Ditch the Gatekeepers: How to Self-Publish a Book

Self-publishing has become an increasingly popular option for authors in recent years. But is it the right choice for you and your book? This guide on self-publishing will walk you through everything you need to know about how to self-publish a book.

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Key Points:

► Conduct market research to identify an untapped, in-demand book concept that will sell.

► Perfect your manuscript through multiple rounds of editing and feedback.

► Invest in professional cover design to make your book stand out.

► Choose a self-publishing platform aligned with your sales and distribution goals.

► Format print-ready interior and cover files according to platform specifications.

► Execute a strategic pre-launch plan to generate hype and early reviews.

► Promote aggressively at launch using paid ads, influencers, and media outreach.

► Build your author brand through ongoing social media content and engagement.

► Release more books over time to increase exposure and credibility.

► Persistently market each new title to convert readers into loyal fans.

► Take control of your writing career by self-publishing without relying on gatekeepers.

Every writer dreams of seeing their name on the cover of a bestselling book. But playing by the traditional publishing industry’s rules is no guarantee of success. Pitching your work to busy agents and editors is a frustrating guessing game. If you do get picked up by a big publisher, you’ll likely relinquish significant creative control over your work.

But the rise of self-publishing is disrupting the status quo. By becoming your own publisher, you maintain full autonomy over your book while accessing the same distribution channels. With the right strategies, you can launch a successful book all on your own. Let’s walk through the steps.

Write a Book That Sells

Before worrying about publication, think carefully about your book’s concept. Publishing into a crowded market without a solid hook is risky. Savvy writers conduct market research to identify untapped opportunities.

Begin by evaluating bestsellers in your genre. What positioning and hooks make certain titles stand out? Search online reader communities to learn what fans are craving. Look for frustrations with overdone tropes or stories that have yet to be told. If possible, identify a niche within your genre. Serving an under-served segment will make marketing easier down the road.

If you already have a finished manuscript, assess if the concept will resonate before proceeding. Reworking now is easier than struggling to market a book no one wants later.

Polish Your Manuscript

Your book needs to impress readers whether it comes from you or a major publisher. Bring in extra sets of eyes to ensure the writing shines.

Start by revising the manuscript yourself. Then share drafts with a few trusted people matching your ideal reader profile. Request feedback on how the overall story resonates, not fine details. Use this to refine the narrative and voice.

Next, hire a professional freelance editor. Thorough copy editing will catch any lingering errors while strengthening readability. Writerful Books, Reedsy, Upwork, and Guru can connect you with qualified editors. This polishing will ready your manuscript for its cover design.

Create a Stunning Cover

You may not judge books by their covers, but readers do. An eye-catching design grabs attention on cramped digital shelves and physical displays.

For the best results, commission custom artwork from a freelance designer. They will deftly create a cover that pops for your genre. Utilize the same freelancing sites mentioned earlier to find affordable designers open for hire.

If you wish to create the artwork yourself, leverage free tools like Canva, Visme, and Fotor. Just be sure to conceptualize from a reader’s perspective. How will small thumbnails affect their ability to decipher key details and text? Keep things simple yet bold.

Pick a Publishing Platform

Several self-publishing platforms streamline transforming your manuscript into a printed book. The service you select will dictate available sales channels, so choose wisely.

For distribution on Amazon, publish using Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). This prints physical and ebook formats on demand while providing access to Amazon’s massive audience. Just keep in mind their exclusivity clause restricts selling KDP ebooks elsewhere.

To sell in-store and online, consider Lulu. Their seamless Shopify integration prints books upon purchase for drop shipping. This removes upfront inventory costs. Lulu also makes titles available across a network of retailers, libraries, and other outlets for expanded reach.

Other popular self-publishing platforms like Reedsy, IngramSpark, and Blurb give you plenty of options. Compare service offerings as you consider the right fit for your goals.

Prep for Publication

Self-publishing platforms will arrange the interior pages and create covers, but you first need to provide the necessary files. These steps ready your manuscript for publication:

► Set page dimensions and margins
► Add mandatory front matter like title pages and table of contents
► Insert chapter text across properly formatted body pages
► Include back matter like endnotes and author bio
► Acquire your own ISBN number for sales tracking

Follow platform guidelines to deliver print-ready files for both cover and interior. Then approve a test copy before going live.

