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Writers Resources

Independent Publishing Checklist for Manuscript Preparation

  • Please review these formatting instructions before submitting your manuscript.
  • After you've completed your manuscript, have it thoroughly read by several people and get their important feedback. Construct a list of questions and directions for your readers to follow and answer as they read. Direct the readers to be honest and forthright in their feedback. Ask them to identify any areas of confusion, missing words, typos, etc. This is a great tool to ensure that your market understands your message. And don't be "thin-skinned" and let the feedback hurt your feelings or discourage you. Reader input is extremely valuable and can save you from producing a less-than-successful book.
  • A final professional proofread of your manuscript from Bethany Press Custom Solutions is available for purchase. This important step helps safeguard the editorial accuracy of your book.
  • Have you applied for your manuscript's literary works copyright?
  • Have you purchased your book's ISBN (International Standard Book Number)? We recommend that you purchase the cost-effective pack of 10.
  • It's never too early to start promoting your book. Get your name secured as a web domain i.e., www.johndoe.com, and read books on how to market yourself and your book.
  • Do your own research. Go to bookstores or go online and look at book covers and interior designs. Collect these design samples and give them to the designer for reference. Consider all the design elements your book may need, i.e., charts, photos, graphic design symbols, special features, etc. Remember, the more design elements used throughout your book, the more designer time you will need to construct the cover art files.
  • Learn about the different cover treatments available from Bethany Press and compare costs.
  • Learn the lingo. Read through our glossary of printing and publishing terms or read a book of printing vocabulary and definitions.
  • Bethany Press Custom Solutions offers excellent cover and interior text design services. If however, you choose to use your own designer, make sure they completely and accurately design your book according to the printing company's cover layout/design template and design specifications before you submit the files for print production.
  • Quantity of books to print with Bethany Press Custom Solutions: minimum of 1,000.
  • Time your book publishing and printing plan so that your shipping date does not make you rush. Give yourself plenty of time to develop and produce an excellent book-especially if you are self-publishing for the first time.
  • Raise the funds to support your publishing dream.
  • Attend writer's conferences to improve your writing skills and network.

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