Publishing Roadmap
There are many paths to getting your work into readers’ hands, from traditional book deals to fully independent releases and blends of both. This roadmap is here to help you understand your options, explore what fits your goals and lifestyle, and remind you that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to publication.
Use the sections below as a living document: outline your plans, track your progress, and adjust as you grow. Whether you’re polishing your first draft or have several finished manuscripts, you can start shaping a publishing path that feels right for you.
Traditional Publishing
When it comes to traditional publishing the first thing you need is an agent. Start by researching agents that match your genre, preparing query materials, and tracking submissions to agents and publishers.
Traditional publishing Pros:
- Creative assistance, financial advance, editing and covers through publishing house,
Everyone thinks their story is perfect. While traditional publishing has its benefits, keep in mind they have to prepare your story to match trends a year in advance. This means they might ask you to change things.
- research agents that fit your story genre, their wish lists, etc.
- Prepare your query materials. You need a polished synopsis (think straight facts, no fluff, one page or less), really strong comp titles (within the past 3 years, popular enough to have traction/reviews, not too popular), author bio, a pitch line, etc.
- Make yourself a plan and query in batches of 5-10
Self-Publishing (Indie)
Use this section to outline your indie publishing plan, from choosing platforms and formats to organizing editing, cover design, and upload timelines.
Self Publishing pros:
- Full creative control, faster timeline (trad can be 3+ years till release!), flexibility, etc.
For self publishing there are a few steps you need after the book is “finished”
- formatting, cover, character art, ISBN, copyright, paperback/hardback/ebook
- launch date, timeline, etc.
Hybrid Publishing
Hybrid options combine elements of traditional and indie publishing, often involving shared costs and responsibilities between author and publisher.
Be careful as there are a lot of hybrid companies out there who will attempt to scam. DO YOUR RESEARCH, DON’T JUST GIVE ANYONE MONEY!
Ask questions: rights and royalties, included services, long term goals, other people who have used their services.
Preparing Your Manuscript for Submission
Before you query your manuscript, make sure it is the best version you can present to the literary world. Yes traditional publishing has its own form of editing, but for this think content. In order to be a story agents want to pick up, your writing really needs to shine. Those first 10 pages, the query materials, etc.
Round out those revisions and take feedback seriously. You need true beta readers and editing prior to submitting at this step.
First draft -> revision drafts -> beta readers -> more edits -> potential professional edits -> query or self publishing steps
I highly recommend joining a writing group for help and guidance through the process! Great for questions and finding people who can assist with the process, be it editing or artwork.
After You Publish — Marketing & Building Your Audience
Regardless of which path you choose, you will need to promote your own book. I know, we hate to hear it. Would rather just write, right? Unfortunately whether it’s self-publishing or traditional you have to do your own marketing these days. Promote yourself!
Prepare for how you’ll connect with readers before, during, and after launch, focusing on sustainable, repeatable actions that fit your energy and schedule. Best to start 2+ months in advance, really ramping up your promotional
Build up a platform, plan launch activities vs long term marketing.
