Have you ever dreamed of publishing your own book? Whether it’s a novel, a memoir, or a helpful guide, self-publish gives you the power to share your words with the world—on your own terms!
But if you’re new to the process, it can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you format your book? And what about getting people to read it? Don’t worry! This guide is here to help.
In simple steps, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about self-publishing—from writing and editing your book to designing a cover, choosing the best publishing platform, and marketing your work.
Get Your Manuscript Ready for Publishing
A book isn’t ready for self-publishing just because it’s been written. Before releasing it to readers, it needs to go through a process of refinement, polishing, and preparation. A rushed book with errors, inconsistencies, or poor structure will lead to bad reviews and low sales. Taking the right steps now will make sure your book stands out and succeeds.
Finish the First Draft and Step Away
Once the first draft is completed, don’t rush into editing. Taking a break from your manuscript for at least a week allows you to return with fresh eyes and a clearer perspective. This makes it easier to identify weak sections, plot holes, and areas that need improvement.
- Distance helps in spotting errors you might have missed.
- Returning with a clear mind makes revising easier.
- Over-editing immediately after finishing can cause burnout.
Self-Editing: The First Round of Improvement
Before hiring an editor, the manuscript should be cleaned up. Self-editing involves going through the book carefully and fixing obvious mistakes, structural issues, and inconsistencies.
- Check for major plot holes or missing details.
- Remove unnecessary scenes or paragraphs that slow down the pacing.
- Fix awkward sentences and ensure smooth transitions between sections.
- Look for overused words and repetitive phrases.
Using tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid can help catch spelling and grammar errors, but they shouldn’t replace manual editing.
Beta Readers: Getting Honest Feedback
Once self-editing is complete, it’s time to get outside feedback. Beta readers are regular readers (not editors) who provide insights on the book’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Choose readers who understand your genre and audience.
- Give them specific questions to answer (e.g., “Did any part feel slow?” or “Did the ending feel satisfying?”).
- Be open to constructive criticism and make changes where necessary.
Hiring a Professional Editor
A book should always go through professional editing before publication. Depending on the budget and needs, different types of editing can be considered:
- Developmental Editing – Focuses on structure, pacing, and overall story development.
- Copy Editing – Fixes sentence structure, grammar, and consistency issues.
- Proofreading – The final check for typos and minor mistakes before publishing.
Skipping this step leads to a poorly polished book that will struggle to gain positive reviews.
Finalizing the Manuscript
Once all edits are complete, the book is ready for final touches. This includes:
- Ensuring consistent formatting for headings, paragraphs, and font sizes.
- Double-checking chapter breaks and scene transitions.
- Confirming there are no lingering errors or missing details.
At this stage, the manuscript is fully prepared and ready for the next steps—designing the cover, formatting, and choosing a publishing platform.
Find the Right Editor and Polish Your Book
A manuscript is never ready for publishing without editing. Every book, no matter how well-written, needs to be reviewed and refined. Mistakes, inconsistencies, and weak sections must be fixed before it reaches readers. A poorly edited book will hurt credibility and lead to bad reviews.
Types of Editing
Editing is done in different stages, and each serves a specific purpose:
- Developmental Editing – Focuses on story structure, pacing, and character development.
- Line Editing – Improves sentence clarity, flow, and readability.
- Copy Editing – Fixes grammar, punctuation, and consistency issues.
- Proofreading – A final check for typos and minor errors.
Skipping these steps results in a sloppy, unprofessional book.
Finding the Right Editor
Not all editors work the same way. Choosing one depends on the genre, editing needs, and budget.
- Look for editors who specialize in your genre.
- Check reviews and past projects.
- Request a sample edit before committing.
- Compare pricing—developmental editing is the most expensive, proofreading is the cheapest.
Editors can be found on Reedsy, Upwork, and Fiverr or through writing communities.
How the Editing Process Works
Hiring an editor means going through these steps:
- Submit the Manuscript – The editor reviews and marks necessary changes.
- Feedback and Revisions – Major edits are suggested and discussed.
- Rewrite and Polish – The writer fixes issues and refines the text.
- Final Proofreading – A last review before publishing.
This process takes at least 4-8 weeks. Rushing leads to overlooked mistakes.
Self-Editing Before Hiring an Editor
To reduce costs and improve quality before handing it off to an editor:
- Read the manuscript aloud to catch errors.
