A Complete Guide to Self Publishing in 2023

Technology has revolutionized the world of publishing, writers are increasingly taking the reins to publish their work on their own. Self-publishing, once seen as a last resort, is now an empowering option that offers creative control, higher royalties, and the potential to reach a global audience. This article is designed to guide aspiring self-published authors through every step of the process, from the initial stages of writing and editing to the final steps of marketing and selling your book.

You’re about to embark on a comprehensive journey that will demystify the process of self-publishing, equipping you with the knowledge and tools needed to take your manuscript from dream to reality. Whether you’re an established author seeking to explore the benefits of self-publishing or a newcomer to the literary world, this guide will serve as a roadmap to your success.

In the following sections, you’ll learn about the current landscape of self-publishing, the importance of professional editing and book design, and the decisions you need to make about formats, pricing, and distribution. You’ll also gain insight into effective marketing strategies and the best practices to increase your book sales.

This guide will delve into the nuances of eBook and print-on-demand (POD) publishing, discuss the role of various self-publishing platforms, and guide you in navigating the often-complex terrain of copyright and ISBN acquisition. It will help you understand the potential costs involved and how to budget for your self-publishing project.

Finally, you will gain insights into the post-publication phase, including managing reader reviews, tracking sales, and scaling up your author business. By the end of this guide, you will have a thorough understanding of the self-publishing process and the confidence to take your book to the world on your own terms.

Table of Contents

1. The Current Landscape of Self-Publishing
2. Professional Editing and Book Design
3. Deciding on Formats, Pricing, and Distribution
4. Effective Marketing Strategies
5. eBook and Print-on-Demand Publishing
6. Navigating Copyright and ISBN
7. Budgeting for Your Self-Publishing Project
8. The Post-Publication Phase
9. Final Thoughts
10. Sources

The Current Landscape of Self-Publishing

In the past, publishing was a privilege limited to those who could secure a contract with a traditional publishing house. However, with the advent of digital technology, the publishing industry has been democratized, allowing anyone with a story to publish their work. The landscape of self-publishing has expanded and evolved immensely in recent years, opening up new avenues for authors to reach readers worldwide.

Today, self-publishing is a viable and often lucrative route for authors. It has moved far beyond being a last resort for those who couldn’t secure a traditional publishing contract. Instead, many authors intentionally choose to self-publish for the benefits it offers, including greater creative control, the potential for higher royalties, and a faster time to market.

A key player in this revolution has been Amazon with its Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform. KDP has not only democratized the publishing process but also created a global marketplace for authors. With KDP, you can publish both eBooks and print-on-demand (POD) books, reaching millions of readers on Amazon’s platform.

Other significant platforms include Apple Books, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble Press, and Kobo Writing Life, each providing unique benefits and reaching different segments of the global reading audience. For instance, Apple Books reaches readers who use Apple devices, while Kobo Writing Life extends to the international market, especially in Canada and several European countries.

Self-publishing has also become more accessible with the rise of numerous services and tools that assist authors in the process. There are freelance editors, cover designers, and formatting experts available at a range of prices, making it possible for authors to create high-quality books without needing extensive technical knowledge.

Audiobooks have seen a surge in popularity, leading to platforms like ACX (an Amazon company) that provide self-publishing options for this format. With the growing popularity of voice-activated technology and the convenience of consuming content on the go, the demand for audiobooks is expected to rise, making this an exciting avenue for self-published authors to explore.

The landscape of self-publishing is dynamic and constantly evolving, providing authors with new opportunities to reach readers. As technology continues to advance and reader behaviors change, self-publishing is expected to continue growing, offering even more opportunities for authors in the future.

In this landscape, the power is shifting increasingly into the hands of the authors. However, with this power comes responsibility. To successfully navigate this landscape, authors must stay informed about industry trends, continuously learn and adapt, and most importantly, prioritize the creation of high-quality content. After all, the success of a self-published book ultimately hinges on the value it provides to its readers.

