How to Make a Self-Published New Book

• 1). Write a basic outline of what you'd like to write about. If possible, type out an entire manuscript. Ghost writers are often available if you cannot do this. Many people choose non-fiction, as they'd like to write about an experience in their life, or perhaps their entire life. In Beaverton, this is called a Lasting Legacy Book (see "Resources").
  
  
• 2). Research the cost to publish your book by visiting a publishing calculation website like Good Book Publishing. Enter the word count of your manuscript, how many photos you will have, and how many pages you wish your book to have. Select extra services available through the self-publishing service, such as ghost writing, editing, proofreading and cover design. Listings and distribution services for your completed book are also sometimes available.
  
  
• 3). Download the contract found on the self-publishing website, fill it out and mail it in. Work with the project manager assigned to you via phone or email, and perfect your manuscript. Design your cover during these planning meetings as well.
  
  
• 4). Review the final proof sent to you before it goes to print. Note any changes you'd like to make, and send it back to the designer. Confirm the book is ready to go to print, and wait for your books to arrive in the mail. This customarily takes between eight and twelve weeks, but can be longer or shorter than this depending upon what you want to include.
  
  

How to Make New Books With a Traditional Publisher

• 1). Write your manuscript and locate a proofreader or editor to review it. You can find these through various writing service websites or on a simple classifieds site like Craigslist (see "References").
  
  
• 2). Print your manuscript and also burn it to a CD-ROM. Check with local publishers to see which format they prefer to receive, and package and mail according to their instructions. There are a few different publishing houses in Beaverton, and they all require different specifications for your manuscript to be reviewed.
  
  
• 3). Wait to hear from the publisher you mailed your document to. This could take months, as pitching a book to a publisher is a competitive endeavor. Make follow up calls or send emails as appropriate, but do not expect a response as many publishers are too busy to respond to each aspiring writer individually.
  
  
• 4). Receive an acceptance or decline from the publisher. If accepted, review the offer with an attorney or law student and then sign any contracts. Your book will be published and you will be ready to sell. If declined, see if any adjustments can be made for a resubmission. If not, then try a different publishing house or refer to a self-publisher.