How to publish a book? Translation tips and more

Publishing a book is the dream of many reading enthusiasts and people who write for themselves or publish on online portals. However, the road to realising this desire in the Polish publishing market can be challenging. When an author finishes their text, they are faced with a crucial choice: traditional publishing or self-publishing? So, how can you publish your own book? Before you make a decision, get to know the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed solutions, including in the context of possible book translation. 

Self-publishing – full control over publication but more responsibility 

Self-publishing gives you full control over every stage of publishing your book. It is the author who has the last say about everything, from the cover design, to the composition of the proofreading and editorial team, to the marketing strategy. However, this independence comes at a price. 

To self-publish a book, the author has to bear all the costs. They also need to undertake promotional and distribution activities on they own, even thout they often lack relevant experience. In addition to the financial burden, of course, they have to commit a lot of time resources to make the publication (be it a novel or a science book) a success in bookshops.  

Self-publishing – who should self-publish?  

Self-publishing is a model in which the author manages the entire book publishing process themselves, which we describe below. Although this involves covering all costs, it gives you full control over every stage of the publication. This solution is particularly appreciated by bloggers, influencers or guide writers who already have an audience. However, self publishing requires the author to be familiar with many areas – from editing to proofreading to DTP, promotion and distribution. While it can bring higher sales returns, it also carries financial risks. 

What about budding writers who want to get their first book published? 

Publishing in a publishing house – what is the publishing process like?  

Publishing a book in a major publishing house is a process that requires patience and determination. Here is what the process looks like. 

First you have to send in your typescript and wait for a response. This can take up to several months. Publishers prefer to send texts by email. Special addresses can be found on the websites. It is worth sending a proposal to various publishers. 

Publishers receive dozens and sometimes hundreds of proposals every day, so breaking through as a debutant is quite a challenge. It is therefore worth drawing the attention of editors already with the message to which you add an attachment. An outline of the plot, a list of themes or a brief characterisation of the characters can help to draw attention to your book. Some debutants also share a short biographical note. 

If your book is accepted and is on the publishing schedule for a given year, you can count on full support – from editing to promotion to distribution. 

Working with a publisher is a huge help, especially for a debut, but it requires patience and a willingness to wait a long time.  

Step-by-step publishing process 

The publishing process is a complex mechanism with several key stages, from editing to distribution. It applies to both fiction and children’s books. Every publication that goes into print and then into the hands of readers. Each of these steps is essential for a book to hit the shelves of bookshops in the best possible shape.  Let’s take a closer look at what the process of entering the publishing market looks like. 

Editing, i.e. improving the content in terms of content 

Editing is the first step in the publishing process. It involves refining the content of the book both in terms of content and style. At this stage, the text is carefully analysed and checked whether it is logical, coherent and in line with the author’s intentions. Editing, in conjunction with the proofreading, ensure that the content is not only correct, but also interesting and accessible to the reader. 

Proofreading, i.e. elimination of linguistic errors 

Proofreading is another very important stage that focuses on removing any spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. This is a necessary step to ensure the book presents the highest linguistic quality. Proofreading, like editing, is part of the editorial process that aims to prepare a text for publication in the best possible form. 

Typesetting, i.e. preparing the text for printing 

Typesetting of a book is the point at which the text is adapted to the graphic design. This includes the arrangement of content and illustrations on the pages. At this stage, the book takes its final, visual shape, which is of great importance for its reception by readers. Typesetting and cover design are two key elements of the graphic design that determine the aesthetics of the publication. 

Cover design, i.e. creation a visual setting for a book 

Cover design is the process of creating a visual setting for a book, often carried out in collaboration with the author. In the case of self-publishing, the author has more influence over the cover design, whereas in traditional publishing, the decision usually rests with the publisher. A professional cover should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but should also attract the attention of potential readers, acting as a showcase for the book. 

Second proofreading: final check before printing 

Proofreading of the ready book is the final stage before the book is sent to the printers. It involves carefully checking that everything is in place – from the layout of the text to the illustrations. This is the crucial moment that determines whether the book goes to print in perfect form, ready to win the hearts of readers. 

Book publishing formalities – ISBN and publishing contract 

Publishing a book in Poland is a process that goes far beyond just writing and preparing the text for print. The author has to face several formalities before their work reaches the hands of readers. One of the key steps is to give the book an ISBN number. Without this international identification number, getting a book into official distribution is simply not possible. An ISBN is not just a formality – it is a pass to wide distribution, enabling the book to be sold both in brick and mortar bookshops and on online platforms.  

The signing of a publishing contract is one of the most important moments in the entire publishing process. This agreement sets out the terms and conditions of the collaboration between the author and the publisher, including profit sharing and copyright. Before signing it, it is advisable to carefully examine the provisions concerning: book promotion, distribution, profit-sharing, copyright. 

Printing and distributing a book – will it be a bestseller? 

Printing and distribution are key stages in the paper book publishing process. It is them that finally turn a book into a physical product that goes to market. With self-publishing, the author gains full control over how their work reaches readers. This freedom allows the strategy to be tailored to individual needs and capabilities. Decisions made at this stage can directly affect the success of the book.  

Distribution is one side of the coin. The other one is promotion. In the case of selfpublishing, it rests entirely with the author. It is the writer who has to devote time, energy and financial resources to author meetings or conducting social media publicity.  

On the other hand, if you decide to publish a book in a publishing house, you can count on the support of the marketing department, e.g. in preparing graphics or signing up for industry events such as Book Fairs.  

Translating a book – how to make a name for yourself in a foreign market? 

We will not address the issue of international publishing agreements or distribution paths in this article. In this piece, we will focus on translating a text from one language to another. Whether you conquer the foreign book market with the help of a publisher or on your own, the key to success is a good book translation. 

A proper linguistic translation that follows the rules of orthography is not enough when it comes to a book. Understanding the culture, preserving the author’s distinctive style and the message of the original are treated by many readers as a hallmark of a successful translation. The localisation of the text is essential for proper reception.  

What can be gained by translating a book in an online office? 

Translating a book is a complex process. It requires both excellent language skills and precision and creativity.  

By undertaking such an order, our online translation agency guarantees terminological consistency. This is especially important for scientific publications or handbooks. The translators and native speakers we work with have training and experience in specific industries, which makes it easier for them to handle the professional vocabulary. 

The translation prepared by us will be able to be sent straight to print. This is made possible by the fact that we prepare materials for printing and distribution. We take care of graphical consistency with the original and preservation of all details. 

Once the project is completed, we provide support to our clients. Out of print and reprint is in order? A new edition with a revised layout? We can take care of translation updates.  

How much does it cost to translate a book? 

In our online office, we carry out both translations for publishers and freelance authors. What is the cost of translating a book? The price of completing a project is influenced by the language pair and the number of pages or the subject matter of the piece, among other factors.  

How to publish a book? Start by choosing a model! 

Deciding on a publication model is a key moment on the road to the publication your own book. Several options are available to authors, which vary in both cost and the level of control over the process and support they offer. Choosing the right model depends on individual preferences, budget and level of commitment.