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HOW TO PUBLISH A BOOK IN 2024 (Part 1)

Every book undergoes a process before it is available to readers, either as hard copies or digital copies. That process, from editing to book cover design to typesetting and printing, is what publishing is fundamentally about.

To fully understand it, we'll go further to give you an insight into the book publishing process. In this article, you'll learn:

The definition of publishing
How to plan and write your manuscript in 2024
How to edit your manuscript via a publishing route
Legal and copyright considerations
How to market and promote your book
The best distribution and sales processes

Let’s get right in.

HOW TO PUBLISH A BOOK IN 2024

There are two primary ways in which books appear: soft copies and hard copies. Although soft copies, otherwise known as digital copies, have gained immense traction, hard copies haven’t lost their relevance. Each has its place in every industry and for every individual.

Now, what are some things you should consider when you want to publish your book in 2024?

PLAN AND WRITE YOUR MANUSCRIPT

There's hardly ever anyone who writes a book without properly planning it out, whether before or after writing the first draft. Fiction writers are familiar with the concept of outliners and pantsers. Generally, outliners plan their book from start to finish before penning down the first words of their story, but pantsers follow the story wherever it leads.

This is different for nonfiction writers, who will almost always outline their entire book content before commencing the actual writing.

Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction for a first or final draft, you will certainly need to work with a plan somewhere along the line. This is where planning your manuscript comes in.

So, let’s get right into how you can go about planning and writing your book.

Research Your Topic

Research is like the foundation of a building. Without it, the first building blocks could crumble. Take the instance of creating believable characters for a fictional story. As a writer, you will need to understand human nature to create characters that leave a lasting impression.

The deeper your search into real human experiences and psychology, for example, the deeper understanding you have of creating characters that resonate with your readers.

Prepare an Outline

We mentioned how some people let the wind carry them on their writing journey. This is beautiful for fiction, but sometimes, it may be derailing for nonfiction. This is why putting down your main topics with their subtopics before you begin writing is advisable.

With a structure in place, such as an outline, writing becomes easier, and meeting your writing goal becomes more achievable.

Ignore Formats; Just Write

One mistake writers make while preparing their manuscripts is trying to polish everything as they go. This interferes with your imagination and impedes your flow.

The best thing to do is to pour everything down without worrying about organization. When you're done writing, you should then begin to worry about submission guidelines and everything else.

Write from Anywhere

Are you worried about where to begin writing from? There are no rules to this. You can begin with the most or least important points or ideas. You can begin from the second chapter of your outline or the story's final chapter. But not starting at all because you're uncertain about where to begin should not be the case.

Check the Facts

Facts matter. Whether you're writing a farfetched fantasy or a leadership book, you need solid information because your credibility rests on it. Writing science fiction that uses inaccurate scientific laws may cause embarrassment, especially when the critics come for you.

Redraft

Never think that your first draft is excellent. It is unlikely that the very first book manuscript will be as smooth as powder. This is why it is important to go through and begin to iron out every crease in your first work.

Remember, we said earlier that you should avoid formatting while writing. In the redraft stage, you can do as much formatting as you like simply because you already have all your initial ideas written out.

Decide on the Book Version

The publication version usually depends on several factors, including your target audience, the type of book, and the marketing process.

If you're self-publishing, you will have to make the decision yourself or seek professional advice before making a decision. However, if you choose the path of a traditional publisher, that decision may heavily involve the publisher.

In 2024, most books will be published primarily as eBooks, paperback, hardcover, or audiobooks.

EDIT YOUR MANUSCRIPT

You may feel the need to edit your work by yourself, but this is hardly the best approach. A book editor can mean a world of difference to your book.

Book editing goes beyond checking for errors. It is a step-by-step process, with the main types being developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading. Depending on the budget, a different editor may handle each type.

Each type of editing has its purpose, and unless you have all the answers as to what is best for your book, it is best to pass the book to an editor who is a trained professional in polishing a manuscript to publishable standards.

You should consider these editing methods and ideas:

Self-Editing

A book shouldn't leave your desk and be handed over to a professional until you have gone through it yourself. Self-editing your work first helps you cross-check to see if you have done what you wanted to do.

