Step4a: Requirements for Self Publishing

A finalized manuscript that advances the centrality of Christ and does not contradict Christian faith.

What does it mean to have a finalized manuscript?

A. A finalized manuscript means that as the writer or author, you have given it your 101% in terms of content. If you are struggling with honouring your finish-deadline, you should consider working with a writing coach or joining a group writing class.

Some of the mistakes to avoid as an author is to submit your manuscript to publisher and then continue to write more, advance it or make adjustments. When you have several working documents you encounter the following challenges:

(i) You waste time and resources – the editors will have one updated version and you will have a differently updated version. Merging these updates can be painfully time consuming and tends to bring confusion and frustration for all parties involved.

(ii) You lose out on improvements that come from synergy of teamwork. Most of the time, everyone is pulling in different directions.

B. A finalized manuscript also means that it is available for others to give input. It’s important to save your most recent work safely. We recommend using a cloud based platform like Google DocsReedsy or other writing platforms available online.

It’s possible to have the manuscript completed but get shy or cold feet to have others have a look. If you face this challenge, you should be comforted to know that self doubt is common among authors. You can be very excited to write then doubt if the content is good enough after you are done. It will possibly come up again when you finish publishing and need to launch. If this happens, you should remind yourself why you started writing in the first place. For Christian writers, God has given you an assignment to communicate His truths to others. So understand and accept that it’s not just about you – there is a bigger picture in play here. Trust God to lead and order your steps.

C. For CLC Kenya publishing requirement, a finalized manuscript also means that the content advances the centrality of Christ and does not contradict the Christian faith. We are an interdenominational ministry serving the body of Christ irrespective of the interpretation of Scriptures. However, the core foundation must be observed – centrality of Christ.

Does the manuscript have to quote Scriptures? Not necessarily but it cannot contradict the Christian faith. Our best example is world renown fiction writer, Francine Rivers. She has done an amazing job to weave the foundation of Christ in her stories without quoting Scriptures after every page. So we accept both Scripture-quoting manuscripts and others not quoting Scriptures – but we have to see Jesus in the bigger picture after we are done with the last page of your book.

This means that as a publishing ministry, we do not publish academic books (we recommend Royalite Publishers) and we do not publish non-Christian content (we recommend Writers Guild of Kenya).

 

Non-Disclosure Agreement

A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a legally binding contract that establishes a confidential relationship. The party or parties signing the agreement agree that sensitive information they may obtain will not be made available to any others.  An NDA may also be referred to as a confidentiality agreement.

NDAs are generally required when an author and a publisher (or editor etc) enter into discussions about publishing a book together but want to protect their own interests and the details of any potential deal. In this case, the language of the NDA forbids all involved from releasing information regarding any publishing processes or plans of the other party or parties.

Over the past years in publishing, I have encountered several writers who lost their manuscripts to rogue self-proclaimed ‘publishers or editors’. One young lady I met in 2017 had found her book on the streets of Nairobi bearing another author’s name but with her story inside. There was no paper trail that she had submitted the manuscript to the editor so there was no legal case to her advantage. More so because she had also submitted the manuscript in a flash disk. On the minimum, send your work always on email.

Offcourse, the start of publishing journey is finding a publisher you can trust, and even so, it is important to have some form of documentation to show that you are the originator of the content.

To learn more about NDAs:

 

Time Commitment to Be Consulted

Your publisher or editor will need your availability to consult on sections of the manuscript that do not make sense, need rewriting or replacement. In your alone time writing, sometimes you can get carried away by a concept and supply additional but irrelevant details. Other times, it’s possible to get overwhelmed remembering an incidence in your life that should go into the book. If it was a painful moment for you, after you finish crying and overcoming the hurt from the memory, you can subconciously ommit to complete the story or the concept.

Earlier we established that you must release your manuscript to the publisher, however, note that you will be called upon to work on highlighted sections.

Financial Investment

If you are taking the self publishing or hybrid publishing routes, you will need capital to get editors, proofreaders, designers and book managers. In CLC Kenya Self Publishing, a book takes up to one year to be completed and we have a flexible payment plan that allows authors to make monthly payments throughout the year to be completed at the time of the launch of the book. The strategy here is to enable as many authors called to write in this era, to finish their assignment from God and impact as many lives for Jesus with well done and well packaged content.

Next we will look at The Steps in Self Publishing – Review.

