Endless nights by the computer or typewriter and finally sitting before you is the manuscript which is going to take you from wannabe to actually are.  A Writer that is, but you always have been.  You want to be a published writer and that is something completely different.

As discussed in the introduction, we're assuming here you don't have an agent or a publisher ready to snatch the finished article from your hand or hard drive.  You are going to self publish, but there's a list as long as your arm to do before you get to that stage.

So what do you do next?  Edit, edit hard and long - Top Tip.  Once you've ironed out every wrinkle and crinkle in your work, pass it to your worst enemy.  Not your spouse, partner, mum or dad.  These people are usually preprogrammed to be nice to you.  You need someone to be honest without being cruel.

Only then is it a true manuscript. 

Now back the file up in as many places as you can.  Tip Send an email to yourself.  Most software security systems have a vault as do internet providers.  As long as they're free, or already included in the price then use them.

However we're talking about book and what do books need?  That's right a cover.  I'm sure you envisaged an inhouse artist doing all this for you with you giving the final opinion.  No.  No you're going to have to come up with the ideas, lots of them and then be ready to change everything depending on the publisher you choose.

Still want to be a published writer?  Then read part two.