Having spoken to talented authors on most days for the past 25 years, I have become firmly acquainted with their pain points!  Of course, no two authors are the same, but they all have one thing in common; the fundamental need to share something they know, or are passionate about, to like minds.  They want to share with others and to touch their lives.  A beautiful and simple desire.  So how did this outpouring of generosity become so complicated and commercialised? How has the world of publishing lost sight of the basics, turned art into business and lost its heart?

There is something pure and exquisite about wanting to share something that will heal, help or inspire others.  This isn’t business-to-business; it’s heart-to-heart.

It saddens me to see authors embracing Artificial Intelligence and looking to algorithms to replace their own skills and passion to create a book.  A reader can spot enthusiasm a mile off. When you are on fire with enthusiasm, people will travel for miles to see those flames!

Writing a book is not a mechanical process. It is not about ensuring that you are using the right keywords so that you’re noticed by the search engines. It‘s not about writing to a formula. It is about sharing what your heart wants to say.

Many authors I speak to describe the moment when they are suddenly ‘in flow’ with their writing. The moment when the book seems to be writing itself  as if they’re downloading it directly to their fingers.  It is indeed a wondrous thing to behold! A  beautiful thing. It has happened to me as well.

The last thing you want is for your wonderful words, beautiful words, to be turned into a commodity, to be produced, packaged and printed without your pure intention behind it.   People buy people first. Products second.

Publishing, therefore, is not simply a mechanical process. These days you don’t need a publisher to print a book. You just need a printer. So, what should a publisher be doing that an author can’t?

Every masterpiece needs a frame to tell the viewer where the picture stops, and the gallery wall continues!  The book is the ‘frame’ that presents the words in an interesting and inviting way. It creates a context for the reader and enhances their experience.    A publisher can interpret a manuscript and make it sing and dance.

A publisher can also pass an experienced and expert eye over a manuscript. They will see things that an author is too close to their work to see.  They can suggest ways to connect with their readers in a more compelling and meaningful manner.

What does this all mean? How does it work? How is it possible?  We are so passionate about creating stunning books that we’ll share some of this precious alchemy with you, at no charge and with no further commitment on your part.

Book a 40-minute call with a publisher that has 25 years of experience and a proven track record of publishing thousands of authors worldwide. One that was recognised as the Publisher of the Year by the judges of the Peoples Book Prize.  Write your questions down before the call so you can take best advantage of the advice and tips.

You can have the best-written book in the world, but it may not reach its full potential because there were crucial aspects of the publishing process you were unaware of. Don’t let ignorance steal your success!

Chris Day – Founder of Filament Publishing Ltd.  25th Anniversary