- Use editing tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid to clean up basic mistakes.
- Print sections and edit on paper for a fresh perspective.
- Use beta readers to test readability and flow.
Create a Professional Book Cover
A book cover determines first impressions. A weak design signals an amateur book and reduces sales. A strong cover draws in the right audience and makes the book stand out.
Why a High-Quality Cover is Essential
- Attracts attention – A book is competing with thousands of others.
- Establishes credibility – A professional cover makes the book look legitimate.
- Matches reader expectations – Genre-appropriate design ensures it reaches the right audience.
- Boosts visibility – The title and visuals must be clear even in thumbnail size.
Readers judge books by their covers. A bad design kills sales before they even read the description.
DIY vs. Hiring a Cover Designer
There are two options:
- Design it yourself – Cheaper but risky if you lack design skills. Use Canva or Adobe Express for templates.
- Hire a professional – More expensive but ensures a high-quality cover. Designers can be found on Reedsy, Fiverr, or 99designs.
What a Good Cover Includes
- Clear title and subtitle – Readable in both full-size and thumbnail views.
- Strong typography – Fonts must match the genre and be easy to read.
- Balanced composition – Avoid cluttered or unprofessional layouts.
- Eye-catching imagery – Relevant to the book’s theme and audience.
Finalizing the Cover
Before publishing:
- Get feedback from other writers and readers.
- Check that the design fits Amazon and other platform requirements.
- Ensure it looks good in both print and digital formats.
Format Your Book for Print and Digital
A well-formatted book improves readability and looks professional. Formatting mistakes—like inconsistent spacing, unreadable fonts, or poor layout—make the book feel unpolished and hard to read. Readers expect clean formatting, whether they buy an ebook or a physical copy.
There are two types of formatting:
- Print Formatting – Ensures proper margins, spacing, headers, footers, and chapter breaks for paperback or hardcover versions.
- Ebook Formatting – Adjusts text flow, font scaling, and navigation for Kindle, Apple Books, and other digital platforms.
Each format requires different settings. Print books have fixed layouts, while ebooks need dynamic formatting to adjust for different screen sizes.
How to Format Your Book?
Authors can format their books manually or use tools:
Manual Formatting (Microsoft Word, Google Docs)
- Set proper margins and line spacing.
- Use chapter headings and avoid manual indentations.
- Ensure a consistent font (Serif fonts for print, Sans-serif for digital).
- Remove extra spaces and unnecessary page breaks.
Formatting Tools
- Vellum (Mac-only, best for ebooks and print)
- Atticus (Web-based, great for all formats)
- Reedsy Book Editor (Free online tool for clean formatting)
- Kindle Create (Amazon’s official tool for Kindle ebooks)
Print and Ebook Specifications
Different platforms have different formatting requirements.
For Print
- Set trim size (common size: 5”x8” or 6”x9”).
- Use 300 DPI resolution images for sharp prints.
- Choose cream or white paper depending on genre.
- Include page numbers, headers, and footers.
For Ebooks
- Save in EPUB format (Amazon KDP, Apple Books, Kobo).
- Keep text flow reflowable (avoid fixed layouts unless needed).
- Use linked table of contents for navigation.
- Avoid fancy fonts—default reader settings override them.
Choose the Best Self-Publishing Platform
Where a book is published affects its visibility, reach, and earnings. The two main publishing options are Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and wide distribution platforms like IngramSpark and Draft2Digital.
Amazon KDP vs. Wide Distribution
| Platform | Best For | Royalties | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon KDP | Authors who want the most visibility on Amazon | 70% for ebooks priced $2.99–$9.99 | Kindle Unlimited, free ISBNs, print-on-demand |
| IngramSpark | Authors who want bookstore and library distribution | Varies | Access to bookstores, libraries, and retailers |
| Draft2Digital | Easy multi-store distribution | 60% of list price | Distributes to Apple, Kobo, Barnes & Noble |
Amazon KDP dominates the ebook market, but IngramSpark offers better print distribution. Authors must decide whether to go exclusive with KDP Select or sell widely across multiple platforms.
Exclusive vs. Wide Distribution
Going Exclusive with KDP Select
- Book is available on Kindle Unlimited (KU).
- Higher royalties (70%) in certain countries.
- Cannot sell the ebook anywhere else while enrolled.
