#WritersLife: How to Write a Book in 14 Steps - Part Two

 

 

Welcome back to part two of #WritersLife: How to Write a Book in 14 Steps!

One of the first questions I get from people when they find out I'm a writer is: How do you write a book? This article is meant to take the mystery out of the process a bit one part at a time. 

8. Establishing a Balanced Writing Routine

Having a balance is the only way you'll actually hit those word count goals. Not to mention that it'll help prevent you from becoming frustrated and ultimately lose interest. In order to do so,  ask yourself these basic questions:

-What time of the day do I tend to be most productive? Am I a morning person or a night owl?

-When do I have free time during the day/week?

-Will I be able to balance my writing goals with my other obligations?

The best way to set up your routine is to incorporate it into your pre-existing schedule and natural patterns. In the end, you just want a sensible writing routine that promotes productivity, yet keeps you from getting burnt out. If writing for several hours per day every day is too strenuous for you, consider spacing out your writing sessions over the course of a week. And don't forget that it's okay if you can't keep up with your word count goals; just reduce them a little to make it work for you.

It's true, writing a lot is essential when the goal is a book, but it's not more important than your health! Do remember to take care of your mind and body. Take frequent breaks and move your body! You don't want to end up with a stiff neck, aching back, a migraine, or worse. 

Tracking your progress can be a great motivator. Some writers create a spreadsheet to log their daily writing output. Others keep track via simple handwritten notes or even just a sticky, writing the time they spent on each writing session and how many words they wrote. As the word count goes up and you figure out which daily routine works for you, you'll become more excited about your book!

9. Setting up a Dedicated Workspace

Another notable component of how to write a book is where you set up shop. If you are serious about writing a book, you really need a calm, focused space for your writing. This may be at home, a library, a coffee shop...wherever you can work productively and without interruptions. This place should be easily accessible, and somewhere you can go to often. There's no point in going to your perfect writing spot if it takes half an hour to drive there, and all you have available is an hour for writing. 

In that sense, working from home is the most convenient. However, it still may be difficult if you have family around, or if you don't have a designated place like an office, or at least a desk. You might want to try out different locations to see what works best for you, or maybe even keep a rotating your site. But no matter where you write it does help if you can:

-Find a quiet place, unless you're one of those people who thrive on constant background noise. Sometimes all it takes is a pair of noise-canceling headset.

-Keep your writing space clean. Clutter can be very distracting.

-Keep diversions to a minimum. Turn off your phone, maybe even close the door, if possible.

-Make it your own. Cultivate a pleasant atmosphere at your designated writing space. If you're one of those writers who thrive in livelier surroundings, maybe you can sit in the same seat every time you're at your local cafe (or wherever you prefer to write).

10. Remaining Motivated

Getting started on writing a book can be challenging. When there are a million distractions, how can you possibly stay motivated and keep up with your routine and finish writing that book?

Here are a few motivational strategies that have worked for me in the past:

-Make a list of the reasons why you want to write a book. Having that tangible reminder is a great way to keep yourself motivated, such as: Do you have an important message to convey? Do you want to reach a specific group of readers? Or do you just have a great story to tell? But no matter your reason(s), write them all down and keep them close by in case your motivation dwindles.

-Find a writing buddy. Getting a friend to write with you is another excellent way to stay motivated. While you get some fellowship, you can also hold each other accountable. So, don't be shy! Ask around among your writer friends if they'd like to meet frequently. If that's not an option, you could always join an online writing community. 

-Reward yourself when you reach certain milestones, like reaching the 10,000-word mark or finishing up the first round of self-editing. Sometimes the best motivation is the prospect of a special treat. 

11. Dealing with Setbacks 

At one point or another, you will get stuck. All writers do. But what are you supposed to do when it does happen? There is a myriad of ways to overcome what is often referred to as writer's block: Working on your book blurb, freewriting, developing your book's characters, cooking dinner, or even cleaning your house. Here are some of my most effective techniques:

-Revisit your outline. This can help remind you of planned story elements you might have forgotten.

-Writing exercises. It's possible you just need to jumpstart your word flow. Short writing exercises can help with that.

-Share your frustrations with someone. It doesn't matter if you unload your frustrations onto your writing buddy or one of your non-writing friends/family members. Sometimes it just helps to vent and bounce ideas off others.

