The Ultimate Guide to Self Publishing Your Book—Part One

Jason Kurtz
Mar 20
7 min read

Updated: Mar 22

Prologue

If you haven’t heard or seen the term TLDR, it stands for what this next blog post turned out to be. TLDR is Too Long Didn’t Read, and after writing this post, I looked back and said, “Where did all that come from?”

And I answered myself, “From you! It came from you!”

It couldn’t have come from me. This thing takes ten minutes to read, yet it was written in less than a minute. I can write fast, but not as fast as the famous Three-handed Writer pictured in the post.

Actually, this post did come from me because I engineered the prompt that created it. Who or what did I prompt?

Quick Creator

For FREE! Quick Creator popped out this complete TLDR in about a minute.

So, since it is so long, I decided to release it in two posts.

The Ultimate Guide to Self Publishing Your Book

Have you ever dreamed of publishing your own book? Self-publishing has become a game-changer for authors like you and me. It’s no surprise that this industry is booming.

In 2023, around 500,000 new self-published books hit the market.
The self-publishing sector is growing at an impressive 17% annually.
Over the last five years, the number of self-published books has surged by 264%.

Why is this happening? Because self-publishing puts you in the driver’s seat. You get to decide everything—your book’s cover, price, and even how it reaches readers. Plus, you can earn up to 100% of your royalties, unlike traditional publishing, which offers only 10-15%. It’s not just about money, though. Self-publishing gives you the freedom to share your story your way.

"The self-publishing industry has seen a 264% increase in the number of self-published books over the last five years, indicating a strong trend towards self-publishing as a viable and empowering option for authors."

If you’re ready to take control of your creative journey, self-publishing might be the perfect path for you.

Key Takeaways

Self-publishing lets you control everything, like the cover and price. You can share your story the way you want.
Paying for good editing and design makes your book better. This can help you sell more copies.
Having a website and using social media connects you with readers. It also helps more people notice your book.
Sending emails to readers is very helpful. It’s a strong way to promote your book and talk to your audience.
Knowing your goals and readers is very important. Focus on what they need to succeed in self-publishing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Publishing

Writing and Editing

Setting clear goals for your manuscript

Think about what you want your book to do. Are you telling a story, teaching something, or just entertaining? Knowing your goal helps you stay on track. Break your writing into small steps, like finishing one chapter a week. This makes the work easier and keeps you going.

The importance of professional editing and beta readers

Even great writers need help to improve their books. Editors fix mistakes, make the story flow better, and check for quality. Beta readers give honest opinions, like pointing out confusing parts. For example, one writer changed their book after beta readers gave feedback, making it much better. Spending money on editing can turn a good book into an amazing one.

Designing and Formatting

Creating an eye-catching book cover

Your book cover is the first thing people notice. A great cover can help sell your book. Think about your book’s type—romance covers use soft colors, while thrillers use bold designs. Hiring a designer makes sure your cover looks professional and ready to sell.

Formatting for print and digital platforms

Formatting makes your book easy to read. For eBooks, make sure it looks good on phones since many people read that way. Studies show mobile-friendly books keep readers interested. For printed books, use clean designs and proper spacing. Tools like Vellum or Reedsy can help you format your book well.

Publishing and Distribution

Choosing the right self-publishing platform

Different platforms offer different benefits. Amazon KDP helps you reach readers worldwide. IngramSpark can get your book into stores and libraries. Look into each platform to see which one fits your needs best.

Deciding between eBook and print-on-demand options

eBooks are cheap to make and easy to share. Print-on-demand lets you sell physical books without printing a lot upfront. Many authors use both to reach more readers. In 2022, self-published authors earned about $12,749, with top earners using both formats.

Marketing Your Book

Building an author platform and using social media

Marketing begins with creating your author platform. Think of it as your online space where readers find you. Start with a website. Add a blog, an "About Me" section, and links to your books. This helps readers connect with you easily.

Social media is also very useful. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook let you share updates and behind-the-scenes moments. You can even post sneak peeks of your book. Use hashtags like #amwriting or #selfpublishing to reach more people. These tags help you connect with readers and other writers.

