What kind of team do you need to publish a book yourself?
Are you finished writing your book manuscript? Well, that's a silly question. Is an author ever "finished"? There comes a point when you say, "Okay, I have to put a team together to get this book published."
What kind of team do you need? Well, you can research a publishing company and find out what services they offer, and for how much. Do look at the fine print regarding what they do or do not cover, and be sure to ask questions.
For you who lean more toward self-publishing than toward going with a publishing company, here's what you need as part of your team, or what is highly recommended—7 Team Members, plus you:
You might want a Writing Coach or developmental Editor to help develop your story, plot, characters, and to encourage you and hold you to a production schedule. One such coach I'm connected with on LinkedIn is Lee Hornbrook. https://leehornbrook.com/
A Copy Editor: Once you've done your own editing and proofing, this editor focuses on grammar, consistency, punctuation, spelling, word choices, rephrasing or rewriting for better readibility, and fact checking. There are many on LinkedIn, such as A. E. Williams https://www.crazednovelist.com/
A Book Designer: A graphic design professional for interior formatting and cover design: These 2 services can be done by the same designer, or you can enlist a Formatter and a Cover Designer, independently. These team members design the many styles, giving the look and feel of the book, respective to your venue and reading audience. They prepare the print-ready files for print and/or ebook publishing. Erin and I are such Book Designers. Here at https://modernbookdesign.com
A Proofreader: This team member reads through the print-ready pdf to catch any errors before going to publication. A final "sanity check" means fewer mistakes. Again, LinkedIn has loads of Proofreaders, like Lynn Walker https://lgwproofreader.wixsite.com/mysite
An Uploader: This might be You; to upload the final prepared files to your choice of print and distribution platform. More often, the Book Designer who has the completed files will submit them for final publication.
Beta Readers: You might enlist a few people to read and comment on your "proof" copy or "ARC" ("Advanced Reader Copy"). Some of their comments can be included in your final book in the front pages before the copyright page for marketing purposes.
Marketing Person: This is a tough one. There are plenty of online articles, resources and tools to assist you with marketing. But, do you have time? If this is not something you wish to do, at least research some companies and try to get a recommendation. There are so many. I know an owner of one, but I'm not versed in the details of their service. Dar Dowling at Atlas Elite Publishing Partners.
There are many great individuals on LinkedIn in publishing services.
Best to you in forming your Publishing Team, getting Published, and Selling your awesome Books! Stay in touch!
-Debbi, book design and formatting, modernbookdesign.com
