So, you’ve just completed your manuscript; and the exhilaration of typing “The End” is still coursing through your veins. But before you dive headfirst into the editing process, why not use this interlude to work on several vital activities that will set the stage for your book’s success?
When I finished my first manuscript, the waiting was unbearable. After turning in my pages, the anticipation of things to come and the anxiety around not knowing what to do next nearly drove me crazy. Maybe you’re feeling a little excited but unprepared. Or, maybe you’re a pro and already have the next steps in hand. But if you are looking for a few productive tasks to fast-track you through the waiting, here are eight alternative activities authors can focus on when the manuscript is complete, but editing has not yet begun.
Write a new bio.
Your author bio is your calling card to the literary world. A well-crafted bio can entice readers and pique their interest in your work. Take some time to update or even completely revamp your author bio. Highlight your achievements, personal experiences, and any unique quirks that make you stand out. This is your chance to introduce yourself to potential readers, so make it engaging and authentic.
Get a new headshot.
A professional headshot is a must for any author, especially if you’re planning to build an online presence. Your author photo will appear on your book’s back cover, your website, and across various social-media platforms. Consider investing in a professional photo shoot to capture the essence of your brand and your book.
Identify your target audience segment.
Understanding your target audience is crucial for successful book marketing. Take time to identify your ideal readers. Consider their demographics, interests, and preferences. This knowledge will inform your marketing strategies and help you connect with the right audience.
Research where your target audience reads.
Once you’ve identified your target audience, research where they congregate online and offline. Do they frequent specific social-media platforms, book clubs, or forums? Knowing where your readers spend their time will help you tailor your marketing efforts effectively.
Create a list of potential partners for the launch.
Collaboration can be a powerful tool for book promotion. Start creating a list of potential partners for your book launch. This could include podcast hosts, radio connections, or news outlets that might be interested in featuring your book or interviewing you. Reach out to them with a well-crafted pitch to gauge their interest.
Begin constructing a marketing strategy.
A strong marketing strategy is essential for promoting your book. Use this downtime to begin constructing a comprehensive marketing plan. Outline your goals, budget, and tactics for reaching your target audience. A well-thought-out strategy can make the difference between a successful book launch and a quiet release.
Create a one-sheet, and schedule a book tour.
A one-sheet is a succinct and visually appealing document that provides key information about your book, including the cover, a brief synopsis, and author bio. Creating a one-sheet can help you pitch your book effectively to potential partners and media outlets.
Additionally, consider scheduling a book tour. This can be a virtual or physical tour, depending on your preferences and circumstances. Engage with bookstores, libraries, and online communities to arrange readings, discussions, and book signings. A book tour is an excellent way to connect with your audience and generate buzz.
Compose adjacent blog topics.
Finally, consider generating a list of blog topics related to your book’s themes or your writing journey. Writing blog posts or articles can help you establish your authority in your genre and connect with readers interested in your subject matter. These blog topics can also serve as a valuable content bank for your website and social media.
Completing your manuscript is a monumental achievement, but there’s still plenty of work to be done before your book makes its way into the hands of eager readers. These alternate writing activities can set the foundation for a successful book launch and help you navigate the world of publishing more effectively. So, take a breather, engage in these tasks, and get ready to conquer the next phase of your literary journey.
Are You Sure You Want That Brand?
What a fantastic checklist, Megan! Thanks so much for sharing. I forwarded this to my writers group and I think it should be required reading for all budding and seasoned authors. I’m going to recommend to my group we take one of these topics for each of our meetings and go into it thoroughly with a hands-on workshop.
When the work is finished,
and the manuscript is done,
your work won’t be diminished
if you stop and have some fun.
Lie in the backyard, counting stars
on fingers of each hand,
then make a tour of biker bars
across this lovely land.
Throw a frisbee for a pup
(she’ll think she lives the dream!),
and then at half past midnight sup
on strawberries and cream,
and put the past months’ stress to flight,
the payoff for how hard you write.
Megan, if I may go off-topic for a moment, I’d like to ask that, during this season of sometimes forced festiveness, we remember the the combat veteran who left part of him-or-herself in a place very far away, and who can’t really come home.
It’s the individual compelled to attend the party, in a dreadful Christmas sweater picked by another, who tries to make halting conversation while eyes are focused at infinity, and who eventually disappears to chain-smoke in a dark corner of the back porch.
If this sounds like someone you know (or someone you are), I’d ask you to read Jonathan Shay’s ‘Achilles In Vietnam’, and perhaps my short pamphlet, ‘PTSD And The Holidays’ (sorry for the self-promotion).
You might also look up Tom Lea’s painting ‘The Two Thousand Yard Stare’.
These are good requests, Andrew. So many people suffer through the holidays without talking about it. Even those like you, who are fighting such a painful battle. Your war goes on and on.
Parents like me.
Battered spouses.
Abused children.
Alone/lonely folks.
So many more.
Christmas tends to bring out ALL the feels!
May I ramble? I thought about that a few years back. Why? Why are there more suicides at Christmastime? Why are there more moments of reconciliation at Christmastime? Why is there more generosity? More pain? More depression? More natural deaths?
I think it’s because Christmas (and I know Jesus wasn’t born in December) is when our Lord physically stepped onto the earth He created. And that changed EVERYTHING.
Whether people know Him or not, it still changed everything. Affected everything. Because I believe it rocked the spiritual world. Satan knew it was gonna do something he would hate. He may not have known exactly what, but he knew enough about God to know Jesus’s birth was not good for him.
Just my thoughts … and my thoughts are more focused on seeking Jesus this Advent season. Why/how/when do I seek Him? And what am I expecting to find? The baby or the King?
God’s doing something in me, I think. 😉
Didn’t mean to take over your post. But I somehow felt you’d be able to relate to my rambling thoughts. Merry Christmas, Andrew!
Great stuff Megan. Thank you!! When I complete my manuscript, I will definitely use this as a post-manuscript checklist.
I’m not a writer but a family member. This was such a helpful article because I often watch the writer walk around in a haze when a major milestone is completed. Thank you.
This is a great list, Megan! Thank you!
Very helpful. Thank you.