Training by: Dr. Muthoni Mercy Omukhango

Publisher in Africa | National Director @CLC Kenya |Authors’ Manager @African Christian Authors Book Award-ACABA | Marketplace Minister | Patron at CLC Kids and Teens | Advancing God’s Kingdom through literature. 

 

Getting Started: Publishing Books

Preparing to Write/Publish

Step1: Prepare Yourself to Get Published…

Are you ready to publish your book? Here is how you need to prepare. Have your manuscript ready and explore the oprions available today. If you are stuck in getting it started or finished, there is several ways to get help. Explore and get published today! #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

Step2: Let’s Talk About Publishing

The self-publishing landscape has changed considerably in the past two decades with new technologies such as the Internet, and the $1 billion markets continuing to change at a rapid pace. Increasingly, there are numerous alternatives to traditional publishing, and self-publishing is becoming the first choice for writers. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

Step3: Factors to Consider Before Self Publishing

Jesus, while talking to the disciples about following Him, asked them to count the cost. The same Scripture applies to authors today - you have to count the cost from the beginning to ensure you don't stop at some point in your book project's journey. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

Step4b: Publishing Steps – Review

Is your manuscript due for a review towards getting published? The major focus during manuscript review is the general quality of the book. It is important to establish the overall completeness, scope and readership of the manuscript and whether the presentation and accessibility of the book is suitable. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

Elementary Skills: Publishing Books

How to Write

5a: How to Write a Book Dedication

A book dedication is a way for you, the author to bestow a high honor on a person (or a group of people) you wish to praise or otherwise spotlight. This dedication note is often short and usually focused on one person (or a specific group of people). It’s supposed to be personal, rather than professional. It goes on the dedication page, which is in the very front of the book, after the title page. Here's how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

5b: How to Write a Book’s Foreword

A well-written foreword can function as the ultimate third-party recommendation or endorsement for your book, generating interest and helping when it’s time to market your book. Here’s how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

5c: How to Write a Book Introduction

Are you stuck on writing your book introduction? Here's how to... Hook the reader right from the beginning with a personal story from your life, a funny story, a joke, or just an interesting fact that causes him/her to want to continue reading. Here’s how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

5d: How to Write a Book’s Conclusion

If your readers are in the conclusion chapter, it also means they read the whole book, they liked it, and now they want you to wrap it up. So don’t rash it. Give them what they want. Here’s how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

5e: How to Write an Author’s Bio

People are looking for reasons why they should spend their time reading what you have written. You need to instill confidence in your readers that you are knowledgeable on the subject matter by writing an appropriate bio. Here's how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

5f: How to Write a Book’s Blurb

A blurb is a short yet descriptive account of the book that goes on the back cover or within the book sleeve of a hardcover book. It includes any information that represents the book best and intrigues the readers and shoppers to pick the book off the shelves. Here's how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

5g: How to Write an Acknowledgment

An acknowledgment section in a book provides the space to go into lenghty details in thanking the people who were sources of inspiration and support for your book and life. Here'show to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

5h: How to Write a Table of Contents

A table of content shows the things that are held or included in something. In the book industry, it is a list of the chapters or sections given at the front of a book or periodical. Here's how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

Technical Skills: Publishing Books

Refining Your Manuscript

6a: How to Write a Devotional

A devotional book is a literary work designed to provide spiritual inspiration, guidance, and reflection for readers seeking to deepen their faith and relationship with God. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

6c: How to Use Dialogue in Story Writing

Effective dialogue is characterized by authenticity, clarity, and relevance to the story. It should sound natural and believable, reflecting the unique voices and perspectives of the characters. Dialogue tags, such as "said," "asked," and "replied," help identify speakers and maintain clarity in conversations. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

6e: How to Elevate a Non-fiction Christian Book to Make it Personal and Engaging

Transforming a flat non-fiction Christian book into an engaging and impactful read requires authenticity and connection. Share your personal testimony, use relatable real-life examples, and offer practical applications to make your message resonate. Being vulnerable about your faith journey fosters trust, while reflective questions and actionable steps encourage readers to apply the lessons to their own lives. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

6f: How to Ethically Use Other People’s Public Stories in a Non-fiction Christian Book

Using public stories in your Christian book requires integrity and respect for the individuals involved. Always seek permission where possible, give proper attribution, and ensure the story aligns with your message while preserving the dignity of those featured. Avoid embellishment or distortion for dramatic effect, and focus on presenting truth with grace. By handling stories ethically, you honour both the subjects and your readers while maintaining your credibility as a Christian author. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