-Take a short break. I think this is the one that helps me the most. Sometimes you have to take a step back from the keyboard and clear your mind. Often times, I end up taking my dogs for a walk, cook a meal, bake a cake, or just clean my house. It's all therapeutic to me and helps me clear my head. However, I don't take more than a day or two. Otherwise, I tend to lose my drive.

-In the end, just remember to take your setbacks one at a time and don't let them get to you. I know that sounds superficial, but it's true.  So don't freak out — you can get through this!

12. Don't Rush to the Finish Line!

Bringing your book to an end is no easy task, and one of the most common writing pitfalls is poor plotting. Just writing the words "The End." won't do! Hopefully, you had some solid ideas for your book's end while you were still in the outlining phase. But no matter which ending you choose, don't rush it because, by the time you actually reach the end of your manuscript, you'll probably just want to wrap things up and be done with it.

13. Searching for Feedback

It doesn't matter how much you write, if no one else likes what you've penned, you might end up crushed instead. That's why it's necessary to request feedback on your manuscript from as many sources as possible. Don't be shy! Go ahead and ask your friends, family members, and fellow writers to read a chapter or two. 

Once your manuscript is finished, it's ready for some more extensive feedback. Consider asking some people to be your beta readers, so they can review the book in its entirety and provide their input. You may also want to consider hiring a professional editor as well. And this might sound obvious, but all this feedback is worthless if you don't take it to heart. I know it's challenging to listen to things we don't want to hear, but although this book is your baby, you cannot take any of this feedback personally. 

14. Publishing your Book

You've have reached the end of your book. All this brainstorming, outlining, drafting, editing, etc. has brought you to this point. Your manuscript is finished,  and you have every right to be proud of your accomplishment. So now what?

Publishing is another grueling process, but if you've come this far to write a book, you should be able to manage this part as well! You might feel adventurous and want to give self-publishing a whirl. In this case, you need to design an attention-grabbing book cover or pay someone to do it for you. Then, learn all you can about formatting and uploading your manuscript to one of those self-publishing websites, and learn about writing a book blurb. Or you can always go the traditional publishing route,  and throw yourself into the art of writing an irresistible query letter that will get you that tempting publishing deal.

No matter which route you take, you've done what many people only dream about: You've written that book you've always wanted to write, and that in itself is an incredible achievement. Congratulations!

Have a few tips of your own? Since this list is not all-inclusive, leave them in the comments below.

by A. Piper Burgi

Piper is the award-winning author of The Country Girl Empress series. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, and Goodreads.

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#WritersLife: How to Write a Book in 14 Steps - Part One

 

One of the first questions I get from people when they find out I'm a writer is: How do you write a book? This article is meant to take the mystery out of the process a bit one part at a time. 

For so many people, writing a book has either been a lifelong ambition, or they've just been through a life-altering event that unlocked their need to communicate their experiences. Yet it seems to be one goal that's just out of reach for most of them. So is there a secret recipe that will unleash your creativity and help you write the book of your dreams? There are plenty of writers that would tell you that there is no single, set path to authorship, as everyone follows a unique way.

However, there are some things that successful authors have in common: Highly effective writing habits that help them reach their goals. So, it stands to reason that if you emulate them, it should help you as well!

To help you achieve just that, I've put together this how-to article. Whether you've been an aspiring author since early childhood or for the last five minutes, this step-by-step guide will give you the fundamental knowledge you need to get started.

1. Picking a Subject

The first thing you need to write a book is, of course, a subject matter. If you don't have that, you'll, more than likely, never get past the first few pages of your initial draft. Perhaps, you already know what you want to write about, or maybe you're at a complete loss. In that case, ask yourself a few simple questions :

-What do I want to write about?

-What is important enough to write about?

-Who will want to read my book?

-Will I be able to write my story effectively?

The answers to these questions should be able to help you narrow it down. If you have several different book ideas, but you're passionate about only one of them, then that's the premise of your book. On the other hand, if you lack ideas, then these questions should steer you in a more definite direction. Think about the types of books you enjoy reading, or have left a notable impression on you. More than likely, you'll want to write a similar one.

If you're really not sure what kind of book to write, perhaps you might try using writing prompts or a plot generator to get your creative juices flowing. If, after all that, you are still uninspired, maybe you might want to consider benching your idea of writing a book until inspiration hits you. Forcing the matter will only leave you frustrated.