Did you make a typo there? Does that phrase communicate what you meant? Is that sentence clear enough to convey your meaning? Did you leave out one or two ideas?

Then, when you're done checking these and more, feel free to give the manuscript to a third party.

Professional Editing

Going the professional editing route simply means hiring a professional editor to edit your manuscript. A professional editor is an experienced, skilled, and (sometimes) certified editor who does editing for a living, whether full-time, part-time, or as a freelancer.

Once a manuscript has been completed, it is best practice for the author to pass it to a literary agent, who in turn will look for a trusted publisher to publish the book. In the absence of a literary agent, the book is sent directly to a publisher by the author.

Most traditional publishers are very careful with the manuscripts they accept. A publisher will first have to consider several factors before deciding whether to accept a manuscript. Publishing can be risky, so publishers are less likely to accept anything blindly. They will consider the value of the content, the market, the target audience, and the prospects of the book, among other things.

Editors are alpha readers. Once the publisher decides that a manuscript is promising enough to be published, they send it to an editor responsible for polishing it into a book-worthy version of its original self. But you should know that a book undergoes different kinds of editing and sometimes goes through the hands of different editors, including proofreaders.

Use Beta Readers

Beta readers exist to give honest feedback on a manuscript. Anyone can pass for a beta reader: family, friends, colleagues, members of your target audience, or people you pay to commit to reading your manuscript.

The feedback you receive will give you insightful tips to improve your manuscript. Editors can also choose to use beta readers, whether or not you, as the writer, employ the method.

CHOOSE A PUBLISHING ROUTE

One of the biggest considerations in book publishing is which method of publishing to employ.

Should you send it to a publisher who will offer you a publishing deal (advance payment plus royalties) and handle every aspect of the publishing? Or would you like to do it all by yourself?

Every author must make a choice. We will show you three standard options to use when publishing a book in 2024.

Traditional Publishing

The oldest and most common publishing method is for a publishing house to receive your work and publish it based on the value they see in it.

Traditional publishing houses like Gemspread Publishing are very valuable in the following ways:

They are professionals: These establishments bank on producing the best quality using only the best hands in the industry.
You save a lot of money: Unlike going the self-publishing route, you don't have to pay through the nose. They'll cover the publishing costs, pay you upfront (if it's part of the deal), and pay you royalties later.
Their brand is good marketing: If a popular publisher publishes you, rest assured that the name alone is enough benefit. This means having a well-known publisher is good marketing.
They promote your work: There's no need to have a book if it won't reach your readers. Traditional publishing offers you a smooth marketing and promotion vehicle.

Self-Publishing

Self-publishing became popular with authors trying to bypass the traditional publishing route.

One of the most popular self-publishing methods worldwide is Amazon Publishing and Amazon Kindle Publishing. Since launching in 2009, millions of authors have achieved writing success using these services. Some traditional publishers nowadays also use Amazon self-publishing methods.

Hybrid Publishing

Lastly, there's hybrid publishing, which blends traditional and self-publishing methods. When you seek to get published through hybrid methods, you should be very careful to avoid dubious vanity presses.

Vanity presses or vanity publishers are a type of hybrid publishing in which you pay for all publishing services at no cost to the publisher, and they take the rights to your work.

Many hybrid publishers offer pay-to-publish methods. This means you bear the publication costs but receive professional services and higher royalties while retaining more creative control over your work. Hybrid publishers offer established distribution channels and maintain quality control, providing certain advantages over self-publishing. The specifics of hybrid publishing can vary, allowing you to choose the level of support you need.

We advise that you do proper research before deciding to use the hybrid route. If you want to use hybrid publishing, consider platforms like Gemspread Publishing, which offers a pay-to-publish option.

Final thoughts on how to publish a book (Part 1)

This first part covers the fundamentals you need to understand to publish your book in 2024. Publishing your book does not end with choosing a publishing route, especially if you choose the self-publishing route.

There are legal considerations, marketing and promotion considerations, and distribution channels to consider.

Sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of this page to receive a direct notification when the second part of this article is published.

Need help publishing your book? Click here to get started.

