5 Essential Steps to Publishing Your First Book and Mastering the Author’s Journey

Written by Ewa J. Kleczyk, PhD, Bestseller Author

Dr. Ewa J. Kleczyk is a nationally recognized, award-winning healthcare research executive, author of Empowered Leadership: Breaking Barriers, Building Impact, and Leaving a Legacy, and Editor-in-Chief of UJWEL. She is a frequent speaker, board leader, and advocate for healthcare innovation and community empowerment.

Launching a book is a pivotal moment. The path from writer to published author is an exhilarating experience, but it’s also a rapid learning curve. While it's a great adventure, first-time authors must be prepared for more than just edits, expect the need for pivoting, tackling unexpected challenges, and managing a sudden, overwhelming influx of contacts from every direction.

What is a publishing partnership?

At its core, traditional book publishing is a partnership. An author, possessing a finished manuscript and a unique voice, teams up with a publisher, who provides the professional infrastructure, editing, design, production, and distribution, to bring that book to a global audience. Understanding the nature of this collaboration is the first crucial step to securing a deal that truly aligns with your goals.

Choosing the right publisher: Prioritizing partnership over paycheck

The reality is that while securing an advance (an upfront payment against future royalties) is a standard practice among major trade publishers, it is often modest for first-time authors. For specialized non-fiction, like business guides or academic works, advances may be smaller or sometimes not offered at all by niche or academic presses.

Therefore, the biggest mistake you can make is focusing solely on the potential upfront check. A large advance is worthless if the publisher isn't the right fit for your book, your genre, or your career goals. When evaluating potential partners, you must look past the brand name and consider the long-term investment they are making in you and your book:

• Genre specialization: Does the publisher have a successful history of publishing books similar to yours? A publisher specializing in literary fiction might not be the best fit for a guide focused on empowered leadership.

• Editor-author fit: Your editor will be your champion. Before signing, have an in-depth conversation with the editor you will be working with. Do they understand your vision for the book? Do your personalities mesh?

• Reputation and reach: Investigate their distribution network. Do they have strong relationships with major retailers (online and brick-and-mortar) in your key markets?
  

The great divide: Author vs. publisher responsibilities

Clarity on who does what is vital for a smooth process. While every contract is unique, the division of labor generally breaks down as follows:

Who owns the book? Navigating copyright and retained rights

This is often the most confusing and challenging part of a publishing contract. When you sign a deal, you are typically licensing your rights to the publisher for a specific period and territory. You, the author, always retain the copyright to the underlying work (your words and ideas), but the publisher controls the right to publish it in specific formats.

For first-time writers, a key decision is whether to pursue a traditional deal or a model where you retain more control. For example, some authors opt for a hybrid publishing arrangement where they maintain full control over their copyright and subsidiary rights (such as film and foreign language rights). While this usually involves an upfront investment, it grants higher royalty percentages and, crucially, retains the ultimate decision-making power over the book’s future.

From manuscript to market: Launch strategy and PR support

No matter how good your book is, it needs a strategy to break through the noise. A quality publisher should always provide a detailed launch plan and public relations (PR) support.

• Launch strategy: This should be a concrete document detailing the timeline (often 3-6 months leading up to publication), target audience, key retail placement, and budget allocation. Insist on seeing this plan well in advance.

• Public relations (PR): The publisher’s PR team is responsible for securing media mentions. This includes sending Advance Reader Copies (ARCs), distributing a professional press release, and pitching you for interviews.
  

As the book approaches its launch, you will experience the sudden shift in your professional life. This influx of attention, from interview requests to speaking opportunities and new business prospects, is a sign the PR machine is working. It can be overwhelming, but it is an exciting part of the launch that signals your expert status.

Make the choice that’s right for you

The path to publication is intensely personal. As you vet publishers, negotiate your contract, and prepare for your book launch, remember the most important advice, evaluate carefully, think about what you need, and choose for yourself. Your book is your intellectual property, ensure your publishing partner is aligned with your long-term vision.

Are you ready to turn your manuscript into a physical book? Explore reputable resources on the hybrid publishing model to see if retaining your full rights is the best route for you.

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Read more from Ewa J. Kleczyk, PhD

Ewa J. Kleczyk, PhD, Bestseller Author

Dr. Ewa J. Kleczyk is a leader in healthcare research, leadership, and community impact. With over two decades of experience, she has transformed healthcare innovation and data-driven strategies while championing education and equity. She has dedicated her career to empowering leaders, advancing women in healthcare, and helping organizations create lasting impact. She is the author of Empowered Leadership: Breaking Barriers, Building Impact, and Leaving a Legacy and Editor-in-Chief of UJWEL. Her mission, break barriers, build impact, leave a legacy.