Make no mistake, the self-publishing process can be confusing and complex. True, you can (and the experts at Self-Publishing Relief recommend you do) outsource some of the tasks, such as hiring a professional to design your book cover. But the fact is, when you self-publish, you’re in charge of every step from start to finish. So it’s crucial to get organized before you attempt to self-publish your book.
Prepare a checklist to track each phase of the self-publishing process: hiring a proofreader, finding beta readers, choosing a publishing platform, getting an ISBN, and more. With so many moving parts and stages to keep track of, if you’re not careful, things may fall through the cracks. Here are some useful tips to help you get all your self-publishing ducks in a row:
How To Get Everything Organized Before You Self-Publish Your Book
- Be meticulous about your files. Sort the files on your computer into folders and have the proper titles, dates, and relevant information in the folder names. At Self-Publishing Relief, we keep the files for the print book, the e-book, and the book cover in separate folders, then place these into one main folder for the whole project.
- Make a schedule. It can be tentative, especially if this is the first time you’re self-publishing a book. Having an estimated timetable will help you stay on track and moving forward. Set a goal for the date you would like to actually publish and work from there to create your schedule. If something takes longer than anticipated, don’t panic—you can simply adjust your estimated publication date. Just be sure you know why you’re delayed and stay on top of it!
- Have all of your account information in one place. You’re probably going to have to make multiple new accounts on various sites as you go along. Be sure to keep all of your login information accessible and in one handy place for easy reference.
- Keep your workspace tidy. We mean both your writing desk and the desktop on your computer! Organizing your computer will definitely help you stay focused and prevent important files from being misplaced. Close those ten tabs you’ve left sitting open for a week, bookmark the pages you’ll be using a lot, and set up a system for organizing any and all information and files you need to keep.
Bonus Tip: If you work on an Apple Mac, you can use Mission Control to create a separate space/desktop just for your self-publishing work!
On your physical desk, there are some items that will definitely help you work more efficiently and creatively—and others that will ultimately distract you from doing your best. Here’s what to keep (or ditch) on your desk.
- Use a project management app or software. There are plenty of apps and programs that can help you keep your project organized. If you’re not sure where to start, try this list of the best free project management software.
Keeping all your ducks in a row will help the self-publishing process go more smoothly. If you’re still concerned about everything you need to keep track of while self-publishing your book, put your project into the hands of the trustworthy professionals at Self-Publishing Relief. We’ll help you navigate every step—from manuscript to a finished book you’ll be proud to put your name on. Schedule a free consultation today!
Question: How do you keep your work organized and on track?
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