Taking Flight Again: The Publishing Process
Finishing your memoir is a major accomplishment — but it is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of a new one: transforming a private manuscript into a book others can read, enjoy, and learn from.
Publishing can feel as mysterious as reading the wind. There are choices, terminology, contracts, timelines, and unfamiliar steps. But just as with ballooning, once you understand the fundamentals, the process becomes navigable.
In this chapter, we’ll walk through the major publishing paths — traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, and self-publishing — and explore how to decide which one aligns best with your goals.
Clarify Your Goals First
Before approaching any publisher or platform, ask:
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Who is my ideal reader?
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Why do I want this book published?
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Do I care more about reach or control?
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Am I willing to wait for longer timelines?
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Do I want to manage design and distribution myself?
Your answers will guide your publishing decisions. Publishing is not one-size-fits-all. It is strategic.
Traditional Publishing
Traditional publishing involves submitting your manuscript to a publishing house (often through a literary agent). If accepted, the publisher invests in editing, design, printing, marketing, and distribution. In return, they earn a significant percentage of book earnings and retain certain rights.
Pros
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Professional editing and design
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Established distribution into bookstores and libraries
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Marketing support (varies by publisher)
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Credibility and prestige
Cons
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Highly competitive
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Slow: 18–24 months is common
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Less creative control
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Royalties are smaller per book
How to Pursue It
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Prepare a book proposal — including summary, market analysis, sample chapters, and author bio.
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Query literary agents who work with memoirs.
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Revise based on feedback if offered.
Traditional publishing works well for writers seeking wide reach and validation and who are patient with timelines.
Hybrid Publishing
Hybrid publishers blend aspects of traditional and self-publishing. Authors pay part of the cost, and the publisher provides professional services and guidance.
Pros
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Higher quality than many self-published books
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Faster than traditional publishing
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More creative control
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Some distribution support
Cons
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Up-front cost
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Quality varies widely across companies
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Must evaluate carefully to avoid predatory contracts
Always investigate reputation, review terms, and ensure royalties, rights, and expectations are clearly stated.
Self-Publishing
Self-publishing (often through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital) allows you to publish independently.
Pros
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Full creative control
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Higher royalty percentages
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Speed — you can publish within weeks
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Ability to revise and update later
Cons
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You are responsible for editing, design, and marketing
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No automatic bookstore distribution (unless arranged)
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Learning curve for formatting and publishing tools
Self-publishing works beautifully for memoirists who want direct access to readers, especially if those readers belong to a specific niche or community — like balloonists.
Editing and Professional Services
Regardless of your publishing route, invest in professional support where possible:
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Developmental editing (big-picture structure)
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Copyediting (grammar and clarity)
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Proofreading (final polish)
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Cover design (critical for attracting readers)
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Interior formatting (professional layout matters)
Think of these services like experienced crew members — they help ensure your book launches smoothly.
ISBNs, Copyright, and Legal Considerations
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) identifies your book commercially. Self-publishers can purchase their own or sometimes use free platform-assigned numbers. Owning your ISBN gives you more control.
Copyright belongs to you automatically when you create your manuscript — but registering it formally in your country provides legal protection if disputes arise.
When signing publishing contracts:
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clarify royalty percentages
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understand rights retained or transferred
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ask how long the contract lasts
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avoid agreements you don’t fully understand
Seek legal guidance if necessary.
Formatting and Book Design
Presentation matters. A thoughtfully designed book looks legitimate and trustworthy. Focus on:
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readable font sizes
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consistent chapter headers
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adequate margins
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professional cover art
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appropriate use of photos (if included)
Memoirs benefit especially from clean, inviting layouts. If unsure, hire a designer rather than struggle with amateur formatting.
Deciding Whether to Include Photos
Ballooning memoirs often lend themselves to photographs. They can enrich storytelling — but they should support the narrative rather than replace it. Consider:
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print quality requirements
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placement near relevant chapters
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captions that enhance context
Photos increase printing costs, so balance emotional value with practicality.
Pricing Your Book
Pricing depends on:
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format (paperback, hardcover, ebook)
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printing costs
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audience expectations
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comparable memoir pricing
Avoid undervaluing your work. Price competitively while maintaining accessibility for your intended readers.
Distribution Choices
Distribution determines where readers can buy your book:
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Amazon-only distribution prioritizes simplicity and online reach.
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Expanded distribution through IngramSpark or similar platforms places books in libraries and bookstores.
Consider your target readers. If many of them attend balloon festivals or aviation gatherings, you may also sell books directly at events — a powerful, personal way to share your story.
Launch Strategy
A book launch gives your memoir a strong takeoff. Plan ahead:
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announce the book early
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share excerpts on social media
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notify ballooning clubs, aviation groups, and related communities
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schedule signings or virtual Q&A sessions
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gather early reviews
Your goal is awareness — letting the world know your story is available.
Expect Emotional Vulnerability
Publishing feels different from drafting. Once a book is public, others will form opinions about your life, choices, and writing. This vulnerability is normal.
Remind yourself:
“I wrote this with honesty and purpose. Not everyone must love it for it to have value.”
Focus on the readers your story reaches — the ones who learn, remember, and appreciate.
Final Thought
Publishing is a new kind of balloon flight. It requires preparation, planning, patience, and courage — yet the reward is extraordinary. Your experiences no longer live only in memory or in private notebooks. They become part of written history, available to future balloonists, family members, and curious readers everywhere.
👉In the next chapter, we will explore what happens after publication — how to share, promote, and celebrate your memoir so it finds the audience it deserves.