09 Jul 2024

Article

Ma Kẹkẹ writing contest (June 2024)

We're back again. Share your story in the Gemspread Ma Kẹkẹ Writing Contest!

Why Enter?

The Ma Kẹkẹ Writing Contest is more than just a competition; it’s a platform for writers to share their voices, explore meaningful themes, and connect with a community of fellow storytellers.

Gemspread is dedicated to fostering a love for literature and creative expression. By participating in the Ma Kẹkẹ Writing Contest, writers not only challenge themselves to craft compelling stories but also contribute to a broader cultural dialogue about the nuances of truth and the bonds that shape our lives.

We look forward to reading your story. Best of luck to all participants!

Prompt for June

Write a story of exactly 1,000 words with the prompt:

"My father lied"

Deadline: 3:00 PM GMT +1, Wednesday, 26th June, 2024

Carefully read the submission guidelines here

24 Jun 2024

Article

Ma Kẹkẹ writing contest (May 2024)

Calling all creative writers!!!

We're thrilled to announce the Ma Kẹkẹ Writing Contest (May edition), and we can't wait to see the incredible stories you'll create!

Why Enter?

First and foremost, it's about passion. We believe writing is a beautiful way to express yourself, explore new worlds, and connect with others. This contest celebrates creativity and passion. Plus, it's also an opportunity for you to make some cash, and who doesn't love a little friendly competition?

We look forward to reading your story. Best of luck to all participants!

Prompt for May

Write a story of exactly 1,000 words with the prompt:

"This country is after my life"

Deadline: 3:00 PM GMT +1, Sunday, 19th May, 2024

Carefully read the submission guidelines here

17 May 2024

Article

Ma Kẹkẹ writing contest (April 2024)

Dust off your writing desk, grab your favorite pen or laptop, and let your imagination run wild, because it’s that time of the month AGAIN!!!

We're excited to announce the Ma Kẹkẹ writing contest (April 2024), an opportunity for African writers of all levels to showcase their talent and creativity. This is more than just a contest; it's a celebration of African storytelling and the power of words.

So, what are you waiting for? Send your entries now.

We look forward to reading your story. Best of luck to all participants!

Prompt for April

Write a story of exactly 1,000 words with the prompt:

"I could never have imagined that I’d be in this position again, alone with my thoughts in yet another lockdown."

Deadline: 3:00 PM GMT +1, Sunday, 21st April, 2024

Carefully read the submission guidelines here

19 Apr 2024

Article

The Art of Character Development

Breathing Life into Your Creations - The Art of Character Development

Any novel that is interesting has strong character development at its core. Skilled writers know that in order for readers to fully engage with a story, characters need to be realistic, dynamic, and vivid. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of character development in fiction writing, exploring the techniques and considerations that help authors craft memorable and authentic characters.

The Anatomy of a Well-Developed Character

A well-developed character is like a complex puzzle, with various pieces coming together to form a coherent and multi-dimensional whole, just like in a real person. Here are some key elements that make up a compelling character:

1. Physical Traits: Describing a character's appearance can provide readers with initial impressions and set the stage for deeper exploration of their personality.

2. Personality: A character's personality traits, such as strengths, weaknesses, quirks, and beliefs, give depth and authenticity to their actions and reactions.

3. Backstory: A character's past experiences, motivations, and traumas can be instrumental in understanding their current choices and behavior.

4. Goals and Motivations: Every character should have clear goals and motivations that drive their actions throughout the story.

5. Development Arc: Characters should evolve and grow throughout the narrative. A well-rounded character will undergo significant changes, whether positive or negative, as the story unfolds.

So, how do you combine these elements when creating your character?

Show, Don't Tell

One of the cardinal rules of character development is "show, don't tell." Instead of explicitly stating a character's traits or emotions, it's more effective to reveal them through actions, dialogues, and interactions. For example, instead of saying, "Mbadiwe is a kind person," you can show Mbadiwe helping a stranger in need or offering a comforting word to a friend in distress. This allows readers to draw their own conclusions and develop a stronger connection to the character.

