The 6 Stages of Publishing a Book

When you get that book deal you’ve always dreamed of, here’s what you can expect. I talked to several authors and when I ask this question, the response is always different

STAGE ONE

Writing a book is like falling in love. It’s a wild, crazy rush as your story takes off. You think about it day and night. Creative juices flow. Endorphins charge through your blood. You’re riding the roller coaster hoping it’ll never, ever stop

STAGE TWO

Weeks go by. The initial excitement wears off a bit. You’ve discovered that Mr. Right has some flaws. You find yourself scrutinizing him. Is he really the one? Or did he just seem like a good idea at the time?

You remind yourself that books (and relationships) take work and that it’s worth seeing through. The excitement returns. You finish the book and send it to your editor.

STAGE THREE

You get a revision letter. You make the changes your editor suggests. You read the book a bunch of times before sending it back. You read it slowly to catch typos. You read it quickly to see the overall story arc. You read it one last time in case you missed anything. And then a horrible feeling creeps over you: Is my book just words on a page? Words with no meaning?

Then you slap yourself awake, realizing that this happens to you every single time you turn in a book.

STAGE FOUR

Fast forward—your book is published! Your readers love it. Some reviewers love it. Woohoo! You did it!

STAGE FIVE

Other reviewers don’t like it at all.

STAGE SIX

Your writer friends remind you, over a glass of wine, that you can’t please everyone. You feel better. Besides, you have an amazing new idea brewing…

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