Talking with your audience is important. Reply to comments, ask questions, and join discussions. Readers enjoy feeling connected to the author. Studies show authors who interact with their audience often sell more books.

Launch strategies to boost visibility

A good launch plan can help your book succeed. Start by getting reviews before your book is released. Try to gather at least 20 reviews or ratings. These reviews show others that your book is worth reading.

Plan a launch event to get people excited. It could be online or in person, like a book signing. Post countdown updates before your launch day. Offer special deals, like discounts or free chapters, to encourage early buyers.

Here’s a simple look at how strategies can help your book:

Marketing Strategy	How It Helps
Strong Campaigns	Authors using these often see big sales increases.
Crowdfunding	Using crowdfunding platforms can lead to the most revenue growth.
Audience Interaction	Talking with readers can improve sales and build support.

The goal is to show your book to as many people as possible. With smart strategies, self-publishing can bring amazing results.

Costs and Budgeting for Self-Publishing

Typical Costs

Editing, design, and formatting expenses

Publishing a good book needs some money. Editing, design, and formatting are key steps to make your book successful. Here’s a simple cost breakdown:

Service Type	Estimated Cost Range
Developmental Editing	$45-55/hr
Substantive or Line Edit	$40-60/hr
Basic Copyediting	$30-40/hr
Proofreading	$30-40/hr
Book Formatting (less than $500)	17% of respondents
Book Formatting ($500-$1,000)	47% of respondents
Book Formatting ($1,000-$1,500)	19% of respondents
Book Formatting ($1,500+)	16% of respondents
Professional Cover Design	At least $500
Total Editing Costs	$200-$2,000

Usually, self-publishing costs between $2,000 and $4,000. But, depending on your project, it can be as low as $100 or as high as $20,000. If you don’t have much money, you can try doing some tasks yourself. However, hiring professionals often gives better results.

Marketing and advertising costs

Marketing is another area where spending wisely matters. Authors who spend on good campaigns often sell more books. Plan to use money for social media ads, emails, and events. A study by NetGalley shows that higher marketing budgets lead to better sales. Saving part of your budget for marketing is important for your book’s success.

Budgeting Tips

Prioritizing spending for the best return on investment

Not all costs are equally important. Spend on things that improve your book’s quality and reach. For example:

Editing: A well-edited book keeps readers happy and gets good reviews.
Cover Design: A great cover catches attention and helps sell books.
Marketing: Smart marketing makes your book stand out from others.

Be careful of services with high prices but no quality guarantee. Set realistic goals for sales and reviews based on your book’s type and competition.

****I highly urge you to check out Creativindie for help on all three topics above!****

Free and affordable tools for self-publishing

You don’t need to spend a lot to self-publish. Many free or cheap tools can help you:

Canva: Make cool designs for your book cover or ads.
Reedsy: Use free formatting tools or find affordable experts.
Mailchimp: Create email lists and send updates to your readers.

Crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter can also help you get money for your book. By using these tools, you can save money and still create a great book.

FAQ

What is self-publishing, and how does it work?

Self-publishing means you release your book without a publisher. You manage editing, cover design, and marketing yourself. Platforms like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark let you upload your book. You choose the price and sell it directly to readers.

How much money can I make from self-publishing?

Your income depends on price, royalties, and sales numbers. On Amazon, self-published authors can earn up to 70% royalties. Some writers make thousands each month, while others earn less. Success comes from good quality, smart marketing, and reaching readers.

Do I need to hire professionals for editing and design?

Yes, if you want your book to look professional. Editors fix mistakes, and designers make great covers. These steps improve your book’s quality and sales. If money is tight, try affordable tools like Canva or Reedsy instead.

Can I self-publish if I don’t have a big budget?

Yes! Many free or cheap tools can help you. Canva works for cover design, Reedsy helps with formatting, and Mailchimp is great for emails. Focus on editing and marketing first. Crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter can also help raise money.

How do I market my self-published book?

Start by creating a website and using social media. Share updates, sneak peeks, and fun behind-the-scenes posts. Build an email list to connect with readers. Use ads on Facebook or Amazon to find your audience.