“Inside the World of Publishing: Les from Busybird Unfolds the Author’s Journey”

In this inspiring episode of A Chat with Jay, we sit down with Les from Busybird Publishing — a passionate mentor, publisher, and creative guide who’s helped countless authors bring their stories to life.
Les shares the real journey behind publishing a book — from the first spark of an idea to holding your story in your hands. We talk about the power of storytelling, creative discipline, and what it truly takes to transform your message into a published work that matters.

Whether you’re an aspiring author or just curious about the world of publishing, this conversation delivers wisdom, honesty, and motivation straight from one of the best in the business.

💡 Turn your words into legacy — one page at a time.

📘 Publishing a Book with Les from Busybird — Step-by-Step Checklist
🖊️ 1. Initial Consultation

Book a meeting or call with Les to discuss your book idea, goals, and publishing options.

Share your manuscript draft or concept (even if it’s not finished).

Discuss whether you want traditional, assisted, or self-publishing support.

📄 2. Manuscript Review & Editing

Submit your full manuscript for a professional assessment.

Busybird provides feedback on structure, flow, and audience alignment.

Engage their editing services:

Structural edit – big-picture story, clarity, consistency.

Copyedit – grammar, punctuation, tone, word choice.

Proofread – final polish before print.

🎨 3. Design & Layout

Work with Busybird’s graphic design team for:

Book cover design (front, spine, and back).

Interior layout – fonts, chapter design, margins, and visual flow.

Approve mock-ups and proofs before final production.

📚 4. ISBN, Copyright & Legal

Busybird registers your ISBN (a must for distribution and libraries).

Ensure copyright attribution is correct (usually under your name).

You’ll receive a Library of Congress / National Library entry (for Australian books).

🖨️ 5. Printing & Production

Choose your book size, format, and print run (paperback, hardback, eBook).

Review physical proof copies before approving the final print.

Decide on quantity – small print run or print-on-demand.

💻 6. Publishing & Distribution

Busybird can help list your book on:

Amazon, Booktopia, IngramSpark, and online retailers.

Bookshops and local distributors if you want physical placement.

Option for eBook conversion (Kindle, Apple Books, etc.).

📢 7. Marketing & Launch Support

Plan your book launch event (Busybird often hosts or assists with this).

Get help creating:

Press releases and media kits.

Social media campaigns and content.

Author bio, blurb, and back cover copy.

Collaborate with Jay’s platforms (Journey of a Whitefeather, A Chat with Jay) for cross-promotion.

🤝 8. Ongoing Author Support

Busybird offers mentoring, coaching, and writing workshops.

They can help with future editions, audiobooks, or sequels.

Stay connected to their author network and community events.