- Read out loud everything you write.
- When you think your manuscript is done, keep working six more months.
- When you think your manuscript is done a second time, keep working six more months.
- When you think you are ready the third time, edit 10 pages a day. The next day, review the prior day’s edits with fresh eyes. Edit 10 more pages.
- Editing can be fun.
- Writing and editing are two different skills.
- Read the work of others while you write and edit. The best writers read.
- Creative writing and writing promotional copy are two different skills.
- Get signed releases for photographs (both author photos and cover photos).
- You CAN tell a book by its cover (use a professional cover designer).
- A year before you publish, create your own author website and blog (see WordPress.com).
- Build your social network (see Facebook, Goodreads, Google+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Tumblr, Twitter, YouTube).
- Give away your writing with free excerpts.
- Don’t start promoting your book until you know it’s available (buy copies to check online availability).
- If you don’t market your book, no one else will.
- Vist local independent book stores to let them know about your book.
- Once published, readers own your book (embrace the feedback!).
- Start writing something new.
- Use what you’ve learned to live creatively (see Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Gilbert).
- Relax, and live with the fact that what you have created will remain lovingly imperfect!
Note: Please add your comments.