Professional Editing and Book Design

A fundamental aspect of self-publishing that cannot be overstated is the importance of professional editing and book design. Regardless of how compelling your story might be, if it’s riddled with errors or packaged in an unappealing cover, it’s unlikely to attract readers.

Professional Editing

Professional editing is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Even the most experienced authors can overlook errors or narrative inconsistencies in their work. A professional editor brings a fresh, objective perspective and is trained to spot and correct these issues.

There are different types of editing services you might require, including:

• Developmental Editing: This is a high-level edit focusing on the overall structure, plot, character development, pacing, and other major elements of your book. A developmental editor can help you ensure that your story is compelling and well-structured.
• Copy Editing: A copy editor focuses on your book’s language use, ensuring consistency and correcting issues with grammar, punctuation, syntax, and spelling.
• Proofreading: This is the final stage of editing, focusing on surface-level errors such as typos and formatting issues. It’s the last polish before your book goes to print or is published online.

Engaging professional editing services will ensure your book is polished and professional, helping you build a good reputation with your readers. Remember, word-of-mouth recommendations are powerful in the book industry, and a well-edited book is more likely to earn positive reviews.

Professional Book Design

Just as important as the words inside your book is the package in which they’re presented. A professionally designed cover is crucial in making a good first impression. Readers do judge books by their covers, and an attractive, professionally designed cover can significantly increase the chances of your book being picked up by potential readers.

Similarly, professional interior book formatting ensures a pleasant reading experience. Poor formatting can distract or even frustrate readers, potentially leading to negative reviews. A book designer can help with elements such as font choice, line spacing, margin size, chapter headings, and page numbers, making your book look as good on the inside as it does on the outside.

In the competitive world of self-publishing, professional editing and book design are non-negotiables. They show your readers that you respect their reading experience and are committed to providing high-quality content. By investing in these areas, you significantly increase your chances of standing out and succeeding in the crowded self-publishing landscape.

Deciding on Formats, Pricing, and Distribution

Once your book is professionally edited and designed, the next step is to decide on the formats in which you’ll publish, how you’ll price your book, and where you’ll distribute it. Each of these decisions requires careful consideration and strategy.

Choosing the Right Formats

There are three primary formats for self-published books: eBook, print-on-demand (POD), and audiobook. Each format has its advantages and reaches different segments of readers.

• eBooks: eBooks are digital versions of your book that readers can read on devices like Kindle, Nook, or iPad. Publishing an eBook is relatively straightforward and inexpensive, making it a popular choice for self-published authors. Moreover, eBooks have a global reach, allowing you to sell your book to readers around the world.
• Print-on-Demand: POD books are printed as customers order them. This approach eliminates the need for upfront printing costs and storage for inventory, making it a financially viable option for self-published authors. Services like Amazon’s KDP Print and IngramSpark offer POD services.
• Audiobooks: With the rising popularity of platforms like Audible, more and more readers are consuming books in audio format. Though producing an audiobook can be more costly and complex than creating an eBook or POD book, it can also open up a new market of readers for your book.

Choosing the right format depends on your target audience’s reading habits, your budget, and your personal preferences as an author.

Pricing Your Book

Pricing is a critical factor that can significantly impact your book sales. Too high, and you may deter potential readers; too low, and you may undervalue your work or fail to cover your costs. When pricing your book, consider the following:

• Costs: Consider the costs you’ve incurred in creating your book, including editing, design, and formatting services. If you’re selling print books, you’ll also need to consider printing costs.
• Competition: Look at the prices of similar books in your genre. This can give you a baseline understanding of what readers expect to pay for a book like yours.
• Royalties: Different platforms offer different royalty rates, which may impact your pricing strategy. For instance, Amazon KDP offers a 70% royalty rate for eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99, and a 35% royalty for eBooks priced outside this range.

Distribution Channels

Distribution is about getting your book into the hands of readers. There are numerous distribution channels available for self-published authors, and the best one for you depends on your specific goals and situation.

For eBooks and POD books, online platforms like Amazon KDP, Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble Press reach millions of readers worldwide. You can choose to distribute your book exclusively through one platform (like Amazon KDP Select) or distribute your book widely through multiple platforms.

