So, you've finished your first draft. Congratulations! You are that much closer to completing your story but what happens when you've reached this point? Should you hit "Publish" and celebrate with chocolates and red wine? Not exactly. The hard work has yet to be done.

How exciting is it to write the proverbial "The End" at the completion of your rough draft? You should be proud of yourself. There are many who have never gotten to that place in their writing careers.

What now, though? Do you submit it to Amazon, Draft2Digital, Smashwords, or your own favorite publishing company? Do you seek out that agent and publisher and wait for them to see the quality and value of your hard work?

Well, I suppose it does depend on whether you self-publish, or wish to go the traditional route. I'll be speaking primarily of the Indie route, but will address traditional publishing as well.

Indie Author

Writing a book is not the same as producing a quality piece of literature. It is a rare person who writes perfectly and never needs an edit or four before submitting your work.

Your first step would be to wait a week. Yes, I mean that. You want to read your manuscript with fresh eyes and a clear mind. You should never go from author to editor in a day. 

You'll want to have to read your story with a critical eye. If you do not wait a few days, you won't see those errors that you would invariably notice in another person's story. Read as though you are a reader, not the author. The biggest bit of information here, is that you must be willing to improve on what you're reading. It is imperative. 

Consider editing to be like putting the right amount of spices in your favorite dish. If you don't add enough, your food will be flat and unappetizing.

After you read your own work, secure an editor. There are so many out there with varied degrees of skill and experience. Look for an editor who suits both your financial ability and your personality. You'll be working closely with this person and you should have a good rapport with them.

Traditional Publishing

If you are determined to find an agent and publisher, I wish you luck. The process involves writing introduction letters, submitting at least a portion of your work, and waiting for them to decide whether they wish to work with you.

Remember that most agents and publishers are into a niche market; they take what will sell. If they are uncertain that something will sell, they will not accept your work.

This group will work with you on an editor, cover art, marketing, and the like. They may or may not provide you with any of those, though. 

Above all else:  NEVER pay a publisher up-front for their work, and ALWAYS read the contract. If you are not happy with it, your agent can negotiate a more amiable contract. Do not sign anything unless you are completely pleased with what the publisher tells you.