Behind the Scenes: The 6 Stages of Publishing Your Book
For many writers, completing a manuscript feels like crossing the finish line. In reality, it’s the start of a new journey: publishing. Turning a draft into a polished, printed, and widely available book is a complex process that can easily overwhelm first-time authors.
Whether you’re pursuing traditional representation, delving into independent book publishing, or curious about the general process, learning what happens behind the scenes can teach you how authors prepare, avoid common mistakes, and ultimately bring your books to life.
Here, we’ll break down the major stages, from editing to post-launch and everything in between, so you’ll know how it’s done and what to expect.
Stage 1: Developmental and Copy Editing
While editing is always an initial step, there are several layers to this process and different types of editing involved. Developmental editing deals with structure, flow, and storytelling elements, for example.
For a novel, this could mean plot adjustments, restructuring character arcs, or cutting scenes that don’t seem to fit. In non-fiction, developmental editing typically focuses on clarity, accuracy, and a logical flow of information.
Line edits are sometimes beneficial for manuscripts that require fine-tuning of voice, pacing, and readability at a more granular level. This step is often overlooked, but it can be useful for first-time authors to keep in mind.
Manuscripts then move to copy editing after developmental edits, where grammar, syntax, punctuation, and consistency are polished. Copy editors also ensure alignment with relevant style guides and fact-check where necessary.
Even the most experienced authors lean on copy editing professionals for a second set of eyes, as it’s rare for any author to spot all of their errors alone.
Writer Pro Tip: Budget properly for professional editing, even if you’re publishing independently. This is an investment that always pays off and provides peace of mind.
Stage 2: Design and Formatting
After settling on text, design becomes the next focal point.
Unfortunately, in the publishing world, the saying “never judge a book by its cover” rarely rings true. People typically judge books by their covers, whether it’s intentional or not.
A professional, appealing design is critical for drawing readers in, so first impressions matter.
Interior book design and formatting are equally important. For print, this means carefully choosing fonts, sizes, margins, and chapter layouts.
For digital editions, the goal is to achieve consistency and compatibility across major platforms like Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, and others.
This portion is all about the look of the written word. Details like spacing, image placement, and line breaks all influence the reader’s experience.
Finally, don’t overlook accessibility. Consider making large-print editions available, as well as ensuring that eBook font sizes can be adjusted. These are inclusive and essential steps that can broaden the scope of your potential readers.
Writer Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with the visual conventions of your genre. For example, romance novels have an identifiable aesthetic—warm color palettes, soft typography, and intimate close-up cover imagery that depicts passion or strong emotions.
Stage 3: Production and Proofs
The book moves into production after the editing and design phases are complete.
For printed books, this stage includes finalizing files with printers or on-demand platforms. A “proof copy” is essentially a test version of the book designed to present how the book's elements appear in person, including colors, binding, and paper quality. It allows you a chance to physically experience your book from the perspective of a potential reader and hold a physical copy in your hand.
Not planning to release your book via print? Digital books also require proofing. Formatting for eBooks must be checked across different apps and devices to ensure all text and additional elements appear as intended.
Writer Pro Tip: Always review a proof copy before approving a final publication. Errors missed at this point may lead to embarrassment and additional expenses later.
Stage 4: Distribution Channels
Once a book is finalized, authors have several distribution options:
- Online platforms (Amazon KDP)
- Wide distribution via independent publishing platforms
- Direct sales through website or in-person events
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and similar online platforms dominate eBook and print-on-demand sales, while other wide distribution options allow your book to reach libraries and bookstores. Direct sales yield higher royalties and more personal connections with readers.
Pay close attention to ISBNs, categories, and keywords. This metadata determines how your book is categorized and discovered, and many new authors make the mistake of neglecting it.
It’s also worth mentioning that audiobooks are one of the fastest-growing segments in publishing. Many authors decide to outsource or record their own narration as a part of their publishing strategy to widen their audience.
Writer Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with distribution channels and metadata like ISBNs to ensure control over identifiers rather than having them auto-assigned. This provides better long-term flexibility.
Stage 5: Marketing and Publicity
At a more basic level, marketing should be a consideration long before this step. This is where it gets put into action. But building anticipation and a plan leading up to this point is critical.
Gathering reviews in advance, assembling a launch team, or using social media channels are all effective methods for sharing behind-the-scenes updates or teasers.
Identify where your target audience spends their time (online and in the real world) and focus your marketing efforts there. This could include local bookstore events, podcast interviews, social media platforms, or virtual Q&As.
Savvy anticipation-building marketing efforts can yield excellent release day sales.
Writer Pro Tip: Many authors begin drafting a marketing plan at least three months in advance. The smallest steps can snowball into increased visibility.
Stage 6: Launch and Post-Launch
Launch is just the start of the next phase: post-launch.
During launch week, authors offer limited-time discounts, craft social media campaigns, giveaways, or hold events to boost book visibility and gain readers.
While these strategies are generally effective, sustaining interest can be challenging, and this phase is critical.
To maintain momentum, focus on active marketing efforts, building a steady review stream, and remaining cognizant of connecting with your readers in any way possible. Using one release to build and carry momentum into the next is also an effective and commonly used tactic.
Careers are seldom built on one release, so it’s better to view it as a long game.
Writer Pro Tip: Engaging with your readers can make them feel like part of the journey and sustain momentum.
It’s a Journey, Not a Sprint
Publishing a book is a journey that’s filled with distinct, demanding stages. Begin with developmental editing, choose a cover design, and then consider distribution and marketing. Each step contributes not only to shaping a product throughout the process, but also to creating an overall experience that your readers will value long-term.
Understanding what happens behind the scenes, all the work involved, and the resources you have at your disposal can be exceptionally beneficial by helping you avoid common pitfalls and missteps along the way.
Additionally, it can help you gain confidence if you’re a first-time author, knowing you’re less likely to be caught off guard in your publication endeavor.
Remember, publishing doesn’t have to be a solitary process. Building relationships with editors, designers, fellow authors, and even readers can make each stage more manageable.
A Final Word From Brit: Keep in mind that I can guide you through all 6 stages. Grab tips from our free Resource Library or explore my editing and coaching services to help publish your book faster (and easier).
Guest Blogger Bio
Tiffany Young is a freelance writer, content strategist, and former graduate assistant. She writes about the latest developments in teaching, public policy, standardized testing, and educational technology.
Interested in writing a GUEST POST? Learn more about submitting to us: https://bewrit.com/write-for-us/.