2. Research

Once you've found your inspiration, the next step is researching your genre and your subject matter. If you decided to write the kind of book you like to read, then you already have an advantage since reading books in your favourite genre is the best way to learn how to write that sort of book. Select a few representative titles and examine them. How long are they? How many chapters do they have? What is the central theme? And then last, but certainly not least...do you think you can write a book with similar elements?

While you're at it, do some online market research to determine the most popular books in your genre. If you want your book to succeed, you'll have to contend with these bestsellers. Read those book blurbs and figure out what sells. What do all these books have in common, and why do readers find them so appealing? Does your book idea hold up to these standards? How can your book offer something new? If you're writing nonfiction, do you have a unique viewpoint on your chosen subject matter, or are you unusually knowledgeable on it?

Going that extra mile is, for better or worse, the only way to give your book a leg up in today's competitive market. So don't skimp on the research, because it will tell you where the bar lies and how you can surpass it. 

3. Creating an Outline

If you want to write a great book, you first need an outline. There are very few good writers that are true pantsers (Pantser = A person who writes well by the seat of his/her pants). Outlining is an especially crucial step if this your first book since you need a solid blueprint to rely on when you get stuck...and everyone gets stuck at some point!

So, how do you create that outline for your book? I could probably write an entire article on the subject (and I just might at some later point in time), but here are the essentials:

-Pick a format. There are so many different types of outlines to choose from: The free-flowing mind map, the precise chapter-and-scene outline, the character-based outline, etc. If one method doesn't work for you, try another! Any kind of roadmap is better than none.

-Establish a beginning, middle, and end. Way too many writers go into writing a manuscript with a powerful start. Then the middle becomes murky, and the ending is virtually nonexistent. Take your time to connect them to one another. Don't forget: The best books have conclusions that convey the feeling of being "deserved"! You should aim for that from the start.

-Struggles are at the heart of any good book. They draw the reader into the story. They generate tension, evoke emotion, and ultimately send the message you've been aiming for. 

-Get to know your characters. Your outline is the perfect opportunity to develop your characters. Ask yourself: How will they interact with each other in the story, and how will said interactions demonstrate who they are and what matters to them most? 

4. Starting off Big

Well, you've found your inspiration, done your research, and somehow managed to draft an outline. Now it's time to start writing! The beginning is the most essential part of the story. I don't believe it's an exaggeration when I say that the first couple of pages can make or break a book. If those first few pages aren't good enough, readers will quickly lose interest.

First, you need an opening that captures the reader's attention and makes it impossible for them to look away. From there, it's your job to maintain the reader's interest by raising the stakes and driving the storyline. Make the reader care about the main characters by giving them well-defined temperaments and motivations. On a side note: Never introduce more than a couple of characters at a time as it can quickly become too confusing for the reader. 

There are countless ways to write the first chapter. You might want to experiment with different opening lines, or first scenes, to find the ideal balance. It's a lot of work, but in the end, it's well worth the effort in order to set the stage perfectly.

5. Focusing on substance

Many writers believe that the key to writing a fantastic book is style: Impressive vocabulary, elaborate sentences, and figurative language ala William Shakespeare, or Jane Austen. While style is definitely important, I find substance is far more so when writing a book; focus on your storyline, characters, and struggle(s). 

Naturally, that's always easier said than done, particularly once you've started writing your story. It is quite tempting to fill pages with fluff when you reach a scarcely outlined section of your manuscript. However, that's exactly what it is: Fluff...and if you add too much of it, readers will, more than likely, become bored. This is another reason why outlining is so crucial. You need to know your story to stay on track! 

6. Keeping the Reader in Mind

Do you want to write a book that readers will enjoy and, hopefully, buy? Well, then you need to write with your audience in mind. Sometimes there will be scenes that won't be overly exciting but serve the overall story arc. Try not to rush through them just to be done with them! Even if they don't seem appealing to you, they build tension and preserve the pace for the reader.

7. Setting Word Count Goals

Let's move on to more practical ways to improve your writing habits. Setting word count goals is a huge part of this, especially if you have a schedule to follow and plan to finish your book in a certain amount of time.

You should create word count goals for both your individual writing sessions, as well as per week, and even per month. Personally, I prefer to write a chapter per day, and most of my recent novels have about 30 chapters. This amounts to about 80000 words altogether. When you divide that number by 30, I end up writing roughly 2500 to 3000 words per day. Sometimes I write a little more, sometimes a little less.

