“Does anyone have a book publishing checklist?<\/em>”<\/p>\n It’s a common question in author groups.<\/p>\n In the past, I might have recommended using Google to find one, but now I can recommend Andrea Schmidt<\/a>‘s new book, Almost Done Writing: Now What? A Guided Workbook for Self-Publishing Authors (Nonfiction)<\/a>.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Recognizing that new authors might be overwhelmed by the self-publishing process, Andrea uses words, design, and typography to quietly and gently guide them through the process.<\/p>\n In fact, Andrea’s “voice” is one of this book’s best features. She’s not your cheerleader; she’s your encourager, quietly touching your shoulder or nudging you to take a break when you start to feel overwhelmed.<\/p>\n [novashare_tweet tweet=”She’s not your cheerleader; she’s your encourager, quietly touching your shoulder or nudging you to take a break when you start to feel overwhelmed.” hide_hashtags=”true”]<\/p>\n It’s like having the nicest person you know sitting next to you as you take on a new challenge.<\/p>\n Almost Done Writing: Now What?<\/a><\/em><\/span> is a thin workbook that offers an overview of everything from cover design to front and back matter and launch teams.<\/p>\n “Overview” is the key word here, as this is not a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know to self-publish a nonfiction book.\u00a0Instead, it presents a high-level look at most topics covered, often giving them just a paragraph or two.<\/p>\n Along the way, Andrea\u00a0 leads you through exercises that will help you create a compelling cover and better understand your target audience, among other things.<\/p>\n And that’s as it should be, since this is a workbook rather than just a how-to book.<\/p>\n From my perspective, Andrea’s thought-provoking exercises are the best part of the book. In fact, the book title exercises alone are worth the price.<\/p>\n [novashare_tweet tweet=”From my perspective, Andrea’s thought-provoking exercises are the best part of the book.” hide_hashtags=”true”]<\/p>\n I also appreciate the various checklists, including those for the front and back book matter. (And oh-by-the-way, much of the content applies to fiction as well as nonfiction.)<\/p>\n Each exercise includes space for your answers or brainstorming. There are also plenty of lined pages for “notes” and, at the end, blank monthly calendars for planning and scheduling.<\/p>\n I’ll admit, though, that I was sometimes confused a couple of times about how Andrea organized the book’s content. More than once, I stopped and thought, “Why is this here, rather than there?<\/em>”<\/p>\n I think that shows that my brain approaches things differently. I mention it only so that if your brain works like mine, you won’t let it slow you down, because it shouldn’t.<\/p>\n And just a head’s up on word choice: Andrea uses the term “advance reviews” for endorsements, testimonials, and blurbs<\/a>. I think some authors will think “reader reviews” when they see “advance reviews” so I want to get ahead of any potential confusion now.<\/p>\n If you’re interested in this book, I recommend buying the printed version.<\/p>\n Completing the exercises and activities within the book, rather than in a separate notebook, will make it more useful for you. It will help to have that record in one package to refer to as you move through the publishing process.<\/p>\n Think of Almost Done Writing: Now What? A Guided Workbook for Self-Publishing Authors (Nonfiction)<\/a><\/em><\/span> as a friend leading you to the finish line. It will get you there.<\/p>\n Do you have a favorite book publishing or marketing book? Maybe I’ll review it here! Please tell us in a comment.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Take a deep breath<\/h2>\n
More workbook than how-to book<\/h2>\n
Highlights<\/h2>\n
Buy the print format<\/h2>\n
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