How to Self Publish Your Book: A Step-by-Step Guide for Self Publishing

Self-publishing a book is now more achievable than ever before, thanks to advancements in technology and access to resources. This modern DIY approach to publishing has streamlined the process, making it straightforward for aspiring authors to self-publish on Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), Apple, Kobo, and more. Follow this step-by-step guide to create, distribute, and promote your self-published book, and learn the tools and knowledge needed for successful self-publishing.

1. Create Your Book

Creating your book is the first and most crucial step in the self-publishing journey. Here are some tools and services to help you in this phase:

DIY Cover Design, Editing and Layout:

Explore user-friendly tools and services for DIY cover design, editing, and layout, and take charge of their book’s presentation:

• Canva: A user-friendly platform suitable for those with no design background. It offers a variety of templates and design elements to create a compelling book cover.
• Adobe InDesign: This professional design tool provides high-quality book templates, like the ones available in the Adobe Stock Library, that you can use as your book layout guide. And, Adobe’s getting started and training videos make it easy to learn the tool. This professional tool is easier to learn than most realize.
• Blurb’s BookWrite: A free software offering basic design tools, although with limited export options, as the intention with this software is that once you’ve completed your layout, you’ll then use Blurb as your book’s printer. Book’s designed in BookWrite cannot easily be printed elsewhere. This is a great solution for true beginners just getting started with self-publishing.
• Reedsy Marketplace: Reedsy offers a marketplace that connects authors with experienced freelance editors and designers from the publishing industry. This is a great option for authors who would rather use professionals to design and layout their book. Reedsy’s marketplace offers personalized quotes, helping you find the right professional to fit your budget and publishing needs.
• The Reedsy Book Editor: A free, online tool that simplifies the writing and formatting process for authors, offering an easy way to write, edit, and design professional-quality books.
• Grammarly: An indispensable tool for checking grammar, punctuation, and style, ensuring your manuscript is error-free and polished.

2. Distribute Your Book

After crafting your book, the next step is to get it into the hands of readers through distribution.

Ebook Distribution:

Understanding the difference between book retailers and aggregators is key to ebook distribution. Retailers sell your book directly, while aggregators distribute it to multiple retailers all at once. If you have the time to post your book one-by-one to each of your chosen retailers, then you will make more money off each book sale. If you choose to use an aggregator, it will cost you more in commissions, but you won’t have to work with each book retailer separately, saving you time and reducing complexity.

Book Retailers – The Big 4:

Explore the unique features of these major eBook retailers, each offering distinct advantages to self-publishing authors:

• Amazon KDP: Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (Amazon self publishing program) allows authors to self-publish both eBooks and paperbacks for free, with the unique advantage of a massive global audience reach and the option to use Amazon’s extensive marketing and distribution network.
• Amazon KDP Select: This program is an extension of Kindle Direct Publishing (Amazon KDP), offering authors exclusive distribution of their eBooks on Amazon. Unique benefits include higher royalties in certain countries, promotional tools like Kindle Unlimited, and Kindle Countdown Deals.
• Apple Books: Apple Books provides a platform for authors to directly reach Apple users. It stands out with its seamless integration with Apple devices and a user-friendly environment for both reading and purchasing, catering specifically to the iOS and Mac user base.
• Barnes & Noble Press: This platform specializes in both eBook and print-on-demand publishing, offering unique access to Barnes & Noble’s substantial customer base. It provides authors with promotional opportunities through its physical stores and online presence.
• Rakuten Kobo: Kobo Writing Life is distinct for its reach in the international market, particularly in Canada, Japan, and Europe. It offers authors an easy-to-use platform for publishing eBooks, with the added benefit of promotional opportunities through the Kobo eBookstore and partnerships with local retailers.

Aggregators:

Expand your book’s global reach with these diverse eBook aggregators, each offering unique distribution networks and services for self-published authors:

• Draft2Digital: Known for its user-friendly interface, Draft2Digital offers unique tools for automated back-matter and layout formatting, along with universal book links for promotions, setting it apart in ease of use and marketing support.
• Smashwords: Smashwords stands out with its extensive distribution network, including smaller retailers and libraries, and offers an annual site-wide sale event, providing authors with unique promotional opportunities.
• PublishDrive: PublishDrive distinguishes itself by offering a subscription-based pricing model, broad distribution including to subscription services like Scribd, and analytics tools, appealing to authors looking for global reach and detailed sales insights.
• StreetLib: StreetLib is notable for its international focus, offering distribution to a wide array of global eBook stores and support for multiple languages, making it ideal for authors targeting a diverse, international audience.
• XinXii: XinXii sets itself apart with its flexibility, allowing authors to publish not just eBooks but also PDFs and other text documents, and provides a direct sales platform, catering to authors with a variety of digital publishing needs.

Book Printing for Self-Published Books:

For physical books, you could choose to print your book via a traditional printer, of which there are many, but typically these book printers require that you print a few hundred copies at once. If you choose this route, we recommend choosing a local small press for book printing, as they tend to be flexible with print options and you’re also helping out your local economy.

