Where do I go from here?

On November 22, 2009 I wrote: “I am going to sit here with my book next to the computer and go through the process of planning, writing, publishing, and promoting my nonfiction book just as I teach others to do it. And I am going to do it on my blog, The Writing Life.”

It took me ten weeks to write the first draft and have it edited. I thought it would take a lot longer but I should have realized I would become obsessed with the project. Once I begin to write, I am always obsessed. The book, so far, isn’t very long—2,1791 words, which is only 87 manuscript pages.

My editor and I have agreed not to look at the manuscript for two weeks, so that it will be fresh when we reread it. I am going to spend this “down time” planning next steps.

Here is my initial “to-do” list (very preliminary):

1. Buy Dan Poynter’s newest book....................................... done
2. Read relevant chapters..........................................in the works
3. Reread Zinsser’s Writing Your Life
4. Begin to follow timetable...................................... in the works
5. Research copyrights
6. Register copyright
7. Write copyright page
8. Write dedication............................................................ done
9. Write preface .......................................... use “writing out loud”?
10. Write acknowledgements
11. Write bibliography/recommended reading
12. Write back cover copy............................................ in the works
13. Apply for ISBN
14. Apply to library of congress for an LCCC number
15. Decide on publishing method
16. Research creating publishing company
17. Choose company name.................................................... done
18. Design company logo...................................................... done
19. Think about who might write the foreword
20. Have cover & page spreads designed......................... in the works
21. Reread/reassess manuscript (with editor)
22. Send chapters to friends for review & critique
23. Revise/reread
24. Have manuscript copy edited
25. Map out promotional activities list............................in the works
26. Register for a domain name ............................................ done
27. Choose a website host.............................................done: Verio
28. Sign up for ShopSite store......................... done: through Verio
29. Send out readers’ copies/solicit testimonials