Publishing your first book is a dream for many people, but the process can seem daunting. Here are some key steps to guide you through this journey, as I did:
Already, as for a brand, you need an idea and an idea that is close to your heart enough to maintain enthusiasm until the end of the process by standing out with passion.
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Writing and Editing : The first step is to finish your manuscript. Once you have your draft, let it sit for a few days and then proofread it carefully. Mine sat as a note on my iPhone for about a year or two before it seemed like a cool project to produce. Don’t hesitate to ask your friends or a professional proofreader to proofread it to catch errors and improve the style.
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Drawing: Because what I liked was trying my hand at comics with the challenge of imagining images that would accompany my text without being redundant. So here, it's about cutting up your text by choosing which part of the sentence you're going to highlight in the illustration, while thinking about the fact that you have to illustrate enough panels to fill a certain number of pages so that it doesn't remain at the fanzine stage but rather at that of a graphic novel. (60 pages for mine). And then, of course, defining my illustration style, my line and my colors and making sure that I can use it consistently. I drew about one illustration every two days during the winter in the evening when I got home from work in front of a movie.
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Choosing the publishing method : You have two main options: traditional publishing or self-publishing.
- For traditional publishing , you will need to submit your manuscript to publishing houses or literary agents. This process can be lengthy, but if you are accepted, the publisher will take care of printing, distribution, and often some of the promotion. I have tested a few, if only to get professional feedback on my projects, just to stay humble.
- With self-publishing , you have full control, but you have to manage the entire process: layout, cover design, printing, and marketing. Platforms like Amazon KDP or Kobo Writing Life make this path easier. But if you're not really a geek, it can be daunting.
- For traditional publishing , you will need to submit your manuscript to publishing houses or literary agents. This process can be lengthy, but if you are accepted, the publisher will take care of printing, distribution, and often some of the promotion. I have tested a few, if only to get professional feedback on my projects, just to stay humble.
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Formatting and Cover : A well-presented book makes a difference. Invest in a professional layout and an attractive cover. Even in self-publishing, these elements are crucial to attracting readers' attention.
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Print or digital?: If you choose to self-publish, you will need to decide whether you want to publish in print, digital, or both. Digital is easier and more accessible, while print can provide tangible satisfaction and a different audience. I personally really like paper and owning a book, an object created by someone, especially when it is something almost unique. But I am not averse to publishing online.
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Promotion : Regardless of the publication method chosen, promotion is key to selling your book. Use social media, create an author website, and don't hesitate to contact literary blogs for reviews or interviews. Personally, I went through my personal and professional Instagram. I also did a few feminist or not pop-ups and I approached specialized bookstores for deposits.
Publishing a first book is a big step, but with perseverance and a good strategy, you can turn your dream into reality. I am on my 3rd reissue and I am in 3 bookstores in Paris and Marseille: Le Monte-en-l'air https://montenlair.fr/ , Art Factory https://artsfactory.net/index.php and La réserve à bulles https://www.reserveabulles.com/ .
But more than being in bookstores, what makes this project a success is the almost unanimous reaction of the women who read it and for whom I created this book: "it's great, "I feel so concerned, "it speaks to me, "it's so true! "You put words to concepts that we know but when you read it it creates so many questions...I felt understood" in addition to the compliments on my illustrations.
It's very satisfying to think that we brought this little note in our cell phone to life at a bad time and transformed it into an object of rallying, appeasement, pleasure, discovery and connivance!
The Monstrous F... book is still available in the shop in "accessories" here: https://la-piri.com/products/le-livre-monstrueux-f