How Does a First Time Author Publish a Book?

I spent several months researching a variety of different self publishers and I narrowed my choice to two, one a secular publisher that also did Christian work,  and the other solely a Christian publisher. There proposals were similar in  alot of ways but different primarily in editing and distribution. I felt passionate about the editing of the book, especially since one manuscript had to be divided into two books, and I felt that the Christian publishing company would do a better job of editing. 

The publisher I chose worked with a freelance editor who did a great job! She helped divide the book and edited each chapter as if it were her book and not mine. She was by far the best asset the publisher offered. As the book was being edited there was a significant, almost daily exchange between the to of us, both with the goal of glorifying the Lord.

At the same time the book was being edited, I worked with the publisher on; page and chapter layout, cover design, coming up with a title for the book, pre publication publicity ideas, plans for initial introduction of the book at the International Christian Retailers Show in Florida, type of paper, hardback verse soft cover and many other small but important details that go into publishing a book. It was an exciting time but at the same time a difficult time, my publisher was extremely rigid and I’m not use to that!

At the end of  an 11 month process that had it’s share of ups and downs, the book was ready for sale and I flew down to Florida to introduce it to the Christian book stores.