Publishing: The End or The Beginning?

It’s over. We’ve reached the last step of the writing process: publishing. Simple, right? Just click Publish and you’re done.

Seth Godin on shipping (aka publishing)

Not quite. After tackling prewriting, drafting, revising and editing, there’s still work to do. Depending on your project, some of these questions may answer themselves, or you may have some more thinking to do.

What medium will you use to publish? 

Do you need to add pictures, quotes or other visual elements to strengthen your written work? 

If sourced, do you have permission to use those visual elements? (i.e. Don’t steal people’s pictures, even online!) 

Have you thoroughly completed steps 1-4?

Are you ready for the world to see your work?

The last question can be an oxymoron. Some people are never ready for the world to see their work, but you do have to publish sometime. You can produce the best writing in the world, but if no one reads it, what’s the point? (This is presuming that you want people to read your work, of course.)

After completing the five steps of the writing process, you’ll begin to understand. The writing process isn’t linear and never truly ends. It’s cyclical at best, and sometimes resembles a drunken, disoriented party-goer. Don’t be discouraged.

The trick is to follow the rules until you learn how to break them.

The real trick is learning which rules to follow and which rules to break. It’s different for everyone. Once you figure that out, then you’ll discover how powerful the written word can be.

FREE Download –> The Power of the Pen: 5 Steps to Writing That Produces Results

Publish Your Comments

What publishing advice would you offer fellow writers?

Are you a “publish or perish” disciple or would you rather take more time?

Whatever your medium, do you have recommendations (i.e. blog services, book publishers, agents)?

What would you add to this series on the writing process?

If you have any writing-related questions, please ask. Or we can handle all of your writing needs so you can focus on saving the world before bedtime (or hanging up your cape).

Signing off,
Jaime

Join the conversation:

Published by Jaime Shine

I love to write. While most kids were playing with blocks or dolls, I was publishing magazines and newspapers – feature articles, ads, sports box scores, the whole nine yards. From promotions director to advertising roles to branding projects, I’ve always been interested in all forms of marketing. That interest blossomed into a career path and led me to open my own business, which has always been a dream of mine. And I’d love to work my magic for you. Check out my company's services, discover more about me or chime in on my blog, covering a variety of topics, at http://jaimeshine.com.

2 thoughts on “Publishing: The End or The Beginning?

    1. Carol,

      Thanks for sharing the article about submission guidelines and your tip for bloggers! Both are great resources to our audience. I appreciate your kind words about our series on the writing series. 😄

      Have a great evening!
      Jaime

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