6g: How to overcome the challenge of mixed languages in writing a manuscript

Writing a manuscript with mixed languages can be both enriching and challenging. To overcome this, establish clear guidelines for when and how to incorporate multiple languages. Use translations sparingly and only where necessary, ensuring they don’t disrupt the reader’s flow. Consider adding footnotes or a glossary for clarity and consistency. Tools like professional editors and language experts can help refine your manuscript while maintaining cultural authenticity. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

6h: How to Peer Review Fiction and Non-Fiction Christian Literature Manuscripts

Peer reviewing Christian literature requires a thoughtful approach to ensure the manuscript aligns with Biblical principles while engaging readers effectively. For fiction, focus on character development, plot consistency, and spiritual themes. For non-fiction, assess clarity, theological accuracy, and practical application. Provide constructive feedback, highlighting strengths and offering actionable suggestions for improvement. A thorough peer review not only refines the manuscript but also upholds its spiritual impact. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

6i: How to Ensure Diversity and Inclusion in Christian Writing

By embracing diverse voices, ensuring equitable access for underrepresented authors, and encouraging inclusive storytelling, authors and publishers can reflect the richness of God's Kingdom. This includes actionable strategies to amplify marginalized voices, promote cultural representation, and create a more inclusive literary ecosystem. With initiatives like multilingual publishing, fair contracting, and global partnerships, CLC Kenya leads the way in advancing DEI while staying true to Biblical principles. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

Advanced Skills: Publishing Books

Going the Extra Mile

7a: Should a Non-Fiction Book Have a Subtitle?

A subtitle is a powerful tool for non-fiction books, offering clarity and appeal to potential readers. It provides additional context about the book's content, target audience, and benefits, helping it stand out in searches and on bookshelves. A well-crafted subtitle enhances discoverability, boosts SEO, and communicates your book's value in just a few words. Learn More Here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

7b: Why Organising Your Non-Fiction Into Chapters Is Important

Organising your non-fiction book into clear, well-structured chapters enhances readability, engagement, and comprehension for your audience. Chapters create a logical flow, making complex ideas easier to digest while guiding readers through your message step by step. A structured layout also improves your book's professional appeal and allows readers to quickly locate topics of interest. Learn More Here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

7c: Why Self-Edit Your Book Before Submitting it for Publishing?

Self-editing is a crucial step before submitting your manuscript for publishing. It allows you to refine your ideas, correct errors, and enhance the overall quality of your work. A well-edited manuscript not only demonstrates professionalism but also makes the publishing process smoother and more efficient. From grammar to flow and consistency, self-editing ensures your book is the best version of itself before reaching an editor's desk. Learn More Here. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

Contractual Skills: Publishing Books

Be Informed (Not Legal Advice)

8a: Why Every Author Needs a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

Protect your intellectual property with a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in publishing! An NDA safeguards your manuscripts and creative ideas by establishing confidentiality between authors, publishers, and editors. It ensures your work isn't misused, offers legal protection, and secures your publishing journey. Learn how to prevent unauthorized use of your content, why documentation is essential, and how trusted publishers like CLC Kenya provide sample NDAs to keep your work safe. Don't let your hard work go unprotected—explore the importance of NDAs today! Here’s what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

8c: Terms and Conditions for Traditional Publishing/Adapting Existing Books into Other Versions

Adapting existing books into new versions, such as translations, audiobooks, or special editions, requires clear terms and conditions in traditional publishing agreements. These terms outline rights, royalties, and responsibilities for both the author and publisher, ensuring a smooth adaptation process. Properly defined agreements protect the integrity of the original work while maximising its reach and impact across different formats. Here’s what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

8d: How to Publish a Book with Multiple Stakeholders: Best Practices for Rights Ownership, Expenses and Recognition

Publishing a book with multiple stakeholders requires clear communication and well-defined agreements to ensure smooth collaboration. Establish ownership rights, allocate expenses transparently, and outline recognition for each contributor's role. Best practices include drafting detailed contracts, maintaining open communication, and resolving disputes amicably. These steps protect relationships while ensuring the book's success. Here’s what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

8e: How to Get ISBN in Kenya and Other African Countries

Publishing a book with multiple stakeholders requires clear communication and well-defined agreements to ensure smooth collaboration. Establish ownership rights, allocate expenses transparently, and outline recognition for each contributor's role. Best practices include drafting detailed contracts, maintaining open communication, and resolving disputes amicably. These steps protect relationships while ensuring the book's success. Here’s what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices

Read More

Subscribe for wholesome content!

Leave a reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

×