Done with manuscript, now what?

I wish I had taken the time to document the road to publication with my first book. Or even the work that I did for the recently released anthology. But, oh well. This is me "documenting" this book - that has gone through so many titles and changes now. For now, it is a mishmash of journal entries and a mini short story and 41 total poems. 

So what happens when you "think" you are done? Well, first you celebrate. Wahoo!!! And then you go into google search mode. The next few days, I will continue to fine tune what I can but at the same time, I'll be on the hunt for an Editor. The editor will tell me if my manuscript is
1.) "good"
2.) makes sense
3.) will edit grammar, spelling, etc.
4.) offer up any and all constructive criticism to make this manuscript "good."
BUT, while I'm on the hunt, I'll be doing just a couple of research on the side. I've never self published before and I know next to nothing about what it all entails. (My first novel was picked up by a small traditional indie press, Limitless Publishing). So, I picked up a book to help me. I chose this one because I decided to join a local writer's guild, and if I have any questions, I can always ask the author at the meeting! Score. 
Speaking of guilds, I'll eventually have to show up and ask for their critiques on this manuscript. Maybe they'll get a sense of what I'm hoping for and what I need to change. ​

I also may add some more of my poems on Instagram or Twitter - as that seems to be where the poets are, and I've gotten some feedback. 

So, if you finished your manuscript, congrats!!! The road ahead is long and steep, my friend. But I'll be here with you on your climb! ​