Successful publishing, one step at a time

The basic steps in producing a successful book are planning, writing, designing, printing and binding, selling. With the exception of printing and binding you, the physician author, need to be involved in all of these steps.

Planning your book is the first and most important step. Your publishing consultant may be able to organize your plan for your book and turn it into an effective outline, but the plan should originate with you because you are the author, creator, and publisher of this work. We have prepared some tips for you to use in developing a good plan for your book.

Writing is also your primary responsibility, although you can delegate editing, rewriting, or even the whole book to qualified professionals. Regardless of your experience in writing, be sure to have at least one professional editor carefully review the words. Just a few errors caught and corrected can rescue your book.

Designing the cover and inside pages should be done by a book designer or a person with book design skills. You provide input and make sure the look-and-feel of the book are "right" for you. General comments about what you expect will be appreciated, but try not to put your cover designer in a corner with specific design requests. Suggestions and ideas are always welcome, or should be.

Printing and binding is definitely something to leave to the experts. However, there's nothing wrong with asking your publishing consultant about "heavier paper" or the additional cost of hard cover binding, embossing or die-cutting on the cover, and other effects you've seen on books you especially liked.

Selling your book is important. Even if you are able to engage an experienced literary agent to represent you, promoting and selling your book is your responsibility. Your book "is" you, and you are the best person to let people know about it.