Going Wide (IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, Kobo, Apple Books, etc.)
- Book is available in more stores and libraries.
- More control over pricing and promotions.
- No Kindle Unlimited access, but broader reach.
Which Option is Best?
- If the goal is maximizing Amazon sales, KDP Select works well.
- If selling on multiple platforms is important, wide distribution is better.
- Many authors start exclusive on Amazon, then go wide later.
Other Publishing Options
- Kobo Writing Life – Good for international ebook sales.
- Apple Books – Strong in the Apple ecosystem.
- Barnes & Noble Press – Great for Nook users.
- Google Play Books – Useful for Android users.
Decide on ISBN and Copyright Details
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) identifies books in sales and distribution channels. Some platforms provide free ISBNs, while others require the author to buy one. Copyright protects the author’s rights.
Do You Need an ISBN?
- ISBN Required: Print books on Amazon, IngramSpark, and bookstores.
- ISBN Not Required: Amazon Kindle ebooks (Amazon assigns an ASIN instead).
Authors can buy an ISBN from official agencies (Bowker in the US, Nielsen in the UK) or use a free one from KDP or IngramSpark.
Free ISBN vs. Paid ISBN
| Feature | Free ISBN | Purchased ISBN |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Belongs to the publisher (Amazon, IngramSpark) | Full ownership by the author |
| Branding | Shows Amazon or IngramSpark as the publisher | Author’s imprint listed |
| Distribution | Limited outside the platform | Usable across all retailers |
For authors planning wide distribution, a purchased ISBN is better. For those staying on Amazon only, a free ISBN works fine.
Copyright and Legal Protection
- Copyright is automatic when a book is written.
- Registering copyright (through the U.S. Copyright Office or similar) provides extra legal protection.
- Adding a copyright page with a statement like:© [Year] [Author Name]. All Rights Reserved.
Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN)
- Helps libraries catalog books.
- Required for print books in some cases.
- Free for U.S. authors (apply through the Library of Congress website).
Set the Right Price for Your Book
Pricing a book correctly impacts sales, profits, and reader expectations. Price too high, and buyers might skip it. Price too low, and it may look unprofessional or generate little income. The right price depends on factors like genre, format, competition, and marketing strategy.
How to Price an Ebook vs. Print Book
Ebooks and print books follow different pricing strategies:
| Format | Typical Price Range | Best Price for Sales | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ebook | $0.99 – $9.99 | $2.99 – $4.99 | Lower prices work better for new authors. Amazon’s 70% royalty applies to books priced between $2.99–$9.99. |
| Paperback | $9.99 – $19.99 | $12.99 – $16.99 | Print costs affect pricing. A $12.99 book might cost $4–$5 to print, leaving a $5–$6 royalty. |
| Hardcover | $19.99 – $29.99 | $24.99+ | Higher perceived value but higher production costs. Suitable for certain genres like nonfiction and special editions. |
Factors to Consider When Pricing
- Genre Expectations – Romance and thrillers are often priced lower, while business and nonfiction books can be higher.
- Author Reputation – New authors should start at a lower price to attract readers. Established authors can charge more.
- Competitor Pricing – Research similar books to see what readers expect to pay.
- Royalties and Profit Margins – Balance affordability with profit. Amazon pays 70% royalties on ebooks priced $2.99–$9.99 and 35% on other prices.
Using Price Promotions to Boost Sales
- Launch at $0.99 or $1.99 to attract early readers.
- Raise the price gradually as sales increase.
- Run limited-time discounts using Kindle Countdown Deals or BookBub promotions.
- Make the first book in a series free to hook readers into buying the rest.
Publish Your Book and Make It Available Worldwide
Once the manuscript, cover, formatting, and pricing are finalized, the book is ready to be published. The publishing process varies slightly depending on the platform, but the steps are similar across Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, and others.
Steps to Self-Publish on Amazon KDP
- Sign up for a KDP Account – Use an Amazon account to log in at kdp.amazon.com.
- Click “Create a New Title” – Choose between an ebook (Kindle) or paperback.
- Enter Book Details – Fill in title, subtitle, series info (if applicable), and author name.
- Upload the Manuscript – Use an EPUB file for ebooks and a formatted PDF for print.
- Upload the Cover – Must meet Amazon’s size and resolution requirements.
- Set Keywords and Categories – Helps readers find the book in searches.
