Publisher’s Blog
A page of interest to independent writers and publishers.
I’ve shared my one-page inspiration to publication process with some of you. I include it here if you’re interested. This has served me well for over a dozen published titles:
One-Page Condensed Inspiration-to-Publication Writing Process
My objective: 8-12 months total elapsed time (your mileage may vary)
© 2022 GK Jurrens
- Start with a vague but intriguing story idea (a sentence or two—no more)
- Amass a draft list of “what-if” questions (dozens) around the story idea
- Light research of story’s period/genre (essential) & whether over- or under-served (optional)
- List photo/bullets of major characters (a few majors) & settings (one to a few dozen)
- Considering #1-4 above, draft a tight premise (2-3 paragraphs, <200 words)
- Solicit comments on the premise from beta (early pre-pub) readers. Interesting? Viable?
- If so, list the story’s “big moments” (a few dozen) based on “what-if” questions in #2 above
- More research & draft a complete hook-to-wrap-up story summary (2-10 pages)
- Does this story still have “good bones?” If so, commit to it.
- Choose an appropriate story structure for the genre and fit big moments into “beats”
- Create your character bible. Interview & add characters, jotting down detailed observations of who they are, their role, goals/conflicts (internal, external) and relationships with other characters—1-2 pages for each character. Use as a reference while you write.
- Sequence early scenes with meaningful titles from chosen beat structure (e.g., “sleuth’s journey” for mysteries) into a 3 act structure (ramp up, action, ramp down)
- Integrate big moments & story summary into that beat-driven 3-act structure
- Flesh out setting and scene lists within structure (title scene with a meaningful phrase)
- Write scenes (pages each) using prose created while interviewing characters (cut ’n paste prose from character bible), listing (describing) settings, and add scenes if inspired to do so (make them sensory and essential to the story)
- Arrange scenes (shuffle) & consolidate into chapters (target 500-2000-word chapters)
- Eliminate plot holes & assure timeline continuity (consider using diagrams for reference)
- Ensure each chapter starts with a bang and ends with a cliffhanger, and prose in between rushes the story forward. Choose catchy/meaningful title.
- Run manuscript (MS) through editing software to check for grammar, diction, overused words, good sentence length (<30 words each, varied in length)…
- Let MS (manuscript) “marinate” 1-4 weeks. Read/re-edit (flow & interest). Delete boring parts.
- Check again for plot holes, timeline continuity and flow (final draft). Enhance soft spots.
- Format interior. Commit to book’s title. Design cover. Add front and back matter while your beta readers (brutally honest friends, other writers) read/comment on final draft of MS
- Incorporate good constructive criticism into MS. Ignore the bad. Read like your ideal reader
- Use your tight premise as the description for book’s sales pages, ISBN assignment, categories & keywords for channels and/or distributors/aggregators….
- Upload formatted interior MS file (ePub?) and cover file (jpg or PDF?) in required file types
- Set up pre-order with at least a few major sales channels (optional), Need a completion date.
- Execute your book launch plan (sell yourself, sell the book, amass reviews)
- Upload & order a printed “proof copy.” Read like a pro editor, make updates (content, format).
- Choose your channels/distributors & publish the darn thing, already! Rake in the royalties.
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