Dialogue and Voice

The way a character speaks is a powerful tool for conveying their personality. Consider factors such as tone, vocabulary, and speech patterns. A character's unique voice can make them instantly recognizable and memorable. Think of Odenigbo’s distinctive lexis in C.N. Adichie’s "Half of a Yellow Sun" or the eloquent speech of Atticus Finch in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" contribute to their character development.

The Power of Conflict

Conflict is essential for character development. It forces characters to confront their flaws, make tough decisions, and evolve. Whether it's internal conflicts, such as inner demons and personal struggles, or external conflicts, like antagonists and obstacles, challenges test a character's resilience and reveal their true nature.

Character Consistency

While characters should evolve, it's crucial to maintain consistency. Readers should be able to trace the character's development and understand how past experiences and decisions have led to their current state. A sudden, inexplicable change in character can feel jarring and unrealistic. For example, your character deciding to go into prostitution should not be a sudden action. There must be a backstory that has been slowly built upon up till the present that can explain why.

Empathy and Relatability

For readers to invest in your characters, they must empathize and relate to them. Creating characters with universal emotions, vulnerabilities, and dilemmas can help readers see themselves in those characters. This emotional connection is what keeps readers turning pages.

In the world of fiction writing, character development is an art that requires nuance, skill, and attention to detail. Well-crafted characters have the power to captivate readers, draw them into the story, and make the narrative come alive. So, as you embark on your next writing journey, remember that your characters are not just words on a page but living, breathing entities waiting to be brought to life.

10 Feb 2024

Article

The Writing Process Demystified

Writing is often viewed as a puzzling process. To some, it seems like an art form reserved for a select few gifted individuals, while others believe it's an impenetrable fortress of rules and conventions. Now we can’t really blame them, can we? The truth however, is far more accessible and empowering: the writing process is a skill that anyone can develop and harness to express their thoughts, stories, and ideas. In this article, we'll demystify the writing process, breaking it down into manageable steps and providing insights to help you become a more confident and effective writer because writing is not an out-of-reach skill.

Inspiration and Ideas

Every piece of writing begins with an idea or inspiration. It might be a personal experience, a thought-provoking news article, a vivid dream, or simply a desire to share knowledge. The key is to remain open to the world around you and cultivate your curiosity. See every experience through the lens of creativity. Keep a physical or digital notebook handy to jot down any interesting thoughts or observations that come your way. Over time, these snippets can evolve into compelling stories or insightful essays.

Planning and Outlining

Once you have an idea, it's time to structure your thoughts. Outlining is a crucial step that helps you organize your content logically. Create a rough framework with headings, subheadings, and bullet points. This will serve as your road map, preventing writer's block and ensuring your writing flows smoothly from one point to the next. It may be as complex as detailing the plot line down to the climax, exposition and chapters. While it could just be a simple list of the major events that drive the story. Either way, having a plan is one way to ensure effective storytelling for a writer still learning to hone the craft.

Writing the First Draft

Now comes the moment where you start putting words on paper (or screen). Don't worry about perfection at this stage; focus on getting your ideas down. You'll have the chance to revise and refine later. Embrace the process and remember that first drafts are often messy and imperfect, but they're also the foundation upon which great writing is built. The key here is, just write.

Revision and Editing

Revision is where the real magic happens. Review your draft with a critical eye. Check for clarity, consistency, and coherence. Look for grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, and areas where your writing can be tightened or expanded. It's often helpful to take a break between drafting and revising to gain a fresh perspective. Anything from seeing a movie to getting much needed sleep is enough to refresh your creative judgement to enable viewing your work with fresh eyes.

Feedback

Don't hesitate to seek feedback from others. Share your work with trusted friends, peers, or writing groups. Constructive criticism can help you identify blind spots and improve your writing. Remember that feedback is a valuable tool for growth, not a reflection of your worth as a writer.

Proofreading

Proofreading is the final step before publication. It involves checking for typos, punctuation errors, and formatting issues. You can do this manually or use proofreading tools and software to help catch any lingering mistakes.

Publishing

With your polished piece in hand, it's time to share your work with the world. Whether you're submitting to a magazine, posting on a blog, or self-publishing a book, the publishing process is the culmination of your efforts. Embrace the satisfaction of sharing your thoughts and creativity with others.