Launch It Like a Pro!

Don’t just upload your book and expect instant fame. Execute a strategic launch by borrowing ideas from ecommerce store rollouts:

► Test order processes on sales channels like your website and Amazon
► Create awareness by sharing samples and previews on social media
► Capture buyer emails with incentives like free chapters
► Encourage reviews during the critical launch window
► Promote aggressively with paid ads and influencer collaborations

Think of your book like a product. Build hype, connect with your audience, and ensure everything runs smoothly before officially going live.

Grow Your Author Brand

The launch is just the beginning. Sustained social media marketing keeps your book selling and expands your readership over time.

Share excerpts and tidbits to provide value and stoke interest. Respond to all user feedback and reviews. Run evergreen ads promoting your webpage and sales channels. Collaborate with influencers who reach your target demographic.

Most importantly, continuously create content like blog posts and videos that attract new visitors. Each piece of content is a new opportunity to convert followers into loyal fans.

Self-Publishing FAQs:

How much does it cost to self-publish a book?

The costs can range widely, but plan for $500 – $2,000 to cover editing, design, printing, distribution, marketing, and other services. Using free publishing tools and doing more on your own lowers costs. Paying for professional help in key areas drives quality. Research options thoroughly to budget realistically.

Should I hire an editor and designer or DIY?

Quality editing and design are worth investing in. Proofreading yourself leaves mistakes. DIY design rarely meets publisher standards. Professionals polish your work and make the book more marketable. Search editing/design sites for affordable freelancers. If funds are limited, be very selective on what to outsource vs. DIY.

How do I choose the right self-publishing platform?

The best platforms make printing, distributing, and selling easy for you while delivering high royalties. Compare the big names like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Lulu, BookBaby. Consider print-on-demand vs. upfront printing costs. Evaluate supported sales channels – online retailers, physical bookstores, libraries. Pick the platform best aligned with your publishing goals.

How should I market and promote my book?

Start marketing early, well before launch day. Build your author website and social media presence. Seek reviews from book bloggers. Use paid ads to drive pre-orders. Pitch your book to relevant magazines, podcasts, and other media. Maximize exposure through interviews, guest articles, and features. Promote persistently through ongoing social media, digital advertising, events, and content creation.

Will bookstores carry my self-published title?

Possibly, but you must take the right steps to gain shelf space. Use a platform like IngramSpark that gets titles into bookstore catalogues and databases. Send copies to store buyers and request meetings. Provide marketing materials like sell sheets. Be prepared to accept lower royalty rates. Start local, then expand to bigger chains. Bookstore placement raises visibility and credibility.

How important are book reviews on Amazon and Goodreads?

Extremely important! Reviews dramatically increase discoverability on those dominant sites. Ask early readers to leave honest reviews out of the gate. Run promotions offering free books in exchange for reviews. Direct all your website traffic to your book’s Amazon page to spur more reviews. Maintain a strong Goodreads presence by regularly posting, interacting with readers, and inviting reviews. Reviews separate amateur from professional.

Feel free to reach out with your self-publishing questions! With careful planning and persistence, you can successfully publish your book yourself.

What’s Next? Keep Writing!

The best way for self-published authors to gain traction? Release more books! Each new publication compounds your exposure and credibility. Some promotions and marketing can carry over throughout your catalogue.

It takes persistence, but with hard work promoting your books, social media savvy, and a little business sense, you can build an audience independently. Now get out there, connect with readers, and start writing your next page-turning bestseller!

Attention aspiring self-published authors: unlock your book’s full potential with a professional manuscript assessment.

Our experienced editors will provide you with an in-depth evaluation of your manuscript, assessing elements like plot structure, character development, pacing, tone, and more. You’ll receive insightful feedback to strengthen your writing and ensure your book captivates readers from start to finish.

We also evaluate overall marketability, helping you refine your book concept for commercial success. Our specialized genre expertise guarantees thoughtful analysis tailored to your target audience.

Take your manuscript to the next level with Writerful Books. Our reliable, actionable feedback gives you the edge for successful self-publishing. Let us help prepare your book for its debut!

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