- Choose Pricing and Royalties – Decide between 35% or 70% royalty options.
- Preview the Book – Check for formatting issues using KDP’s online preview tool.
- Click “Publish” – The book goes live within 24–72 hours.
Develop a Strong Marketing Plan
Publishing a book is not enough to generate sales. Without marketing, a book will sit unnoticed among millions of others. A clear promotional strategy increases visibility, attracts readers, and boosts sales.
1. Build an Author Platform
- Create a website with book details, an author bio, and a blog (optional).
- Set up social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok).
- Start an email list to collect reader contacts for future promotions.
2. Get Early Reviews
- Send Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) to bloggers, influencers, and beta readers.
- Encourage family, friends, and readers to leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
- Use services like BookSprout or NetGalley to connect with reviewers.
3. Run Book Promotions and Discounts
- Kindle Free Promotions (if enrolled in KDP Select) to boost visibility.
- BookBub Featured Deals to get a surge in sales.
- Limited-time price drops to attract bargain readers.
4. Use Paid Advertising
- Amazon Ads – Targets readers searching for similar books.
- Facebook & Instagram Ads – Reaches specific audiences based on interests.
- BookBub Ads – Focuses on dedicated book buyers.
5. Engage in Reader Communities
- Join Facebook groups, Reddit, and Goodreads communities.
- Share writing insights and interact naturally—don’t just spam links.
6. Launch a Book Blog Tour or Podcast Appearances
- Reach out to bloggers for guest posts or interviews.
- Get featured on podcasts related to books or writing.
7. Leverage Amazon SEO (Search Optimization)
- Use relevant keywords in book title, subtitle, and description.
- Select the best categories to improve ranking.
- Encourage consistent sales and reviews to boost Amazon’s algorithm favorability.
Build an Author Brand for Long-Term Success
A strong author brand boosts sales, builds reader trust, and keeps fans coming back.
Your brand is how readers perceive you—your genre, writing style, and online presence. A clear, consistent brand makes marketing easier and grows a loyal audience.
Key Elements of a Strong Author Brand
✅ Consistency in Genre & Style – Stick to a genre to build familiarity. Use a recognizable tone and themes.
✅ Professional Online Presence – Have a clean website with a bio, book list, and contact info. Stay active on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn).
✅ Email List & Reader Engagement – Email beats social media for direct reach. Offer a freebie (reader magnet) to grow your list.
✅ Interact With Readers – Respond to comments, join Facebook groups, Reddit, Goodreads, and appear on podcasts, guest blogs, and interviews.
✅ Plan for the Long Run – More books = more success. Write series, short stories, or companion books to keep readers engaged. Track sales, test marketing strategies, and always be writing.
FAQs
1. Do I Need a Business or LLC to Self-Publish a Book?
No, you don’t need a business or LLC to self-publish. However, setting up an LLC can help separate personal and business finances, provide legal protection, and make tax management easier. Many authors start as sole proprietors and form an LLC later if their income grows.
2. How Do I Handle Taxes as a Self-Published Author?
Self-published authors must report book sales income on their taxes. If publishing through Amazon KDP or other platforms, expect to receive a 1099 form (U.S.) or relevant tax documents. Research deductible expenses like editing, cover design, marketing, and ISBN costs to reduce taxable income.
3. Can I Publish Under a Pen Name?
Yes, many authors use pen names for privacy, branding, or genre separation. Amazon and other platforms allow pen names while keeping your legal identity private. However, you’ll still need to provide your real information for tax and payment purposes.
4. Can I Self-Publish and Later Get a Traditional Publishing Deal?
Yes, hybrid publishing is common. Some authors self-publish first and later attract traditional publishers based on strong sales. If you plan to query publishers later, avoid exclusive contracts that limit your rights. Keep control over ISBNs and distribution rights to stay flexible.
5. How Can I Get My Self-Published Book into Bookstores?
Bookstores prefer to order from IngramSpark because it offers industry-standard wholesale discounts and returns. To increase chances of placement:
- Price the book competitively.
- Offer bookstores a 40–55% wholesale discount.
- Make the book returnable (note: this carries financial risk).
- Network with local stores and propose author signings or events.
Last Words
Self-publishing gives you full control over your book, but success requires quality, strategy, and persistence. A polished manuscript, professional cover, and smart marketing make the difference between a book that sells and one that gets ignored.