For most novice writers, many websites and professional writers recommend the following word count goals:

-500-750 words/writing session

-1,500-2,500 words/week

-6,000-10,000 words/month

These goals are based on three to four writing sessions per week, which is reasonable a goal when starting out, yet it's still enough to mark progress. So, even if you only write 500 words per writing session thrice a week, you can still finish your first draft in less than a year.

Please make sure your word count goals are practical and attainable! If you've never written a book before, take your time, set a manageable goal, and gradually aim higher. You don't want to get burnt out and frustrated. Writing should be enjoyable, not a chore.

Thank you for reading the first installment! Stay tuned for part two next week!

Have a few tips of your own? Since this list is not all-inclusive, leave them in the comments below.

by A. Piper Burgi

Piper is the award-winning author of The Country Girl Empress series. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, and Goodreads.

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#WritersLife: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques to Overcome Writer's Block

 

 

I get this question frequently: What do you do when writer's block strikes and you don't know what to write?

Many writers define writer's block as their imaginary friends refusing to talk to them. Thankfully, mine haven't stopped talking to me for too long - knock on wood! Writer’s block can happen to any of us at any time, but usually, it strikes just as you sit down in front of the computer to type your epic masterpiece. It doesn’t matter if you are working on a short story, an essay or 400-page novel, the words you wish to put down simply won’t come together. That’s when it might be time to take a strategic look at how to overcome your writer’s block.

Here are some helpful tips, tricks and techniques to help you get those creative juices flowing again that have worked for me in the past:

Establish a Routine

Set a time and stick to it every day, no matter what that time of the day it happens to be. Whether you sit at your desk or wherever you like to write, set yourself up to write at the same time of day, whether it be first thing in the morning, in the middle of the day or late at night. Most people who love routines will easily get into a groove.

Set a Deadline

Create a realistic deadline in order to trick your brain into a sense of urgency. Set a goal of so many words in an hour, set an alarm clock or the kitchen timer, and start writing. Many people work well under pressure, and this will help you figure out if you’re that kind of person.

Get Physical

Engage in an activity that has nothing to do with reading or writing. Go for a walk around the neighbourhood, clean the kitchen, do some gardening, play with your pet or some other mundane task. Instead of staring at a computer screen or the page of a book, give your body something to focus on and get your blood pumping. Afterwards, sit back down and try to write.

Unwind for a While

Instead of getting distracted by social media or watching TV, unplug from your computer for a bit. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and start writing the old-fashioned way. Oddly enough, putting words to paper actually increases brain power by making more neuronal connections within your brain, which can foster a more efficient thinking process.

Try Changing Your Surroundings

Subject your senses something new inspirations. Set up your writing utensils on the terrace, go to your favorite cafe or the bookstore around the corner. See if new ideas hit you along the way as you contemplate what to write.

Talk to People 

Many times a simple conversation with a good friend, a co-worker, or your spouse, can help gain some perspective. Discuss any topic, do not restrict yourself to the subject matter you’re writing about. Another person’s perspective often leads to a breakthrough that clears your writer’s block. 

Read 

Read something for half an hour before you begin to write. It doesn’t matter what you read, but other writer's concepts may get you an idea or two. Ensure you enjoy the topic you read, whether you dive into the latest newspaper, the newest historical fiction novel or Shakespeare’s sonnets. Inspiration can jump out at you from everywhere.

Work Backwards

Begin writing your piece from in the middle or at the end instead of the beginning and work your way forward. Go back to your table of contents to see what jumps out at you. Start with the most fascinating aspect first, and go from there. Everything else will eventually follow.

What about you? How do you overcome writer's block? Feel free to share your tips and tricks in the comment section!

by A. Piper Burgi

Piper is the award-winning author of The Country Girl Empress series. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, and Goodreads.

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Purple Day 2024 - Raising Canine Epilepsy Awareness

  

What is Purple Day?

Purple Day is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy. Every year, on the 26th of March, people all around the globe are invited to wear purple and host events in support of epilepsy awareness, a condition that globally affects over 65 million people. 

But did you know that dogs can be afflicted with this ailment as well? Up to six percent of the canine population suffers from some form of epilepsy. In fact, epilepsy is the most diagnosed canine neurological disease. This is only a rough estimate since many cases of canine epilepsy remain undiscovered by the respective canine parents as dogs often experience their fits when they are inactive, late at night or during the early morning hours. So, throw on a purple shirt and let's raise epilepsy awareness for all sufferers, human and canine alike!

