The 6 Stages of Publishing a Book (From Writing to Launch & Beyond)

Your Publishing Plan: The 6 Stages of Production & Launch Virtual Summit tickets: https://WomenInPublishingSummit.com/t... WIPCON in person conference: (Columbia, SC): https://WomenInPublishingSummit.com/c... If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by publishing—like you’re missing steps, wasting money, or realizing “oops… I should’ve known that earlier”—this training lays it all out. In this session, Alexa Bigwarfe breaks down the 6 stages of publishing (and explains why it’s less of a straight line and more like a giant bowl of spaghetti). You’ll learn what happens in each phase—from writing and editing to production, distribution, launch, and long-term marketing—plus how your chosen publishing path (traditional, hybrid, self-publishing, or self-pub assist) impacts everything from ISBNs to distribution decisions. You’ll also hear practical guidance on budgeting for a professional book, building an ARC/launch team, making smarter metadata choices, and why post-launch marketing is what keeps sales alive long after release week. Overview: The Complete Book Publishing Roadmap Why Publishing Isn’t Linear (What Most Authors Don’t Expect) The Mindset Shift: Writing vs Building an Author Business Choosing Your Publishing Path (Traditional vs Hybrid vs Self-Publishing) Budgeting for Publishing (What It Really Costs) Writing Stage Drafting, Outlining & Surviving the First Draft Writing Coaches, Critique Groups & Author Community Writing & Self-Editing Tools Editing Stage Alpha vs Beta Readers Explained The 4 Types of Book Editing Manuscript Critiques & Revision Strategy Production Stage Book Cover Design & Interior Formatting Metadata: Keywords, Categories & Pricing Strategy ISBNs Explained (What Authors Need to Know) Building an ARC & Launch Team Publication & Distribution Stage Print-on-Demand vs Print Runs KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital & Distribution Options Ebook vs Print vs Audiobook Strategy Book Distribution & Discoverability Launch Strategy Stage Pre-Launch Marketing Timeline How to Get Book Reviews & Awards Paid Promos, PR & Email List Growth Post-Launch Marketing Stage Long-Term Book Marketing Strategy Seasonal Promotions & Ongoing Visibility Podcasts, Speaking & Collaboration Audiobooks & Rights Expansion Collaboration & Community for Authors Upcoming Events: Women in Publishing Summit & WIPCON Live Q&A Highlights Resources mentioned: Editing resources page: https://WomenInPublishingSummit.com/e... Publishing Resources page: https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/p... Want support + community while you publish? The Women in Publishing Summit is March 8–11 (virtual), and your ticket includes recordings through the end of the year plus access to ongoing networking and collaboration opportunities. publishing process, how to publish a book, book publishing checklist, stages of publishing, book launch plan, production and launch, self publishing, hybrid publishing, traditional publishing, self publishing assistance, book editing, developmental editing, copyediting, proofreading, beta readers, alpha readers, manuscript critique, book formatting, book cover design, metadata for books, keywords and categories, ISBN explained, IngramSpark, KDP, Kindle Direct Publishing, Draft2Digital, PublishDrive, print on demand, print run, book distribution, ARC team, advanced reader copies, launch team, book marketing, pre-launch marketing, how to get book reviews, book awards for authors, post launch marketing, author platform, email list building for authors, publishing consultant, Women in Publishing Summit