The Author's Companion: A Concise Guide To Writing And Publishing A Book

By Ranjan Mohapatra

The Author's Companion is a concise guide that has been designed to help authors at all stages of their writing journey. It originated as a resource for our publishing company's author base. Initially intended for internal use, we realised it had the potential to benefit the wider author community.

Unlike motivational books t

• Language: English
• Publisher: Books Mantra
• Release date: Jul 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9789356484863

Ranjan Mohapatra

Ranjan Mohapatra is a highly regarded figure in the publishing industry who is celebrated as the founder and CEO of Clever Fox Publishing, a prominent hybrid book publishing company which specialises in the publishing of Books and Journals. With an extensive career spanning over a decade, Ranjan has acquired invaluable expertise and knowledge across various aspects of the publishing landscape. From an educational standpoint, Ranjan holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a specialisation in Operations Management. Prior to establishing Clever Fox Publishing, he honed his skills by working with distinguished international publishers, gaining experience in diverse publishing domains.While initially not aspiring to be an author, Ranjan's deep understanding of the contemporary writing landscape prompted him to undertake the publication of "The Author's Companion". Recognising its significant potential to assist and guide aspiring authors in their literary pursuits, he embraced the role of writer and publisher for this invaluable resource. Ranjan's unwavering passion lies in empowering authors to bring their stories to life as he firmly believes that every individual possesses a unique tale to share. He remains dedicated to aiding authors in discovering the most effective means to convey their narratives to the world. Under Ranjan's astute leadership, Clever Fox Publishing has rapidly emerged as one of India's premier hybrid book publishing companies. With his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, Clever Fox Publishing continues to thrive, offering unparalleled support and opportunities for authors to realise their literary ambitions.

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The Author's Companion

A Concise Guide to Writing and Publishing a Book

Ranjan Mohapatra

Clever Fox Publishing

Copyright © 2023 RANJAN MOHAPATRA

This book has been published with all reasonable efforts taken to make the material error-free after the consent of the author.  No part of this book shall be used,  reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author,  except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.  The Content of this book shall not constitute or be construed or deemed to reflect the opinion or expression of the Publisher or Editor.  The Author, Publisher and Editor shall not be liable whatsoever for any errors or omissions,  whether such errors or omissions result from negligence,  accident or any  other cause or claims for loss or damages of any kind, including without limitation,  indirect or consequential loss or damage arising out of use,  inability to use or about the reliability,  accuracy or sufficiency of the information contained in this book.

ISBN: 9789356484863

Website: https://bookwritingmastery.com/

Dedication

To all budding and experienced authors,

This book is dedicated to you.

To the dreamers who dare to put pen to paper, and to the storytellers who weave magic through their words, this dedication is a heartfelt tribute to your unwavering commitment to the art of writing. Whether you are just starting out on your literary journey or have already made your mark upon the literary world, this dedication serves as a testament to your passion, creativity, and enduring love for storytelling.

For the budding authors who have yet to unleash their stories upon the world, may this dedication be a beacon of encouragement and inspiration. Embrace the blank pages with enthusiasm, for within them lies the power to create worlds, touch hearts, and ignite imaginations. Let your words flow freely, guided by the spark of your unique voice. Your stories are waiting to be heard, and the literary landscape eagerly awaits your contributions.

To the experienced authors who have honed their craft and nurtured their talents over time, this dedication honors the depth of your knowledge and the richness of your literary legacy. Your stories have transported readers to distant realms, challenged their perspectives, and stirred their emotions. Your dedication to the written word has paved the way for countless aspiring authors and enriched the literary tapestry with your distinctive voices.

To all budding and experienced authors, united by a shared love for the written word, this dedication is a tribute to your creative spirits, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Your words have the power to ignite minds, evoke empathy, and leave lasting impressions. May this book serve as a reminder of the profound impact that authors have on the world, and may it inspire you to continue crafting stories that transcend boundaries and captivate the hearts of readers.

With heartfelt appreciation and admiration,

– Ranjan Mohapatra

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Foreword

Introduction: Unleashing Your Authorial Journey

Overview of the Publishing Industry

Introduction to Book Writing

Exploring the World of Books: Fiction vs.

Non-Fiction

Book Title Selection, SEO and Keywords

The Importance of ISBN and Copyright in Book Publishing

Exploring Book Formats: From Print to eBooks and Audiobooks

Mastering Book Cover Design

Types of Editing and Book Summary

Interior Design of Your Book, Author Proofs and Author Corrections

Deciding MRP, Factors Affecting MRP, Decreasing the Print Cost and Earning Profit

E-Commerce Listing

Author Self-Care

Writing Bootcamp

A Journey Concluded

Acknowledgement

About The Author

Foreword

Writing books has slowly and steadily gone from being a profession of passion to one of the business

opportunities—from telling meaningful stories in artful ways to just another way of making money. In my years as a Literary Agent, I have invariably been asked about the options available for getting one's works published, and subsequently, getting these to the ultimate readers. Many have expressed a lack of knowledge and understanding of this sector, or have

maintained false, outdated or misguided notions based on hearsay and anecdotal incidents. This book, thus, arrives at an opportune time, as a handy guide on writing and publishing books in today's day and age—and preparing them to be bestsellers, or the next best thing.

While a lot of writers have the innate talent of spinning tales and making them interesting for readers, there are many who have deliberately honed and nurtured the skill of creative writing on their own accord, and gone on to become successful published authors. In the last decade, a lot more people have begun to write stories with the intent of getting their works published. This venture from Clever Fox Publishing also provides an accessible medium for those looking to sharpen their writing skills and gain a better understanding of the contemporary publishing world that awaits them.

