Start with a finished, edited manuscript
Publishing before the book is ready is the most common regret we hear. Finish your draft, let it rest for a week, and then book an editorial pass. Even strong writers miss repeated words, pacing dips and plot gaps in their own work.
Choose your editing level
A developmental edit looks at structure and story. A copy edit fixes grammar, style and consistency. A proofread is the last polish before print. Most first books benefit from at least a copy edit and a proofread.
Design a cover and interior that match your genre
Readers judge by the cover in under three seconds. Study the top ten books in your category and make sure your cover signals the same genre, then format the interior so it reads cleanly in both ebook and print.
Pick your platforms and set your price
Amazon KDP reaches the largest audience, and wide distribution adds bookstores and libraries. Price within your genre norms, and remember that print costs set your minimum paperback price.
Plan the launch before you publish
Line up early readers, write a strong description, choose seven keywords and two categories, and schedule your first promotions. A launch with a plan beats a launch with hope.