For audiobooks, platforms like ACX and Findaway Voices offer distribution to major audiobook retailers.

Consider your target audience and where they are most likely to discover and purchase books. Your distribution strategy should aim to make your book available in the places where your potential readers are already looking for books to read.

Effective Marketing Strategies

With self-publishing, writing your book is only half the battle. The other half is getting it in front of readers. This is where marketing comes in. Effective marketing strategies can help raise awareness of your book, attract potential readers, and drive sales.

Building an Author Platform

Before you even publish your book, it’s important to start building an author platform. This refers to the mediums you use to connect with your audience and includes elements like a professional author website, a mailing list, and social media profiles. Your author platform is the foundation of your marketing efforts.

• Author Website: Your website serves as your home base online where readers can learn more about you and your books, sign up for your mailing list, and get updates on your work.
• Mailing List: Your mailing list is a direct line of communication with your readers. By offering something of value (like a free short story or a sample chapter), you can encourage website visitors to subscribe to your mailing list.
• Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn can be powerful tools for connecting with readers and promoting your books. Choose one or two platforms where your target readers spend most of their time and focus your efforts there.

Book Promotion

There are numerous ways to promote your book, both online and offline. Some strategies might require a financial investment, while others only require your time and effort.

• Paid Advertising: Platforms like Amazon Advertising, Facebook Ads, and BookBub Ads allow you to reach a large audience of potential readers. You can target your ads based on factors like genre, similar authors, and reader demographics.
• Book Reviews: Reviews are social proof that can influence a potential reader’s decision to buy your book. Consider reaching out to book bloggers, running a Goodreads giveaway, or using a book review service like NetGalley to garner reviews.
• Book Launch: A well-planned book launch can create buzz and drive initial sales for your book. This could include a launch party (either in-person or online), promotional pricing, giveaways, and reaching out to your mailing list.

Networking

Networking with other authors, industry professionals, and readers can also be a powerful marketing strategy.

• Author Networks: Joining communities like the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), the Self-Publishing Formula Community, or local writing groups can provide you with valuable advice and resources.
• Book Festivals and Conferences: These events provide opportunities to meet readers, network with other authors, and learn more about the industry.
• Collaborations: Consider collaborating with other authors in your genre on promotions or anthology projects. This can help you reach a wider audience.

Remember, effective marketing isn’t about pushing your book onto readers; it’s about finding the people who will love your book and making it easy for them to discover it. It requires time, effort, and often a bit of trial and error. But with persistence and creativity, you can build a loyal readership and achieve success in the self-publishing world.

eBook and Print-on-Demand Publishing

In today’s self-publishing landscape, authors have the ability to publish their work in multiple formats, the most common of which are eBooks and print-on-demand (POD) books. Both formats offer unique advantages and can cater to different segments of readers.

eBook Publishing

eBooks have revolutionized the publishing world by offering a cost-effective and easily distributable format for books. Digital publishing platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble Press have made it relatively simple for authors to publish their work and reach readers globally.

Here’s a simplified overview of the eBook publishing process:

1. Prepare Your Manuscript: Your manuscript should be professionally edited and formatted for eBook. This includes creating a clickable table of contents, ensuring correct paragraph spacing, and making sure images (if any) display correctly. You can use software like Microsoft Word, Scrivener, or Vellum to format your eBook, or hire a professional formatter.
2. Design Your eBook Cover: While print book covers need to consider spine and back cover designs, an eBook cover focuses solely on the front cover. It should be professional, eye-catching, and effectively convey your book’s genre and tone.
3. Convert Your Manuscript: Convert your formatted manuscript into an eBook file format. The most common formats are EPUB (used by most eBook platforms) and MOBI (used by Amazon Kindle). Many writing software and eBook platforms offer tools to help with this conversion.
4. Publish and Distribute Your eBook: Upload your eBook file and cover to your chosen publishing platform(s), fill in the necessary details (like book description, categories, and keywords), set your price, and publish your book.
5. Promote Your eBook: Utilize effective marketing strategies to promote your eBook and reach potential readers.