What is Canine Epilepsy?

Epilepsy manifests in terrifying ways, causing a dog to experience sudden, uncontrolled convulsions. First recognized in ancient times, Hippocrates referred to epilepsy as the “sacred” disease. However, nothing about it seems sacred! Watching a beloved companion suffer a seizure can be an extremely traumatic event. Learning to live with an animal with complex health issues is never easy. In general, we distinguish between two types of epilepsy - genetic and idiopathic. 

Genetic epilepsy is passed down from one generation to the next, and certain dog breeds are more prone to this form of epilepsy than others. 

Idiopathic Epilepsy is caused by unknown factors, and it is often difficult to predict what will trigger the next seizure or when.

Living with a dog that has epilepsy can be a daunting prospect, but with some help from a veterinarian and much planning, epileptic dogs can live a relatively normal, happy and meaningful life.

How to Help Your Pup Through a Seizure

Whether your canine companion has been diagnosed with a seizure disorder or just experienced his/her first epileptic episode, it can be challenging to keep your wits about you during such a heartbreaking event. 

I took care of my two epi-warriors, Lana and Darren, for over four years, and today I'd like to share my basic practices for protecting your furry friend from coming to harm and minimizing the effects of a seizure with you.

Protecting your dog from injury during a seizure is essential. Many dogs will give off physical as well as behavioral indicators before convulsions begin (pre-ictal phase). If you notice signs of agitation or distress such as heavy panting, whining, or incessant pacing, lead your dog to a safe location, if possible, before the seizure begins.

Spaces away from staircases, furniture, and cables are best. If at all possible, clear the area of items that could potentially injure your pup or may be knocked over such as breakables, decorations, candles, hard or sharp-edged furniture. If your dog is laying on the sofa or bed, lower your friend to the floor to prevent a fall, if it is safe to do so. Make hardwood and tile floors more comfortable with towels and blankets.

Please, do not attempt to move your dog if the seizure has already begun! Instead, improvise by padding the area and blocking off potential hazards with towels, cushions, and blankets as your dog may be thrashing about, banging its head on a hard surface.

During a seizure, your canine’s brain is flooded with abnormal electrical impulses. Any additional stimuli in the form of bright light, loud noises or excessive touching can actually prolong its duration. While it is our instinctual need comfort our furry friends during a time of distress, please rest assured, that your pup is not in pain and is more than likely unaware of what's happening. 

Many times, dogs will bite the inside of their mouths during an epileptic episode, but it is physically nearly impossible to swallow or choke on their own tongue. So please, keep your hands out of your dog's mouth! Your furry friend has no control over their body during a seizure, and you would only end up getting inadvertently bitten. 


You can make the surrounding area more peaceful by:

- Removing other pets and people
- Turning down/off the TV or radio
- Dimming the lights/closing the curtains
- Not touching the dog
- Remain calm

While every second of a fit can seem like an eternity, in reality, they usually only last a few minutes. Most vets recommend timing the duration of the seizure(s) to determine if it is an emergency. It might also be useful to film the seizure, as it may provide helpful information to your veterinarian.

Although most seizures are not life-threatening, they do indicate an underlying medical problem. If your pup experiences a seizure for the first time or has possibly been exposed to a toxic substance, seek veterinary attention immediately. For animals with a diagnosed seizure disorder, the rule of thumb is: It's an emergency when an epileptic episode last longer than five minutes or the dog has more than three seizures within 24 hours.

For epi-warriors with recurring seizures, it can be helpful to keep a detailed log of any seizure activity you may observe to help your veterinarian diagnose the problem, identify potential seizure triggers, and determine future treatment options. It's a good idea to include information such as the length of each seizure, observed seizure activity like convulsions, “air-biting”, staring off into space, etc., whether or not bladder/bowel control was lost, and observed behavior before, after, and in-between seizures.






What I would like everyone to remember on Purple Day is this: It is not the end of the world if your dog has epilepsy. Yes, it is challenging to live with canine epilepsy, and there's no cure for this condition. However, it can be managed. There may be bumps in the road along your journey together, but you can get through it. Just take a deep breath and deal with it one day at a time.

For more information about Purple Day,
events, or epilepsy, please visit
 https: www.purpleday.org

"I started Purple Day to raise awareness for people with epilepsy and to let them know that they aren't alone. At Purple Day, we want to educate people about what to do and what not to do when they see someone having any type of seizure."

