Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Finishing your first novel feels like reaching the finish line of a marathon. You type the final sentence, lean back from your keyboard, let out a sigh of relief and think, “It’s finally done.”
Unfortunately, the publishing process has other plans. A completed manuscript isn’t a finished book, rather it’s the raw material from which your finished novel will be made. Between that final draft and the day it’s launched are all of the in-betweens:
- Editing and revisions
- Proofreading
- Cover design
- Interior formatting
- File conversion
- Distribution setup
- Printing
- Marketing
It’s enough to make even the most organized and experienced novelist reconsider their life choices. First-time novelists often underestimate how long these different stages take and how much they cost.
Whether you’ve chosen to go the traditional publishing route, or you want to publish your novel independently, having realistic expectations in terms of what comes next can prevent a lot of headache and hassle later, including rushed decisions and blown budgets.
Table of Contents:
• Don’t assume the manuscript is ready when the draft is finished
• Self-publishing doesn’t mean instant publishing
• The publication date isn’t the day you start marketing
• Don’t just budget for printing
• Marketing isn’t a one-time expense
• Build your fiction publishing timelines and costs backwards from publication day
• Conclusion
Don’t assume the manuscript is ready when the draft is finished
Finishing a novel is a significant achievement, but even the most carefully revised manuscript needs some feedback before it’s ready to be published. Oftentimes, first time novelists will treat editing as if it’s one last proofreading pass, but editing itself involves several different layers.
For example, developmental editing looks at the story structure, pacing, character arcs, point of view and plot. Line editing looks at how effective the prose is while copy editing looks at grammar, consistency and word usage. Proofreading happens after the book has been formatted and catches any last-pass errors before publication.
It’s also entirely possible that each stage creates another round of author revisions. Editing a book isn’t something an editor does to a manuscript while you wait. It’s a collaborative process and it needs time from both parties.
Self-publishing doesn’t mean instant publishing
Technically, you can upload your file and make it available for sale quickly. Publishing your novel professionally, however, is another thing altogether. Self-publishing lets you control the schedule, but the production work still needs to happen.
You still have to prepare the cover and format the interior, create print and eBook files, review proofs and correct errors, and set up metadata so that it’s easier for retailer listings to show up.
Revisions and approvals happen after that initial proof, so the full design stage can take longer depending on the number of revisions. See our approximate book design project timelines for more details.
The publication date isn’t the day you start marketing
A surprising number of first-time novelists will wait until their book is available before marketing it, but by then, they’ve already lost valuable time. Marketing should begin while the book is still in production. Before release day, you can create an author website, build an email list, recruit advanced readers, request reviews, prepare promotional materials and introduce potential readers to the novel’s overall theme and characters.
We recommend following a three-phase book launch timeline that includes preparation, launch, and follow-up. Think of it more as a structured campaign that builds on itself in layers rather than everything coming together on a single date. Give yourself ample time to prepare materials and cultivate an audience over time and you’ll likely see vastly better results. Additional tips can be found in our 3 Steps to Self-Publishing Guide.
Don’t just budget for printing
When it comes to fiction publishing timelines and costs, first time novelists often ask: “How much does it cost to print a book?” The better question is, “How much does it cost to publish and promote a book like a professional?” Printing is just one piece of the budget. Depending on your project, you may also decide to pay for editing, proofreading, cover design, ISBNs, distribution, and more.
Editing can be one of the largest expenses as it’s usually priced according to word count and the type of editing you need. See BookBaby’s current book editing prices to get an idea of how much it would cost for each type of editing (line editing, proofreading, and copy editing) according to the number of words in your book.
Marketing isn’t a one-time expense
It’s normal to budget for production costs but then forget about the costs that accrue after publication. A novel doesn’t usually continue selling just because it has been uploaded to major retailers. You may need to invest in writing, newsletter promotions, review copies, events, and more. Some of these are recurring costs that happen every month.
Marketing also requires time. You’ll want to test ads, improve descriptions, reach out to reviewers, show up on podcasts, and communicate with readers over time. Blowing the whole budget on production means releasing a beautiful book with no resources left to help readers discover it.
Build your fiction publishing timelines and costs backwards from publication day
A more realistic fiction publishing schedule starts from your preferred release date and goes backward. Allow ample time for editing, revisions, proofreading, design, proof approval, and distribution. Don’t forget about things like advance copies, reviews, and pre-release marketing. Add in a little padding for any unforeseen events.
Most importantly, separate essential expenses from optional ones. Having your book professionally edited with readable formatting and a professional cover are all things that directly impact the reader experience. You can then scale promotional experiments according to the resources and budget that you have.
When it’s your first novel, it will almost always be a process of trial and error, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through endless delays or financial black holes. Working with a top-tier publishing company like BookBaby can help!
Conclusion
Many first-time novelists underestimate the time, effort, and costs involved in publishing a book. Finishing a manuscript is only the beginning.
Before publication, authors typically need developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading, cover design, formatting, distribution setup, and marketing. Self-publishing offers more control over the timeline, but it does not eliminate the production work required to create a professional book. One of the most-common mistakes is waiting until launch day to begin marketing, rather than building an audience during production.
Authors should also budget for more than printing, including editing, design, ISBNs, distribution, and ongoing promotional efforts. The best approach is to work backwards from your desired publication date, allowing time for revisions, approvals, and marketing. Careful planning helps first-time novelists avoid costly delays, rushed decisions, and disappointing book launches.
Ready to self-publish your novel? Get started with BookBaby.
