10 Tips for Navigating the Publishing Process Without Losing Your Sanity (Mostly)
Writer to writer, let’s agree that the publishing process does not exactly scream Keep Calm and Carry On. Most days, it’s more like Keep Screaming and Hope for the Best. I’ve been there, and after taking every long road, hitting every pothole, and driving through every storm with broken windshield wipers, I’ve pulled together some sanity-saving tips to help you keep it together.
I could list my accolades as a Writer, Publishing Advisor, and Poet, but none of that came without falling, “failing,” and, frankly, f*cking it up first. But I believe all those “Fs” are just opportunities to live and learn—and trust me, I did. So, let’s start there. Here are ten honest, practical, and relatable tips to minimize frustration and maximize success in your publishing journey.
1. Educate Yourself: Don’t Go in Blind
Before diving into publishing, take time to understand the industry’s layers. Learn about traditional vs. self-publishing, marketing, distribution, and what different professionals (editors, agents, publicists) actually do. The more you know, the fewer surprises will knock you off course. Knowledge is power—and in publishing, it’s also protection.
2. Don’t Burn Yourself Out with Social Media
Social media is a tool, not a requirement for success. There’s a lot of fear-mongering about needing a massive following to get an agent or sell books, but many authors succeed without becoming viral sensations. Instead of draining yourself trying to keep up, focus on what feels natural and sustainable for you.
Read our blog, Build an Audience Without Social Media: 5 Alternative Strategies for Growth, to learn more.
3. Build Your Author Platform Strategically
Your author platform isn’t just social media—it’s how you connect with your audience. This includes newsletters, blogs, events, and any space where you show up as a writer. Prioritize quality over quantity and create a presence that aligns with who you are, rather than what the algorithm demands.
4. Own Your Author Identity
Who are you as a writer? What themes define your work? How do you want to be seen in the literary world? Your author identity helps you market yourself authentically and stand out. When you’re clear on your voice and values, everything from pitching to branding becomes easier (and far less soul-sucking).
To explore more of this, download Crafting Your Author Identity: Defining Your Voice and Connecting Authentically With Readers for FREE.
5. Know Your Readers
Your book is not for everyone, and that’s a good thing. Define your ideal reader—their interests, struggles, and what they’re looking for in a book like yours. When you know your audience, you can market smarter and build a loyal community around your work.
6. Create a Professional Author Website
Your website is your online home, where readers, agents, and industry professionals can find you. Make it easy to navigate, include clear calls to action (like signing up for your newsletter), and ensure it reflects your brand. Your website should work for you, even when you’re not actively promoting yourself.
7. Use SEO to Your Advantage
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) might sound intimidating, but it’s a powerful way to help readers discover you. Use relevant keywords in your blog, website, and book descriptions to increase your online visibility. Even small SEO tweaks can make a big difference in how people find your work.
8. Stay Informed on Industry Trends
Publishing is constantly evolving, and staying in the know can help you make better decisions. Follow industry news, subscribe to newsletters like Publishers Weekly or Poets & Writers, and pay attention to trends that could impact your publishing path. The more you know, the better positioned you’ll be.
9. Be Realistic & Give Yourself Grace
Publishing takes time. You’re a person with a life beyond writing, and some days, other priorities will take over. Avoid burnout by setting realistic goals and pacing yourself. Progress—even slow progress—is still progress. Give yourself permission to grow at your own pace.
10. Find Your Writing Community
Writing can be solitary, but publishing doesn’t have to be. Find a community—whether it’s an online group, a critique partner, or an in-person writing circle—that supports and understands you. Having people to share wins, setbacks, and insights with can make all the difference.
Publishing is a maze, but it’s one you can navigate with confidence. You don’t have to do it alone, and you don’t have to lose your sanity along the way. With the right knowledge, strategy, and support system, you can make it through with your passion (mostly) intact. Now, take a deep breath—you’ve got this.
Get Help to Write and Publish Your Book
Publishing is a maze, but it’s one you can move through with clarity, confidence, and yes—even sanity. With the right tools, mindset, and support, you can avoid a lot of the unnecessary chaos and move forward with intention. Whether you're querying agents, planning to self-publish, or still figuring it out, the most important thing is that you’re not doing it aimlessly. And if you're looking for guidance, that's exactly what we’re here for.
Our Galaxy Publishing is an educational and service-based platform designed to support writers through every stage of the publishing journey. From concept to publication, we help you outline, write, edit, design, and market your book while also building your author platform and making sure your decisions align with your goals. Whether you’re pursuing traditional publishing and need query letter support or manuscript feedback, or taking the self-publishing route and need hands-on help with editing, design, and launch strategy, we’ve got you covered.
We focus on knowledge, strategy, and collaboration so that you’re not just moving forward, you’re doing it with purpose. Our mission is to make sure writers feel empowered, educated, and supported in an industry that can often feel overwhelming and gatekept.
So take a deep breath. You’ve got this—and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Our Galaxy Publishing is an educational and service-based platform that helps writers navigate the publishing industry with clarity, confidence, and creative control. Whether you’re self-publishing, seeking a literary agent, or still figuring out W T F you’re doing, we provide the tools, resources, and support to make your writing and publishing journey intentional, strategic, and powerful.