Do you have an idea that you are yearning to turn into a book? The process of writing to publishing a book isn’t just about creativity. You will have to learn on the job and be willing to do so.
Now, book development covers a range of processes, people and skills needed in making and reading a book. Depending on what you are willing to put into the book development process, you may need more than just handwriting to text conversion, online assistance.
You will come to realise that every page you write, requires you to think.
Here’s what you need to know about the book development process:
1. Identify the End Goal
Before you put pen to paper, you need to answer the question, “why?” Have a vision as to the goal that your book will be contributing towards. The importance of doing this, early in the process is to keep you motivated and focused when writing the book feels more onerous than satisfying.
For some, it could be to position themselves as thought leaders in a specific field, or it could be for the good of your career or business. Your vision will steer you to the completion of the project, and that should be your aim.
2. Assessment of your Current Capabilities
You will need to utilise different skills, to get to the end of the book development process. You already have some that you possess, leverage them for the benefit of the book and yourself too. Identify the areas that you will need help.
Maybe you will need a service that will convert handwritten notes to text. Find out the services that you have in-house and those you need to pay for.
3. Know your Target
A product that succeeds in business is one that has an already existing market for it. The same principle applies to the book you are planning to write. Identify the target audience for your book.
Doing so will help you fulfil their needs even if you use a convert handwritten notes to text services. Also if you write a book for yourself, you may find other people interested in it, too. Let it guide you in the creation stage.
4. Build Relationships with Influencers
Promoting your book can be tough, and more so, if you wait until the last minute. Reach out to the people who already have a relationship with your target readership. Once the book is close to publication, don’t fail to inform them.
Allow these “key influencers” to spread the word about the book. Star by contacting those you already know and don’t be afraid to build new relationships with those you don’t know.
5. Choose the right Organization Format
It’s safe to assume that you have at least read one book that you kept turning one page to another, and didn’t want to let it go. Before writing a single word on the paper, you have to plan out the structure and scope of the content.
It is what distinguishes readable books from those that aren’t. Ensure that you are clear on what the reader wants, it’s not all about your needs.
Conclusion
Book development involves more than just writing the content. You need to set goals, identify the skills you have and what you need. Also, the structure of the material has a significant impact on how the book will be received.
