If I had to choose just one thing I wish I knew before writing my first book, it would be the importance of heavy editing. As a writer, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of finishing a draft and rush to get it edited and published, but I've learned that taking the time to thoroughly edit and revise is crucial to producing a polished, high-quality book. With my first book, I used one copy editor. In my second book, Magnetic Nonprofit, I relied on a line editor and a copy editor. After editing, I had a team of readers offer valuable insights and suggestions for improving the book, ensuring it was the best it could be before publication. Taking the time to thoroughly edit and revise is essential for producing a high-quality book that readers will love. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jeremy-Reis/author/B083J6Q3FW?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Book link: https://www.amazon.com/Days-LinkedIn-Mastery-Entrepreneur-Connections/dp/1734718447/ If I had known how easy it was to write a first draft the right way, I would have started writing books years earlier. However, I thought my book had to be perfect, right from the beginning. Then, I was introduced to the concept of the "vomit draft." Your first draft is your vomit draft, and your vomit draft is a complete mess. You get it all out without care for spelling, grammar, wording, style, order, or anything else other than getting it all out. You vomit everything up, and then worry about cleaning it up later. When I use a vomit draft to start, my books flow out of me faster than I can handle. When I try to be more perfect as I write, I get stuck.
Hiring a professional designer is worth the cost because you want your book to fit in with market trends and other bestsellers. Research the market and similar titles for inspiration, and when working with a designer include some key elements from your book to draw it all together. Make sure all text is CLEAR. It's like showing up to a job interview and dressing for the position you want; your book need to hold its own and show that it is worth investing in. What grabs people first is the cover, then the book blurb once they pick it up to learn more. If you have both, you're set! Author SV Filice CAN Link: https://www.amazon.ca/S-V-Filice/e/B089MCL8L4 US Link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/S.-V.-Filice/author/B089MCL8L4