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Writing and Publishing, Part 61:
A Checklist:
I have already pointed out that there are only two different kinds
of books that we can write. Those are exposition and fiction.
I will make this checklist with the assumption that the book will
be fiction. A check list for exposition would be slightly different.
I am also assuming that there is a decision to self publish the
book. Now, this is my list, the way I have learned do it. For
you, it can be a flexible framework to create your own list.
For me, in this process, a micro-cassette recorder is an essential tool. The thing is, once I start working on a book, it is in my mind constantly. I know enough about my own poor memory to realize that I must record ideas and bits of story as they come to me. I can transcribe them later, when I sit down to write.
Preliminary Issues:
The very first thing to do, once the decision to self publish
is made is to apply to R. R. Bowker for a block of International
Standard Book Numbers (ISBN). Bowker is the slowest of all the
bureaucratic machines in the publishing world. If you delay this,
you will not have the numbers when you need them.
To get your numbers, you should have a publishing company. That gives you a legal business identity. There are several things to do for that. Refer to W&P 20, 21, 22.
If you intend to market your books, you should apply for a state sales tax license in your state of residence. You should also be thinking about the how of marketing. You must think about publicists and distributors. You may also want to consider some kinds of unorthodox channels of marketing.
Creating the content:
As to organization I always create a directory with sub directories
on my data drive for the story. The master directory will be named
for the working title of the story. The sub directories will be
a standard set. Notes, text, people, places, things, concepts,
and graphics. Later I will create PDF, Postscript, PageMaker and
Cover directories.
The first step for writing any book is to make a one paragraph statement of the story to be told. I will put this in a document which will become my working outline. It will also serve as the basis for media release copy. This document will go into the notes directory.
I will have at least a rough idea of the theme at this point and I will also make a one paragraph statement of that.
In the same document, I will begin an outline of the story. This will be very rough at first. However, this document will expand as I go along to become a detailed structured outline. Most of the sections will also contain story segments. This document will eventually be many pages of notes and outline. It will become, in fact, a draft of the book. As I create the story, I will cut and paste large pieces of this into the actual sections or chapters.
The next step is to write a detailed description of each person in the story. I note their physical attributes, their habits, their speech patterns , and their idiosyncracies. The degree of detail depends on their importance in the story and on what I know at this time. These descriptions can be filled out as new details emerge. One point here is that there may be additional characters who show up later in this process. It is very important to know all of the characters well. The last thing I want is for a character to step out of character by accident. Any changes in behavior must be plausible and supported by story elements. We don't want Jekyll to turn into Hyde for no reason.
The next step is to completely describe all of the places, things, and any special concepts which control the story. This is a time for research. For me, a story is spoiled if it contains technically incorrect details. I am meticulous about accuracy in details. Any information gathered here should be recorded in the notes directory for later reference. In this step, I must consider what my reader may not know. If there is doubt, the description must be worked into the text of the story. In addition, I do not want to contradict myself. That could be deadly to a plot.
Now I can begin to write the first chapter, or the prologue if one is necessary to set the scene. After the first chapter, I may write the second chapter and a few more. The point is to bring most of the key characters into focus.
At this point, I must write the end of the story to know for sure where it is going. This may or may not be a detailed ending. I must simply have enough detail so that my characters know where they are going.
Now, I can go back and reread the front to make sure the beginning and end agree.
With a beginning and an end in place, I can now fill in the middle of the book to make a first draft.
Now is the time to invoke the page layout software. A preliminary layout of the book must be made for proofreading. This is where the trim size (the actual size) of the book must be decided. I tend to favor the 6 X 9 trim size for fiction. I do not know of a book manufacturer who does not support 6 X 9. Another things to decide is the page numbering scheme. This layout will also give us the approximate page count of the book.
With an approximate page count know, it is time to contact some book manufacturers for quotes. There are several things in specifying a book for quote. Refer to W&P 33.
Now, draft copies of the book can be printed for preliminary proof reading. At this point it is a good idea to get help. I usually print two copies, one for myself to proof and one for my wife. Sometimes I will also put upon a friend.
Quotes should come back very quickly. As soon as they do, it is possible to set a price for the book and get a bar code made.
This is also a good time to apply for a Library of Congress Catalog Number (LCCN).
While the proof reading is in progress, it is time to start thinking about the cover design. At this point I know enough about the story to draft a cover.
Once the preliminary proof corrections are made, a new copy of the book can be printed. This one is for a professional proof reader. This step will take some time depending on your professional's scheduling.
When the proofreading is complete the corrections can be made and the final layout undertaken.
This is also the time to complete the book's cover.
By now, the publication date should be set. This date can be several weeks after the books are to be delivered from the manufacturing. That leaves extra time for marketing issues.
If draft copies are to be sent to reviewers, they should be created and mailed now. Many reviewers require a three month lead time. This mailing requires creating a media release and proof copies of the cover.
Now some final decisions must be made. Who will manufacture the book? How many copies will be made?
Finally, the output files are created and the book is delivered to the manufacturer.
When the book is complete, a copyright registration must be applied for. Also, a copy of the book must go to the Library of Congress Catalog people.
The book should also be registered with R. R. Bowker's, "Books in Print."
After that, marketing may be attempted.
This concludes my series of essays on writing and publishing.
I welcome your comments. Next week I will take up something different.
Perhaps I will surprise you. Perhaps I will surprise myself.
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