Most publishing in India has been done in either Indian languages or English. However, many budding writers are looking to publish unique works now. This encompasses a variety of styles and formats, such as eBooks and audio-literature, which would have been unimaginable a few decades ago. Both the young and the old are spoilt for choice in this regard, with thousands of stories to pick from. Those who are not inclined towards books, can even consume them through visual mediums, as more and more books get adapted to screens.

The Author's companion: A Concise Guide to Writing and Publishing a Book, covers everything one needs to know about writing, publishing and getting one's book out there. It provides insights into processes which were hereunto opaque, and allows writers to be well-prepared before they embark on this journey. This will undoubtedly be of great assistance to many, as it provides a better understanding of the publishing industry and explores how technology and the digital medium have impacted book production and distribution.

Lalitha Ravindran

First Forays Literary Agency

1st July 2023

Introduction: Unleashing Your Authorial Journey

Congratulations! You've embarked on a remarkable journey by deciding to write a book. Whether you're an aspiring novelist with a story burning within you or a non-fiction aficionado eager to share your knowledge and experiences, this book is your invaluable companion to help you navigate the intricate world of book publishing.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into every facet of the publishing industry, equipping you with the essential knowledge and tools needed to transform your manuscript into a published work. From the inception of your idea to the final stages of distribution, we will explore each step, offering practical insights and expert advice to ensure your success.

Chapter 1 serves as your launching pad, providing you with an introduction to the art of book writing. We'll uncover techniques and strategies to overcome common obstacles that hinder your creative process, empowering you to unleash your true potential as an author. Conquer self-doubt, overcome writer's block and harness the power of your imagination.

Chapter 2 provides a comprehensive introduction to book writing, covering genre exploration, target audience identification, goal setting, pre-writing preparations, and techniques for effective storytelling and self-editing.

In Chapter 3, we venture into the captivating world of books, exploring the distinct realms of fiction and non-fiction. Whether you're crafting an epic tale of adventure or offering a compelling analysis of the world around us, this chapter will guide you in selecting the right genre and approach for your book, ensuring it resonates with your intended audience.

Book titles hold incredible power, and in Chapter 4, we'll unlock the secrets to selecting a captivating title that captures the essence of your work. Furthermore, we'll delve into the realm of search engine optimization (SEO) and keywords, enabling you to craft a title that not only entices readers but also enhances your book's discoverability in the vast online marketplace.

Chapter 5 explores the fundamental elements of book publishing—the importance of securing an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and safeguarding your creative work through copyright. We'll demystify these crucial aspects, ensuring that you have a solid foundation to protect and market your book.

As technology continues to shape the publishing landscape, Chapter 6 delves into the various book formats available to authors today. From the timeless allure of print to the expanding realms of eBooks and audiobooks, we'll explore the pros and cons of each format, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions for your book's distribution.

Captivating readers starts with a compelling book cover, and Chapter 7 delves into the art of mastering book cover design. We'll unravel the secrets of visual storytelling, guiding you in creating a cover that entices readers and reflects the essence of your work, ensuring it stands out amidst crowded shelves.

Chapter 8 sheds light on the different types of editing and emphasizes the significance of a concise and engaging book summary. We'll navigate the intricate world of professional editing services and provide insights on crafting an enticing book summary that captures the essence of your story, leaving readers hungry for more.

In Chapter 9, we turn our attention to the interior design of your book, author proofs, and the crucial process of author corrections. We'll uncover the elements that make a well-designed book, ensuring a seamless reading experience for your audience and empowering you to deliver a polished final product.

Once your book is ready for the world, Chapter 10 provides essential guidance on setting the right maximum retail price (MRP), factors influencing pricing, and strategies to decrease printing costs while maximizing your profits. Let's navigate the business side of publishing and ensure that your work is both artistically fulfilling and commercially viable.

Finally, Chapter 11 uncovers the vast realm of e-commerce listing platforms, from industry giants like Amazon and Kindle to Flipkart, INGRAM, OverDrive, and Kobo. We'll guide you in understanding the intricacies of each platform, enabling you to navigate the digital world.

Chapter 12 emphasizes author self-care, offering strategies to maintain balance throughout the writing process. It highlights setting boundaries, prioritizing physical and mental well-being, and cultivating resilience. By practicing self-care, authors can enhance their creativity and enjoy a fulfilling writing journey.

In Chapter 13, the Writing Bootcamp takes center stage, offering a range of exercises and challenges to enhance your writing skills. The Daily Planner helps you establish a writing routine and set achievable goals. Fuel Your Fiction: 15-Day Word Association Challenge sparks your creativity, while Spark Your Fiction: 15-Day Prompts Challenge prompts you to explore different genres and narrative techniques. Character Development activities delve into the depths of your characters, and the Plot Outlining Activity aids in crafting well-structured stories. This chapter provides a comprehensive bootcamp experience to elevate both fiction and non-fiction writing.

Overview of the Publishing Industry

The current era is of a fast-paced nature with a significant emphasis on instant gratification, easy access to visual entertainment and the rapid growth of social media content. It would only be natural to assume that the reading habit of the human population is on a decline. However, it comes as a surprising truth that there is, indeed, an overwhelming market for books in current times. Despite the widespread popularity of television, cinema and OTT platforms, the publishing industry is booming and flourishing.

I.  Definition and