The writing process, often shrouded in mystery, is actually a series of manageable steps that anyone can follow. By demystifying this process, we hope to inspire you to embark on your writing journey with confidence. Remember that writing is a skill that improves with practice, and don't be discouraged by initial challenges. Whether you're writing for personal fulfillment or professional advancement, the key is to start, keep learning, and enjoy the creative journey. So pick up that pen or keyboard and let your words flow – the world is waiting to hear your voice.

21 Dec 2023

Article

Introducing Ma Kẹkẹ—Let Us Write

INTRODUCING MA KẸKẸ—LET US WRITE

Attention all writers and wordsmiths! Do you have a way with words and a passion for storytelling? Do you want to showcase your skills and have your work recognized by a wider audience? Then we have the perfect opportunity for you!

We are thrilled to announce the rebranding of our writing contest, previously known as "Gemspread Publishing Flash Fiction Contest," to the new and exciting "Ma Kẹkẹ", an online publication. Ma Kẹkẹ literally translates to "let us write" in Etsako, a language from Edo State, Nigeria. This new name better reflects the essence of this contest, which is to encourage writers to engage with sociopolitical and cultural issues in the most creative and compelling ways possible.

This is your chance to let your creativity shine and compete with fellow writers to win great prizes and be featured in our publication. Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting out, this contest is open to all levels of experience. Our judges will be looking for writing that is original, engaging, and well-crafted, so sharpen your pencils, dust off your keyboards, and start crafting your masterpiece.

16 Apr 2023

Article

WIN ANY FLASH FICTION CONTEST!

Flash fiction is a unique and challenging genre of fiction that requires writers to create a complete story in just a few hundred words. In such a short amount of space, every element of the story must work together to create a compelling and satisfying narrative. Despite their brevity, flash fiction stories can still be powerful and moving, hence the need to hone the skills required to write one. In this article, we will explore some tips on how to write a winning flash fiction contest story.

1. Start with a clear idea of your character: Because of the limited word count in flash fiction, there simply isn't enough space to develop multiple characters fully. That's why it's essential to focus on a single character and develop them as fully as possible. Make sure you know your character's backstory, motivations, and personality traits, and use these to drive the story forward. What motivates your character? What are their strengths and weaknesses? What do they want? What are their flaws? Knowing these things about your character will help you make every word count.

2. Show, don't tell: In flash fiction, there isn't much room for exposition. Instead of telling the reader about your character, show them through their actions and thoughts. For example, if your character is angry, don't say "he was angry." Instead, show his anger through his actions, such as clenching his fists or his nose flaring. Use your character's actions and dialogue to reveal their personality, rather than simply telling the reader what kind of person they are. This will help create a more immersive and engaging reading experience. Here’s a post with more detailed examples on how to show and not tell: https://www.instagram.com/p/CqDdM8monez/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

3. Use Dialogue Effectively Dialogue: Dialogue can be a powerful tool for character development in flash fiction. It can reveal a character's thoughts, motivations, and feelings in just a few words. However, in such a short space, it's important to use dialogue effectively. Every word must count. Make sure your character's dialogue is concise, impactful, and contributes to the story's overall message. Use concise language to convey the most amount of meaning with the fewest words possible. Eliminate unnecessary adjectives and adverbs and focus on using strong verbs and descriptive nouns.

4. Create a twist or surprise ending: One way to make your flash fiction stand out is by creating a twist or surprise ending. This can be challenging to achieve in such a limited space, but it's possible with careful planning. Think about what the reader expects to happen and then subvert those expectations through conflict, tension and suspense in a surprising way that coheres with the story.

5. Edit: Once you've written your first draft, it's time to edit thoroughly. Cut out any unnecessary words or sentences and ensure that every word adds value to the story. Pay attention to pacing and ensure that the story flows smoothly. Finally, have someone whose command of the language you trust read it for mechanical accuracy before turning in your submission.

In conclusion, writing a winning flash fiction story for a contest requires careful planning, concise writing, and strong character development. By following these tips, you can craft a compelling story that stands out from the crowd. Good luck with your next flash fiction contest!

04 Apr 2023

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