The first step in the book publishing process is submitting the manuscript. Authors can choose to submit their work directly to publishers or literary agents, who will evaluate the manuscript for its potential. This is often accompanied by a query letter or proposal, especially for nonfiction. If accepted, the manuscript moves forward to the next stages of editing and production.

Once the manuscript is accepted, it undergoes thorough editing, which includes structural, line, and copyediting. Structural editing focuses on the overall organization, pacing, and flow of the book. Line editing fine-tunes sentence structure and clarity, while proofreading ensures the final text is free from grammatical errors, typos, and formatting issues.

Book design and formatting involve creating the layout of the book, including the cover design, page layout, fonts, and illustrations (if applicable). The design is crucial in attracting readers and presenting the book professionally. For eBooks, the formatting ensures that the book looks great across different devices, such as Kindles, tablets, and smartphones.

After the book is designed and formatted, it is ready for distribution. This includes getting the book into bookstores, online retailers, and libraries. Effective marketing strategies—such as social media promotion, book launch events, and media outreach—are essential for driving awareness and sales. Authors may work with a marketing team or self-promote to build an audience for their book.