Some book retailers (for example, Amazon KDP Print) offer integrated book printing services, allowing authors to print and sell physical books directly. Print-on-demand book printing services enable authors to print physical books only as needed and in the exact quantity required at any given time, eliminating large print runs and reducing inventory costs.

• Blurb: Blurb specializes in high-quality print-on-demand books, offering a range of customizable options for photo books, trade books, and magazines, making it ideal for both personal and professional projects.
• Magcloud: Magcloud stands out with its dropship feature, using a built-in address book to directly ship printed materials like magazines, catalogs, and brochures to customers or contacts, simplifying distribution for creators.
• Ingram Spark: A print-on-demand and distribution service, Ingram Spark is known for its extensive distribution network, reaching global bookstores and libraries. It offers a wide range of print options and formats, catering to authors and publishers seeking broad market access.
• KDP Print: KDP Print, part of Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (Amazon self publishing services), allows authors to print paperback books on demand, with seamless integration with the Amazon bookstore and no upfront costs, making it easy for authors to distribute their books globally.

3. Promote Your Book

The final piece of the puzzle for “how to publish a book” is promotion, which is vital for reaching your audience.

Self-Serve Promotional Services for Self-Published Books

Maximize the visibility and success of your self-published book with these top self-serve promotional services designed specifically for independent authors:

• Reedsy Discovery: Reedsy Discovery offers a platform for authors to gain early exposure for their books. It allows authors to submit their books for review, providing an opportunity to reach new readers, reviewers, and build an early fan base.
• BookBub: BookBub is a popular service known for its featured deals, which are email alerts to a large number of subscribers about discounted books. It’s an effective platform for authors to promote their books, especially during sales or when looking to increase readership quickly.
• Written Word Media: This service has several platforms like Freebooksy and Bargain Booksy, offering targeted promotional opportunities to reach readers. Written Word Media specializes in marketing books to voracious readers in specific genres, making it a valuable tool for authors to increase visibility in their niche.
• Poets & Writers: Primarily focused on the literary community, Poets & Writers provides resources, tools, and promotional opportunities for authors, particularly those in the poetry and literary fiction genres. It’s a great platform for connecting with a community of serious writers and readers.
• Winning Writers: Winning Writers offers promotional services mainly through writing contests and awards. It’s an excellent platform for authors to gain recognition and credibility, especially for those who are in the early stages of their writing career or looking to build their portfolio.
• Dreamers Creative Writing: Focused on nurturing and showcasing heartfelt writing, Dreamers Creative Writing offers promotional opportunities through its literary magazine, writing contests, and online resources, making it a supportive platform for authors passionate about creative and emotionally resonant writing.
• Amazon KDP Select Promotional Options: Kindle Direct Publishing offers exclusive promotional tools like Kindle Unlimited, Kindle Countdown Deals, and Free Book Promotion, to those participating in their exclusive Amazon KDP Select program, helping authors increase visibility and sales on the Amazon platform.

Marketing Strategies for Self-Published Books

Enhance your book’s reach and engage with your audience through these effective marketing strategies for self-published authors:

• Social Media: Utilize platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to build an audience, engage with readers, and promote your book. Social media marketing is key for creating buzz and maintaining visibility in the digital space.
• Author Website: Create a dedicated website to showcase your work, share your bio, blog posts, and updates about upcoming projects. An author website acts as a central hub for your online presence and a point of contact for readers and professionals.
• Email Newsletter with MailChimp: Start an email newsletter using MailChimp, which offers a free basic account. This tool is excellent for keeping your audience informed about new releases, special offers, and exclusive content, fostering a direct and personal connection with your readers.
• Author Events: Participate in or host author events such as book readings, workshops, or speaking engagements. These events are crucial for building a local presence, networking with other authors, and directly engaging with your audience.
• Book Signings: Organize book signing events at bookstores, libraries, or literary festivals. Book signings are not only a great way to promote your book but also offer a personal touch, allowing you to meet readers face-to-face and sign their copies.

BONUS: All-in-one solutions for self-publishing

Among the services and platforms discussed in the article, the ones that can be considered as all-in-one solutions for self-publishing authors are:

1. Amazon KDP Select: Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) provides a comprehensive solution for eBook publishing via their KDP Select program, including exclusive distribution on Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing extensive network, promotional tools, and the potential for higher royalties. Additionally, authors can use Amazon’s KDP Print for print-on-demand services, making it an all-encompassing platform for both eBooks and paperbacks.
2. Blurb: Blurb offers a wide range of services from book creation (including design and layout tools) to printing and distribution. It allows authors to sell their books through the Blurb Bookstore and also extends to Amazon for broader reach. With its integrated tools for creating photo books, trade books, and magazines, Blurb serves as a versatile platform for various types of content.

Other platforms may offer a combination of services, but Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing KDP Select Program, as well as Blurb’s wide range of services, both stand out as more comprehensive, all-in-one solutions, covering a wide range of self-publishing needs from creation to distribution.

Embarking on a self-publishing journey is an exciting, creative endeavor. Remember, the key ingredients for success include perseverance, creativity, and utilizing the right tools and platforms. With these in hand, your dream of publishing a book can become a rewarding reality.