When approaching the publication of your book, there are certain things you’ll want to have for a successful launch day. Having a polished and complete text is the most important part of any book! But beyond what’s actually on the page, what are some of the important book assets for publication to make it feel complete?
After editing is complete, it’s time to think about the actual product, which will house your words. There are two main components to a physical book: the cover and the interior. You’ll want to work with seasoned professionals for both, someone who understands your genre and how your book fits into the market, and who can give you an expert eye so your book doesn’t stand out in a bad way.
Cover Design
An eye-catching cover is a good start, and going to your local bookstore or browsing online can help inspire which direction you want to go. You can bring any examples of the covers you’re drawn to, and be careful of falling into the too-trendy category. You want something that fits well in the market but will also have lasting power. As you design the cover, you’ll also want to consider developing engaging back cover content. The back cover copy will function as your description and be listed on retail sites. You can also include an author bio or photo if desired. These can also go in the back matter of your interior. An author photo isn’t make or break. But I recommend having at least a short bio that will give readers a feel for who you are.
Interior Layout
A professionally designed interior that fits in your genre is also vital to the presentation of your book and readability. I suggest finalizing at least your front cover before you start the interior process. The cover will inform the interior design, carry details over, and create a cohesive product of book assets. Depending on your content and genre, this is also the time to set any internal embellishments. This can be illustrations, images, charts, or graphs.
Book Distribution
It’s important to understand how your book will be distributed. This will ensure your files will work with how you plan to publish. Designers will likely be familiar with your route, but it’s key to know your plan beforehand so there are no surprises.
At this point, you’ll also want to know where your book fits in the market and how to set it up. Optimizing your metadata, such as categories and keywords, will help retailers and distributors understand how your book fits into the market.
Early Accolades
Some book assets that can help before launch, but are not totally necessary. Such as early reviews or awards. These could also be featured on the cover or interior of your book. This will help draw in readers and give them extra information about the book.
Perfect Your Story
The writing process can be long, and it’s exciting to get your book out there! But the best thing you can do for your book is take the time to craft an intentional and mindful physical product for your words to live in that fits your goals.
Born in Memphis and raised in a small town on the Tennessee-Kentucky border where you had to drive 10 minutes to see your neighbors, Hannah came to understand the human experience through her favorite books, mainly John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. She moved to the heart of Nashville to attend Lipscomb University, originally as a psychology major that influenced her ability to communicate so warmly and effectively, and really suss out an author’s goals for her book publicity work. She eventually changed her major to get more experience in the publishing and writing realm as she wanted to be around books.
Previously a bookseller with Barnes & Noble, Hannah’s first-hand experience getting books into customers’ hands gives her a unique and important view as a book publicist. Of course now she is helping authors get their books into readers’ hands!