-Cassidy Megan, Purple Day Founder

Proud part of the 9th annual Purple Day for
Epilepsy Blog Hop & Media Share
Link back: https://fivesibes.blogspot.com/

To learn more about living with canine epilepsy, click here.

by A. Piper Burgi

Piper is the award-winning author of The Country Girl Empress series. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, and Goodreads.

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Book Publishing: How to Review Your Proof Copy in Just Three Steps

 

 

When publishing a book, the moment of truth is simply inevitable. After all, it is the moment that you've anxiously awaited and probably even dreamed about. You've ordered the printed proof copy of your newest book and are eagerly awaiting its arrival! That just happened to me. Part one of my newest historical fiction novel RISE OF THE LAST WARRIOR QUEEN just arrived on my doorstep a couple of days ago and I'm just giddy with excitement.

Up until then, this book had only existed in computer files, hard-copy printouts I’ve used for editing purposes, and as an online digital proof on my computer screen. But now I can see my book, and hold a physical copy of it in my hands. Moments like these definitely have the power to move people, and rightly so. When you are almost ready to publish, and you are anything like me or so many other writers, you now feel both excited and maybe even a little frightened at the same time. But don’t hit that “Publish” button just yet!

But why would you even want to bother reviewing a physical copy of your book, when digital review copies are readily available? Putting a book together is a complicated process. It involves writing a manuscript, adding photos, lots of editing, page design, cover creation, and many other things just to get to this point. The purpose of the proof copy is to ensure that you’ve done everything correctly. Errors that were invisible on your computer screen or even in printouts suddenly seem to jump out at you. All sorts of errors can creep into our files…misalignments, extra spaces where there were none before, typographical errors, etc. And this is when a hard copy of your book can make a huge difference.

How to Check Your Book:

This is the last stage in the publishing process before your book goes public, so spend some time on this step and to do it right. Books can last a very long time, and so do the errors contained within them. Take this your opportunity to make your book as error-free as possible. I like to apply the following three step process:

1. Read Your Book

- Read the entire book, and while doing so I like to check for inconsistencies and typographical errors.

- Is the text complete? Did a paragraph get left out somewhere?

- Or did part of a sentence get cut off at the bottom of a page?

- Are the fonts consistent throughout the book?

- Do you have paragraphs where the word spacing is much looser or much tighter than others?

- If possible, have someone else who also read through it. Two sets of eyes usually see more than just one set. It is quite surprising how many errors can be uncovered this way.

2. Take a Close Look at the Book

I try to ignore the text and instead concentrate on everything else. I have a hard time with this step because I am automatically drawn to the writing. Here are the things I like to look for:

- Those pesky orphans/widows; the single lines at the bottom of a page or parts of lines at the top of a page. If I can get rid of them, I will do so.

- Running headers should be consistent and should show the proper information, such as the book title or chapter titles. Those sorts of mistakes can easily sneak up on you, so it pays to check for them thoroughly.

- Does each chapter start in the same spot on the page and contain the same elements in the same order?

- Blank pages should have nothing at all on them, not even a header.

- Page references can be another problem. If you referred to something “on page 213″ or “in Chapter 4″ is said reference still there or has it shifted somehow? Or perhaps it has disappeared altogether.

- Paragraph indents ought to be consistent throughout the book, no matter what style you used.

3. Double-Check the Cover

 The front and the back of your book cover play a significant role when marketing your writing. People do judge a book by its cover, so make it the best you can. Here are elements I like to check on:

- Does the overall design meet your expectations?

- Are the book title and the name of the author clearly visible?

- Make sure that the ISBN on your copyright page matches the one on the back cover.

- Proofread the text on the back cover!

Don’t be too surprised if you need to upload revised versions of your book interior and/or cover several times! That’s actually part of the normal process. Of course even after proofing your book mistakes can still sneak by (it can happen to the best of us), but there will definitely be a lot less of them. It pays to check your proof, and correct your files before uploading the revised version. When it’s time to publish your book, you can be confident that you have done everything to bring the best product you can on the market.

Now I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that I won’t find too many errors in my proof copy!  =)

Do you review a printed copy of your book, before it is published? What do you like to double-check? Add your tips and tricks in the comments section below!

by A. Piper Burgi

Piper is the award-winning author of The Country Girl Empress series. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, and Goodreads.

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