Print-on-Demand Publishing

Print-on-Demand (POD) is a technology that allows books to be printed one at a time, or on demand, as orders come in. This eliminates the need for authors to pay for large print runs upfront and manage inventory.

Platforms like Amazon KDP Print, IngramSpark, and Lulu offer POD services. The process for publishing a POD book is similar to publishing an eBook, with a few additional considerations:

1. Prepare Your Manuscript: In addition to the editing and formatting considerations for eBooks, POD books require careful attention to page margins, page numbers, headers and footers, and the design of the front matter and back matter.
2. Design Your Book Cover: Unlike eBook covers, POD book covers include the front cover, spine, and back cover. The cover must be designed to the exact specifications provided by your chosen POD platform, including the correct spine width based on the number of pages in your book.
3. Choose Your Book Specifications: Decide on the physical properties of your book, such as trim size (the dimensions of the book), paper type, and whether you want a glossy or matte cover.
4. Upload, Review, and Approve Your Book: Upload your interior file and cover to your chosen POD platform. You’ll have the opportunity to review a digital proof of your book, or you can order a physical proof. Once you’re happy with how your book looks, you can approve it for sale.
5. Promote Your POD Book: As with eBooks, successful promotion is key to driving sales of your POD book.

Offering your book in both eBook and POD formats can broaden your reach and cater to the preferences of different readers, increasing your potential for sales and success in the self-publishing realm.

Navigating Copyright and ISBN

Understanding the legal aspects of publishing, including copyright and ISBNs, is crucial for self-publishing authors. Properly navigating these areas can protect your rights as an author and ensure your book is appropriately cataloged and discoverable.

Copyright

Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of most countries to the authors of original works, including literary works. As the copyright holder, you have the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and display your work.

In most countries, copyright is automatic upon creation of a work. This means that when you write a book, you automatically own the copyright to that book. However, registering your copyright can provide additional legal protection and is a good idea if you plan to sell your book commercially.

To register your copyright in the United States, you can file an application with the U.S. Copyright Office. The process involves filling out an application form, paying a fee, and sending a copy of your work. The specifics can vary depending on your location, so you should research the process in your specific country.

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

An International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique numeric identifier used internationally to identify books. ISBNs are used by publishers, booksellers, libraries, internet retailers, and other supply chain participants for ordering, listing, sales records, and stock control purposes.

If you plan to sell your book through most retail channels, you will need an ISBN. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Each format of your book (eBook, paperback, hardcover, audiobook) will need a separate ISBN.
• You can purchase ISBNs in bulk (for example, a block of 10 or 100) to save money if you plan to publish multiple books or formats.
• Some self-publishing platforms, like Amazon KDP, offer free or discounted ISBNs. However, using these means the platform will be listed as the publisher of record, which may limit your book’s distribution options.

In the United States, you can purchase ISBNs from Bowker. Other countries have their own ISBN agencies, so you’ll need to find the relevant organization for your location.

Understanding and navigating copyright and ISBNs properly can help protect your work, make your book discoverable, and give your self-published book the professional edge it needs to compete in the marketplace.

Budgeting for Your Self-Publishing Project

Self-publishing your book can be a cost-effective way to share your work with the world, but it’s not without expenses. Budgeting properly for your self-publishing project is crucial to ensure you spend your money wisely and set yourself up for financial success.

Here are some key areas where you might expect to spend money in your self-publishing journey:

Professional Editing

Professional editing is non-negotiable if you’re serious about producing a quality book. Depending on your needs, you might require developmental editing, copy editing, or proofreading, each of which comes with its own cost. Prices can vary widely based on the length of your manuscript and the complexity of the editing required.

Cover Design

Readers do judge books by their covers, so investing in a professional cover design is crucial. Depending on the designer’s expertise and the complexity of the design, cover design can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Interior Formatting

While it’s possible to format your book yourself, hiring a professional can save you time and ensure a polished, professional result. This is especially important for print books, where layout issues are more noticeable.

