So, you’ve finally written that book you’ve been dreaming about. Whether it’s a novel, a memoir, or a how-to guide, finishing the manuscript is a huge achievement. But now comes the big question: how do you actually publish it? If you’re looking to take control and publish it yourself, you’re in the right place. Self-publishing can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right steps and a bit of patience, it’s more than possible. This guide will walk you through it from start to finish—without the jargon.
Understand Why You’re Self-Publishing
Before diving into the technical steps, it’s worth asking yourself: why are you choosing to self-publish? Are you keen to build a writing career, or is this more of a personal project? Maybe you’re hoping to make some income from your book or use it to support another part of your work, like speaking or coaching. Knowing your “why” helps you make the right decisions throughout the process. It also sets your expectations. Self-publishing gives you full control, but it also means you’re responsible for everything—from editing to marketing.
Get That Manuscript as Polished as Possible
Let’s be honest—no first draft is ever perfect. Once you’ve finished your manuscript, it’s time to revise it. And then revise it again. Start with your edits, looking for plot holes, awkward wording, or anything that doesn’t make sense. Once you’re happy with it, it’s worth bringing in fresh eyes. If you can afford it, hire a professional editor. A good editor won’t just fix grammar—they’ll make your book sharper, tighter, and more readable. If you’re on a budget, ask a trusted friend who reads a lot (and won’t just flatter you) to give honest feedback.
Think of this stage as a quality control process. If the book isn’t ready to read, the rest of your efforts won’t matter. Readers can forgive a lot, but poor editing is hard to overlook.
Choose Your Book Format and Publishing Platform
One of the first practical decisions is what format your book will take. Most first-time authors publish as an eBook because it’s cost-effective and quick. But print-on-demand paperbacks are also common and surprisingly easy to set up. Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is by far the most popular option, especially if you’re just getting started. It allows you to upload your book, format it for Kindle and paperback, and sell it to a global audience without any upfront costs.
Other platforms worth considering include Draft2Digital, which can distribute your eBook to places like Apple Books, Kobo and Barnes & Noble. You can publish to just one platform or go wide across several—it depends on how much time and reach you want.
If you’re planning a print version, decide between paperback and hardcover. Most people go with paperback because it’s cheaper to produce and more accessible to readers. These platforms offer print-on-demand, meaning they’ll only print copies when someone orders one, saving you from having to buy in bulk.
Create a Cover That Looks Professional
Yes, readers really do judge books by their covers. A professional-looking cover makes a huge difference—it’s often the first thing someone sees before deciding whether to buy. If your cover looks like it was made in Word, people will assume the content inside is just as amateur.
You don’t have to spend a fortune, but if you can afford it, hire a cover designer with experience in your genre. They’ll know what works and what doesn’t. If you’re designing it yourself, use tools like Canva and look at other books in your category to get a feel for trends. Your cover should be clear, visually appealing, and readable, even as a small thumbnail. Also, make sure it fits the platform’s size and resolution requirements.
Format the Inside of Your Book Properly
Once the content and cover are sorted, it’s time to focus on formatting. This refers to the appearance of your book on the inside—the font, spacing, margins, page numbers, chapter headings, and overall layout. Bad formatting will distract readers and make your book look less professional.
For eBooks, your manuscript needs to be converted into a format like .epub or .mobi. Kindle Create is Amazon’s free tool that helps with this, and it works well for beginners. For paperbacks, the formatting is a bit more detailed. You’ll need to create a print-ready PDF with proper trim size and margins. Programs like Atticus or Reedsy make this easier, or you can hire someone to do it for you.
Make sure to preview your book using the platform’s tools before publishing. Scroll through every page and check for spacing issues, strange fonts, or missing page breaks. This step is time-consuming, but it is absolutely worth it.
Set the Right Price and Write a Strong Book Description
Now you’re getting close to launch, and it’s time to focus on two important pieces: pricing and your book description. Pricing your book can be tricky. For eBooks, the $2.99–$4.99 range is common for new authors. It’s low enough to attract readers but still provides a decent royalty. Paperbacks cost more to produce, so prices usually range from $10 to $20, depending on length and printing costs.
Your book description is what convinces people to buy your book. Keep it clear and compelling. Start with a hook—one or two sentences that pull the reader in. Then, describe the main theme or story in simple terms. If your book solves a problem (like a how-to or guide), clearly explain the benefit. Don’t be afraid to revise your blurb multiple times. It’s your book’s sales pitch.
Publish and Promote
Once everything looks good—your manuscript is formatted, your cover is uploaded, your description is written—it’s time to press publish. On most platforms, your book will undergo a brief review process (typically within 72 hours). When it’s live, share the news. Let your friends and family know. Post about it on social media. Join relevant Facebook groups or online communities. Email your mailing list if you have one.
Don’t expect to sell thousands of copies in the first week. Building an audience takes time. But every little bit helps. Even a few people talking about your book can start a ripple effect.
Ask for Reviews and Keep Going
Reader reviews help build trust with future buyers. Ask your early readers to leave honest feedback on Amazon or wherever they bought your book. Never pay for fake reviews—it can get your book removed and ruin your reputation. Even a handful of real, thoughtful reviews can make a big difference.
Lastly, keep going. Publishing your first book is a huge step, but don’t stop there. Most successful self-published authors build their audience by writing more books. Learn from your first launch—what worked, what didn’t—and apply that knowledge to the next one. Each book will get easier.
Final Thoughts
Today, self-publishing is not just an alternate route but a respected and gratifying way to present your work to the world, an amazing opportunity that would allow you to test yourself as a writer and creator while enjoying the full ramifications of freedom and flexibility. It demands much of your work; you will most likely find yourself making several mistakes along the way. However, suppose you take the time to follow each step carefully, remain open to learning, and continue to show up. In that case, there is absolutely nothing holding you back from witnessing the outcome of your book being available to readers anywhere in the world.