As a book designer and self-publishing coach, I thought I knew the process inside and out. After all, I help authors every day, designing covers, mapping publishing timelines, guiding layout decisions, and troubleshooting those last-minute launch panics.
However, writing my own nonfiction book? That has been a completely different experience.
Here’s the honest story:
At first, everything flowed.
Inspiration struck.
The outline practically wrote itself.
I lined up interviews with people from all over the world. Within a few months, I had dozens of incredible stories ready to go.
I even designed the cover early and started planning a confident June 1st publication date. If you had asked me then, I would have told you I was almost done.
So, following my own advice, I sent the manuscript to my advisor before diving into book layout.
That’s when things got real.
Instead of final tweaks, I received what can only be described as a very polite demolition plan.
Apparently, “done” is just a cute phase authors go through before the real work starts.
There were not just minor edits needed, there were structural changes.
Entire sections needed to be reworked or removed.
A few painful “kill your darlings” moments later, I realized he was right.
At first, I was frustrated.
But after a few days (and a lot of coffee), I could see the wisdom in his feedback.
The book is stronger, clearer, and more impactful because of it.
Of course, it meant my launch plan had to change.
Instead of rushing to meet my original date, I moved the publication to September 22nd.
The upside?
Now I have more time to fine-tune the book and create a better marketing plan around it.
Practical Action Steps for Nonfiction Authors
If you’re writing your own nonfiction book, here’s what I recommend:
1. Get your first draft done, but stay flexible.
Think of it as your starting point, not your final masterpiece.
2. Find a trusted advisor or editor.
Someone whose feedback you’ll actually listen to, even when it’s uncomfortable.
3. Build breathing room into your timeline.
For example, give yourself a few extra months between finishing the draft and planning your launch.
4. Save final design and layout for later.
There’s no point polishing the book visually if the content might change significantly.
5. Stay connected to your goal.
Remember why you started: not just to finish a book, but to create something lasting and meaningful.
If you want a full checklist for self-publishing basics, I recommend checking out Ingram Spark’s free self-publishing guide.
Also, if you’re at the stage where you’re preparing your book for design or layout, feel free to explore my Book Design Services.
I’m always happy to help make the process a little easier.
Self-publishing is not about racing to the finish line. It’s about building something you’re proud to share with the world.
Trust the process, even when it feels messy. Especially then.