From My Heart to Yours, Here’s the Journey to Sharing Your Story with the World. Have you ever felt a deep inner urge to share your story beyond the confines of your journal or your emotions? It’s that constant inner voice of yours that knows you’re capable and wants you to write a book. And let me tell you from experience, listen to it. If you’re wondering how to become a published author, this is the place you want to be.
I’m JB Owen, founder of Ignite Publishing™. I’ve helped writers to listen to that inner voice of theirs and bring their ideas to life. This blog is about the steps to publish a book that you’ve been putting on hold for too long. Get your mind going with the concept while I help you write, edit, and publish.
Here’s how you can become the published author you’ve always wanted to be…
Step 1: Understand Why You’re Writing
What is life without purpose?
The first thing that leads to a book’s concept is its purpose. Ask yourself, why do you want to write the book? Is the purpose of your book to inspire, teach, entertain, heal, or empower?
Knowing your purpose not only fuels your motivation but also helps shape your message. It’s also one of the most essential publishing tips for new authors: write from a place of authenticity and intention.
JB’s Tip: Write down your “why” and keep it visible. It’ll keep you going during your writing process.
Step 2: Know Your Audience
Before you write your first chapter, think about who your ideal reader is. What are they struggling with? What are they hoping to gain from your story?
Knowing your audience is one of the key steps to publish a book. You need to know who your ideal reader is and what you are going to offer them through your writing. What are they gaining from reading your book?
Start by getting a clear understanding of your audience because one thing a faulty author does is not understand their readers. Whether you’re writing fiction, non-fiction, or a memoir, writing with your reader in mind ensures your message lands with impact.
JB’s Tip: Visualise your reader as a real person. Speak to them like a trusted friend.
Step 3: Choose Your Genre and Style
The genre your book revolves around adds tone, pacing, and structure to the book. The clarity of your book’s genre will help you along the way in understanding your target audience, how to get a book deal, finding a literary agent, and placing your book on a self-publishing platform for authors.
JB’s Tip: Explore bestselling books in your genre to see what readers love and what you can offer that’s fresh.
Step 4: Create a Writing Routine
Writing a book requires time, expertise, and professionalism. It’s not magic. It happens word by word, day by day. The key to completing your book is consistency. Spare time for your book, even if it’s thirty minutes. Create a schedule that includes writing and protects your creative space.
Want to know how to write a bestseller? Show up consistently and treat your writing like the powerful mission it is.
JB’s Tip: Join our Writing Nests at Ignite Publishing™ for safe, inspiring spaces where you can write in the community and stay accountable.
Step 5: Write Your First Draft (Don’t Edit Yet!)
I’ve learnt this with experience: no one succeeds on their first try. Do not get into writing with the mindset that you’ll successfully write a book on your first try. The work needs to be draughted. It needs to be raw, imperfect, and full of heart. My best advice is to just focus on the creative flow and not worry about the grammar and structure.
JB’s Tip: Set a timer for distraction-free writing sprints. Momentum matters more than perfection at this stage.
Step 6: Revisions, Editing, and Formatting for Book Publishing
Once your draft is complete, it’s time to revise, polish, and shape your manuscript into a professional, publishable work. This stage involves:
- Content editing for structure, flow, and clarity.
- Line editing for tone, grammar, and sentence structure.
- Formatting interior layout and chapter design for book publishing.
- Proofreading for the final polish.
Editing and formatting for book publishing can make or break the reader experience. That’s why we offer one-on-one editing support at Ignite Publishing™ so your message shines, sentence by sentence.
JB’s Tip: Read your manuscript aloud. You’ll catch awkward phrasing and get a feel for your rhythm and voice.
Step 7: Decide: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing
After refining your manuscript, it’s time to select your publishing path. You’ll have to decide between traditional vs. self-publishing. Each option has its benefits and considerations.
Traditional Publishing:
- Submit to literary agents or publishers.
- Longer timeline and limited control.
- Potential for book deals and wider distribution.
Self-Publishing:
- Full creative and financial control.
- Faster turnaround and global reach.
Choose from various self-publishing platforms for authors, like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital.
At Ignite Publishing™, we offer a hybrid approach, giving you the personal support of a publisher with the freedom and empowerment of self-publishing.
JB’s Tip: The best path is the one aligned with your goals, values, and vision.
Step 8: Create a Beautiful Cover and Format Like a Pro
Your book cover is your first impression. Readers do judge a book by its cover, so design matters, especially in crowded online marketplaces.
Pair that with clean interior formatting, and your book instantly feels more professional, trustworthy, and impactful.
JB’s Tip: Think about your book’s emotional promise. How do you want readers to feel when they see it on the shelf?
Step 9: Hit Publish
It’s finally time to publish! Whether you’re uploading to a self-publishing platform or working with a publishing team, this is your moment to shine.
And yes, this is where we celebrate big time. You’ve just stepped fully into your power as an author.
JB’s Tip: Choose a meaningful launch date, maybe your birthday, a holiday, or a date that marks a personal milestone.
Step 10: Book Marketing Strategies That Work
Publishing your book is just the beginning. Now it’s time to share it with the world. Some powerful book marketing strategies include:
- Building an author website and email list.
- Social media campaigns (think cover reveals and countdowns).
- Podcast interviews and guest articles.
- Virtual launch parties and live readings.
- Collaborating with other authors or communities.
Our Ignite Moments™ programme helps authors turn their message into movements by offering tools, exposure, and resources to make marketing exciting and not overwhelming.
JB’s Tip: Marketing isn’t about selling; it’s more about serving. Share your book with the people who need it most.
Step 11: Keep Going and Keep Growing
Congratulations! You’ve done what most people only dream of. You’ve become a published author. But this is just the beginning. Many of our authors go on to write more books, start businesses, launch podcasts, and speak on global stages.
You’ve ignited your voice. Now keep fanning the flame.
JB’s Final Tip: Stay connected to your message. Stay connected to your community. And keep writing; the world needs your voice now more than ever.
Your Story Deserves to Be Published
If you’re still asking yourself how to become a published author, let this be your answer: you already have what it takes. You just need the right roadmap, the right support, and the right spark.
At Ignite Publishing™, we’re here to walk beside you every step of the way—with personalised services like Empowerment Books, Marquee Books, Platinum Books, and White Glove Services. Plus, you’ll gain access to our weekly mastermind calls and bi-monthly Writing Nests to stay connected and empowered throughout your journey.
Whether you’re just getting started or already writing chapter ten, we’re ready to help you ignite your dream of authorship. Book your free Author Discovery Call today.