How do I become a published Author?
How do I become a published author? In simple terms, you can answer this question in nine words: write a book and make it available for readers. Maybe we should dig a little deeper. After all, that is why you are reading this blog post, correct? So let’s get to the meat of the matter- how do I become a published author?
But as many as received Him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name…John 1:12
It’s God who gives us the power to become. As we follow God’s lead and write our story, God will give us the desire of our heart- a published book. As a writer, there are two different paths to consider: traditional or self-publishing. If you have been around authors as long as I have, you would know of a third option in the mix, a hybrid.
Until recently, I have not been open to the third option. But lately I have decided that I am going to pray over each book about how God wants me to wrap my book; self-publish, traditional, or hybrid. The important thing is to be in the center of God’s will, for that is the sweet spot. God knows where your book has the greatest potential. So that being said, as you write, there are a few things you need to consider prayerfully: how God wants you to present your message, wrap it, and deliver it.
Present Your Message
Of course, you can’t become a published author unless you have a book to publish. So the first thing you need to do is decide what kind of book God is leading you to write: a children’s book, an autobiography, an adventure novel, etc. Once you have decided, your genre, you will need to determine your message. If you are planning on writing a children’s book, you will need to decide how you want to present your story. Consider the pictures that present your story and the words. Are you going to create the illustrations? If so, what method: digital, watercolor, or coloring pencils?
At the beginning of your writing journey, you will wear two hats: writing and researching. For example, I am writing a children’s book. The medium I am using is watercoloring, so I am presently researching what a sky looks like at different times of the day to better articulate my story. Articulating your message or story is the most important step in your writing journey. Something to consider at this stage is what best fits your book: self-publishing or traditional publishing. This approach may help you when you form your message, for you will have a better idea of who the audience will be.
Wrap Your Message
Now that your book is written, you need to consider the three options I mentioned earlier. How does God want you to wrap your message? The covering that best fits your book. Where would your book have the greatest impact? No two books are the same. That is why I am seeking God now on how he wants me to proceed with each individual book. Self-publishing is awesome, but sometimes authors are overlooked, as there is much competition on Amazon. A traditional publisher might best suit your particular book. If that is the case, be diligent in your research on traditional publishing companies. Just like books, no two traditional publishers are alike. Read the fine print before you sign the contract. Just like a gift, so is your message to the world, so you want to be mindful of how God wants you to wrap it and wrap it well.
Deliver Your Message
Now that you have settled in your heart how you are going to present and wrap your message, you need to determine where and how to deliver your message. If you are using the self-publish option, you don’t have to be limited by online selling platforms. You could take matters into your own hands or, in this case, your book and visit local mom and pop stores to see if they would be interested in selling your book, sell it on your author site, or donate it to your local library. You could even buy some copies of your book at an author’s price and sell them outright. If you are working with a traditional publisher, they will handle the production, distribution, and marketing of your book.
By self-publishing, you have full control of your book and with that all the responsibilities that come with such as editing, design, and marketing, for which you can hire others to do for you. By working with a traditional publisher, you give up some of the control of your book, but in return, they take care of the production, distribution, and marketing. So as you consider how to become a published author, you also need to consider how to present your message, how to wrap it, and where and how to deliver it. You too can become a published author!
About the Author
EO Writes is the Author of A Case of Mistaken Identity, Penned with Purpose, Getting Unstuck, and Deep Calleth to Deep. You can reach her at https://www.eowrites.com to get to know her or sign up for her monthly newsletter, The Pen of a Ready Writer. If you are interested in learning how to create illustrations for your book, your website, or social media, check out her Payhip store: https://payhip.com/b/u6Bbr. She has been married for 27 years. When she is not writing, she and her husband enjoy traveling throughout the United States on their Harley.
“Never judge a book by its cover. What you find inside the pages might surprise you.”