There's a lot here. Don't be put off - we just want to make sure that you have a ready reference for all the details that can go into publishing. We're here to guide you through this every step of the way, to make sure that you use only those services you need, and that the results are everything you are dreaming of!

Steps in the Publishing Process:

1stWorld Publishing’s professional editors will discuss your book concept with you to determine its potential. This is an honest evaluation and is based entirely on what you hope to accomplish by writing and publishing your book. There is a difference between writing a book for posterity, as support for a personal/career goal or an organization's goals, or writing a book to be on the New York Times Best Sellers List.

The big difference between having this discussion with 1stWorld Publishing, and having the same conversation with a traditional publisher, is that we are not going to be judging your concept on our ability to market and sell it.  We know how difficult it is to market and sell a new book, especially one that is original. We will candidly share this 'hard to hear" knowledge with you. The ultimate success of your book depends on your efforts to "get the word out."  We make that very clear when you decide to use our services. But we don't leave it all up to you.We provide professionally-lead seminars and workshops on every phase of book development, including book promotion.

However, we also know that most of what is new and wonderful is missed when it's seen by the professionals who "know" what's selling, or know what they can sell. Here's a list of just a few books the world would never have seen had the authors listened to the pros: Hunt for Red October, Jonathan Livingston Seagull, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. While our major objective is to help you realize your goal of seeing your book in print, we also believe we will inevitably discover more of these wonderful books - books which may have been turned down by the first few (or more than a few) publishers approached.

1stWorld Publishing employs professional writers who are ready to work with you on your manuscript. Ghostwriting works best if your book is autobiographical or related directly to your work and the lessons and experiences you wish to share.  Coauthoring is also ideal for fiction writing when you have the story well in mind but do not believe you have the skill to write the book. Our writers can help you regardless of your situation.

"How much will it cost me?"

This is almost always the first question we are asked. The complete answer is not a simple one. This is why we have the Manuscript Evaluation step in the process. Every book is different; therefore, there is no way we can provide an accurate quote at the beginning of the process.

The total cost will depend on a number of factors, including: the condition of your manuscript (how much editing it needs), any special treatments (graphics, page size, type of paper), the number of pages, and more. We cover all of this in the Manuscript Evaluation. When this is finished, you will have a very good idea what the total cost will be. We are determined to set your expectations right, so that you will not be surprised as the process evolves.  

See an example of Pricing.

1stWorld Publishing offers workshops in manuscript preparation to assist you in writing the first draft of your book.  We have general writing workshops as well as those specifically geared to the type of book you are writing: historical, business, self-help, mystery, science-fiction, adventure, romance, children’s, whatever your genre might be.An author published in the genre teaches each workshop.

Coming up with the right title for your book is an important step in the process. Your title will directly impact your book's market and shelf appeal. If you are comfortable handling this step yourself, we encourage you to take it on. If you would like our assistance, we have the creative staff available to assure the title you choose is the right one. Choose a "working title" to begin with; the title can, and often does, evolve with the manuscript.

Once your manuscript’s first draft is completed, you will need a professional editor. 1stWorld Publishing will assist you in choosing the editor you want to work with from our team of professional editors. This will assure a strong, committed relationship that will ultimately lead to optimum results.

Preparing the manuscript for publication can be a daunting task. The good news is that our process makes it easier than it’s ever been. Our layout professionals assure that your book will be produced at the same high standards as a traditional publisher. Your book will be right at home on the shelves of your neighborhood bookstore.

This is one task you can’t do yourself, although you will want to be involved - the more eyes the better the final product. Copyediting your own work is like representing yourself in court - it’s just not a good idea.We have professionals ready to help you with this difficult task.Be prepared for a number of iterations. It's just part of the process. This is one process where the opinions are as numerous as the editors involved. Our standards are high. We won't let you down.

This step is handled by the printers. 1stWorld Publishing works with one of the finest digital printers in the business, so you can be sure your book will be of professional quality.

10. Proof Editing

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Once we receive the proof, we will check for major errors. It's almost time to print.

Cover design is critical. You may know exactly how you want your cover to look. You may have even done a prototype. However, you will want a professional graphic artist to design your cover so you can be sure to get professional results.  Our marketing professionals know what the cover needs to say to attract those readers who will be interested in what you have written. The front cover needs to get it off the shelf and into the reader’s hands, while the back cover needs to encourage the reader to make the purchase. Again, we cannot overemphasize the importance of an attractive, effective cover.

It is essential the cover contains complete and accurate information needed to accomplish its purpose.  We will make sure this happens.

Again, our professionals will accomplish this task. 1stWorld Publishing has artists available to make sure the cover is produced at professional quality, worthy of the effort you have put into your book.

We will make sure your cover is exactly as designed before it goes into final production.

This step is done by the printer.

1stWorld Publishing employs professional writers who are ready to work with you on your manuscript. Ghostwriting works best if your book is autobiographical or related directly to your work and the lessons and experiences you wish to share. Coauthoring is also ideal for fiction writing when you have the story well in mind but do not believe you have the skill to write the book. Our writers can help you regardless of your situation.

This is done by the printer. But you get to be the one who opens the box when the final books are delivered to 1stWorld Publishing.

1stWorld Publishing offers fulfillment and distribution services. There is a reasonable fee for these services.  Included in the price is the ISBN number, essential if you hope to sell your book through the retail channel, and the Library of Congress Number, needed before libraries will purchase your book. Additionally, we will see that your book gets listed in Books in Print.

1stWorld Publishing provides a Marketing and Sales Workshop, lead by some of the top experts in the field, to give you our ideas on the best way to go about this process. However, we do not do the Marketing and Sales for you.

One of the little known facts about the publishing business is that, as a brand new author, you are expected to create interest in your book yourself. It is rare for a new author, even a previously published author, to be allocated the services of the publisher's sales and marketing department. Almost always their primary focus is on proven authors who have had, or are expected to have, a book on the best seller list in the near future.