ISBN and Copyright Registration

As discussed previously, you’ll need to budget for ISBNs for each format of your book. In the US, a single ISBN costs $125, but they become cheaper per unit if bought in bulk. Copyright registration also comes with a fee, though it’s generally less than $100.

Marketing and Promotion

Marketing can involve both free and paid strategies. You might choose to invest in paid advertising, run giveaways (which could involve purchasing and shipping copies of your book), hire a publicist, or use a book review service. Remember to budget not only money but also time for marketing tasks.

Printing Costs

If you’re producing print-on-demand books, you don’t have to pay for a print run upfront. However, each printed book does come with a cost, which is deducted from your royalties.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Other potential expenses might include professional author photos, website hosting and design, software subscriptions (like writing or book formatting software), and learning resources like courses or books.

Once you’ve outlined all potential expenses, compare this with your available budget. You might need to make some tough decisions and prioritize some areas over others. Remember, your first book is a learning experience, and you can always invest more in future books as your income from book sales grows. It’s also worth noting that many of these costs, such as ISBNs purchased in bulk or learning resources, are investments that can benefit future books as well.

By properly budgeting for your self-publishing project, you can manage your resources effectively and set yourself up for financial success.

The Post-Publication Phase

After successfully self-publishing your book, you might think your work is done. But the reality is, the post-publication phase is a crucial part of the self-publishing journey. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Monitoring Sales and Adjusting Strategies

The beauty of self-publishing, especially when it comes to eBooks and print-on-demand, is that you have a lot of control and flexibility. After your book is published, you can monitor your sales data and adjust your strategies as needed.

For example, if you’re not seeing the sales you expected, you might reconsider your book’s pricing or try different marketing strategies. If you’ve published an eBook on multiple platforms and notice that one platform is significantly outperforming the others, you might decide to focus your efforts there.

Gathering and Responding to Feedback

Post-publication, it’s important to pay attention to reader feedback, both positive and negative. Reviews can provide valuable insights into how your book is being received. You can learn a lot from constructive criticism, and positive reviews can be a great morale booster and marketing tool.

While it’s important not to obsess over every review, do take note of any recurring comments or criticisms. If multiple readers are pointing out the same issues (like typos or plot holes), consider addressing these in future revisions of your book.

Continuing Marketing Efforts

The need for marketing doesn’t stop once your book is published. In fact, ongoing marketing is crucial to maintaining and growing your book sales. This can include running periodic promotions, seeking out new advertising or publicity opportunities, engaging with your readers on social media, and continuing to build your mailing list.

Writing Your Next Book

For many self-published authors, the best way to increase sales and income is to write more books. Each new book is an opportunity to attract new readers and encourage existing readers to buy more of your work. Plus, having multiple books can make your marketing efforts more effective and cost-efficient.

In the post-publication phase, remember that self-publishing is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about building a long-term career and a loyal readership. Celebrate your successes, learn from your challenges, and always keep looking forward to your next project.

Final Thoughts

The journey of self-publishing can be challenging yet rewarding, filled with learning curves and moments of triumph. The most important takeaway from this guide is that success in self-publishing is within your reach. With careful planning, diligent work, and a willingness to learn from your experiences, you can take your manuscript from a dream to a tangible, published book that reaches readers across the globe.

The power of self-publishing lies in its potential to give authors more control over their creative process and their work’s business aspects. It’s about harnessing the power of modern technology and platforms to turn your passion for writing into a profitable venture.

Remember, every successful self-published author started where you are now, with a story to tell and the determination to share it with the world. It’s a journey that requires patience, resilience, and perseverance. But with every step you take, you’re getting closer to your goal.

In the world of self-publishing, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Every author’s journey is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. The beauty of this path is that you get to make decisions that best serve your book and your audience.

Lastly, remember that self-publishing isn’t a solitary journey. There’s a vast community of indie authors out there, ready to share their experiences and knowledge. Make use of these resources and never be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

You have the story. You have the tools. Now, it’s time to start your self-publishing journey.