Writing is not a solitary profession. I didn't think I needed anybody, but I was wrong. My team has improved me, supported me, and invested in me. They enjoy my successes and feel my failures with me. I might do the typing alone, but I am not alone.

Whether you are self-publishing or seeking a traditional publisher, your team will improve your chances of success--if you are traditionally published then some of the following team members are provided for you.

A Writer's Team

• Beta readers--the first readers of your novel before publication. Look for people who are avid readers in your genre. If you write science fiction, don't ask your friend who only reads romance novels to read your manuscript.

• Professional editor--if you don't know a professional book editor, hire one. An editor finds all the errors and inconsistencies you can't see in our own work, and trust me--they are there! I didn't understand my need for an editor until I worked with one. It was a humbling experience. In the future, I will never publish without one. Ideally, find an editor who works in the genre you write.

• Professional Book Cover--if you have the mad skills to make your own, go for it. Otherwise, hire someone! Make sure your cover looks good as a thumbnail image.

• Publishing Partner--You don't have to pay to publish an ebook or a print-on-demand book. I used Createspace for my paperback and KDP and Smashwords for my ebook.

• Interior Book Design--this is a vital component to publishing a paperback. It's a step that can't be skipped so if you don't have the computer skills to pull it off, hire someone. I couldn't afford a professional design program or a designer, but I found I could do a very good job using Word and getting input from others.

• Publicist--they are expensive so I am my own publicist. To get ideas, I read articles online and visit indie forums. I will admit that when I first published The Pet Washer I believed it would sell itself. I was wrong! Books need to be marketed and even with a traditional publisher, authors are expected to help with this. Marketing for me includes book signings, speaking in public, garnering reviews, writing press releases, doing interviews, submitting guest posts, hosting giveaways and contests, creating swag, and relating with fans.

• Distributors--my publishing partners are distributors, but only online. To get my book into stores I have to leave my house. I make appointments with store owners, provide consignment contracts, provide inventory and handle re-orders. The people who agree to stock my books become part of my team.?

• Fans--I welcome my fans onto my team. I invest them in my career with giveaways, personal attention to their emails, thanking them, providing quizzes and trivia for them, visiting book clubs and schools, and asking them their opinions. The more involved they are, the more my success is also their success. This establishes mutual loyalty.

No book is too small to deserve a team. Once I opened up my writing to others, I discovered a village of people who enjoy helping authors. Most of them don't write themselves, but they love books. Their skills and passions take over where mine end. My supporters include librarians, graphic designers, readers, professional marketers, fellow writers, editors, artists, shop owners, and children to name a few. My writing career is supported by a village and this brings me great comfort, accountability, fun, companionship, and hope.

I'm wishing you great success in the New Year and I hope, in some small way, you consider me part of your team!

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Source: http://www.jenniferlynnalvarez.com/2013/01/it-takes-village-to-create-book.html

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