Beyond the Manuscript

David Adabale
Jul 1
3 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

For many first-time authors, finishing a manuscript feels like crossing the finish line. Months, sometimes years of energy, ideas, and emotion finally shaped into pages that tell your story or share your message.

Stack of aged documents tied with a ribbon. The folders are labeled in Spanish and have a vintage, golden hue, creating a nostalgic mood.

Whether you’re navigating how to self-publish a book, exploring self-publishing for beginners, or wondering what the book publishing process actually looks like, this post is here to help you think beyond the draft and into the possibilities.

Why Publishing Is Only the Beginning

Publishing a book doesn’t just put your name on a cover. It positions you.

It tells the world what you believe, what you stand for, and how you think. For coaches, consultants, entrepreneurs, creatives, and first-time authors, a published book becomes more than a project. It becomes a platform.

What Happens Beyond the Manuscript?

Here are the key next steps many authors don’t expect, but should prepare for.

1. Choosing the Right Publishing Path

One of the first decisions you’ll face is how to publish your book. Should you do it yourself? Hire a professional team? Partner with one of the self-publishing companies out there?

A few beginner-friendly paths include:

DIY publishing via Amazon KDP (great for those learning how to publish a book on Amazon)
Working with a hybrid self-publishing company that offers editing, design, and marketing support
Outsourcing key parts of the process, like formatting, cover design, or book marketing

2. Understanding the Cost to Self-Publish a Book

Budget is often one of the first concerns for new authors. The cost to self-publish a book can vary widely, from under $500 for a bare-bones DIY route to several thousand dollars for a polished, professionally supported experience.

Think of these as investments, not expenses. The quality of your book has a direct impact on how it’s received, and whether readers share it, review it, or take action after reading.

3. Deciding Where to Publish

Many authors start by researching the best self-publishing platforms. Amazon is the most popular, but it’s not the only option.

Other platforms to consider:

IngramSpark for wider distribution to libraries and bookstores
Draft2Digital for seamless ebook publishing
BookBaby for done-for-you services

Each platform has pros and cons and learning curves. Assess which best aligns with your goals, audience, and publishing timeline.

4. Building Your Author Brand and Visibility

Beyond publishing logistics, your book also helps shape your brand.

This is where many authors ask, “How do I market a self-published book?”

A few strategies include:

Launching with a small but engaged audience
Using your book as a lead magnet or conversion tool
Creating a content strategy based on your book’s chapters or key themes

How Is Your Book Ready? Supports Authors Beyond the Manuscript

At Is Your Book Ready?, we walk alongside authors from draft to publication and beyond.

We’ve supported first-time authors who started with a rough draft in Google Docs and helped them develop professional, market-ready books. From editing and design to strategy and launch planning, we believe in creating publishing experiences that feel empowering, not confusing.

One of our recent clients came to us unsure of where to begin. She had a story to tell but no clear path forward. Together, we mapped out her publishing plan, clarified her audience, designed a standout cover, and launched her book on Amazon. Within weeks, she had not only sold copies but also gained speaking invitations and coaching inquiries, all because her book positioned her with clarity and credibility.

That’s the power of thinking beyond the manuscript.