One of the things that scared me most about self-publishing was that I had no idea what to do. I knew I couldn’t just upload it to Amazon and call it good.
After researching, I found that a lot of unnecessary time, money, and energy sometimes goes into self-publishing.
This list is for anyone who wants to self-publish right but simple.
1. Editing
I cannot stress enough just how important a good editor is. Of all the things you absolutely cannot do yourself, of all the things that are worth spending money on, and editor is it. There are so many things less important than making sure your book is polished.
You can find editors for lower prices on sites like Upwork, Reedsy, or just by searching for a freelance editor through social media. You can also check out my post about the best freelance sites for Self-Publishing here.
Freelancers are a great option because the money you pay them goes directly to them, and you aren’t paying the company they work for. Which often saves you money!
2. Book Cover
I’ve said before that you can totally design your own cover, as long as you have software experience, a good idea, some time, and a lot of confidence.
I’m studying to be a graphic designer (focusing on book covers), so I’ve made all of my book covers with no regrets, especially since I’ve been asked by other authors who my cover designer is *score!*
But if you aren’t confident enough to design your own cover, you can also find freelance designers on Upwork, Reedsy, or click the “hire me” button under my portfolio section. I’d be happy to work with you!
Whatever you decide, the only thing about your cover that really matters is its quality.
3. Formatting
This is something not a lot of people think about in the beginning. I sure didn’t.
But, you can’t just take your regular old word doc and upload it to Amazon. You have to make sure the page size is right, the margins work, as well as chapter headings, and page numbers…t’s very tedious.
You can definitely do this yourself. I did. It took me about three weeks working a full-time job to get everything looking like a professional quality book.
But if you don’t have the time or energy, you can find a freelancer for this, too. There are also several companies that do this for a larger fee. But, from what I’ve seen it’s not outrageous.
4. Distributor
When people think of self-publishing, Amazon is often the first thought coming to mind. That, or vanity publishers (the pay $3,000 for a stack of books, publishers).
But, Amazon isn’t the only distributor out there!
You can also use Ingram Spark or Smashwords to distribute your books. Or you could use all three, a combination. It’s your book, do what you want. There isn’t a limit here.
Amazon’s distribution is free to start.
Ingram Spark has upfront fees, but none that aren’t worth it. I think you’re looking at $25 per book. (eBook and Print are considered seperately). Working with Ingram has an array of benefits.
Smashwords is also free. And using Smashwords got my books on iBooks for the first time.
5. Promotion Plan
One of my biggest failures in self-publishing was not having a plan for promotion. And not just that, I didn’t have a budget for it either.
A promotion plan can be as simple as plans for tweets, Instagram uploads, and Facebook posts, or as complicated as a full publicist and book tour. It all depends on your budget and how much time you’re willing (and able) to put in.
Either way, having some sort of plan is important. And developing that plan is 100% dependent on you and your needs.
6. Author Platform
It took a long time before I knew what this even was, and my platform is still incredibly poor. But, I’m working on it.
I suggest getting started right away making pages for your writing career on social media, making a website, starting a blog, and posting often.
Make friends not foes.
Join blogs and forums. Become active. Talk to people about your books, and not just to family.
Because friends and internet family are really what will sell those books!
I hope this has been simple enough to get you started on your self-publishing journey. My biggest suggestion for other blogs to read is The Creative Penn. Joanna knows more about publishing than half the publishing houses combined!
Good luck!
Xoxo,
Ellie,
Ellie, I just finished subscribing to your email, reading your advice and taking notes because i have had a book of poetry, finished, since two years ago, at Christmas….as a promise i made to my mother, as she was dying. i have felt as though I had failed, for about the last 9 months, though, because, even though the poems were written and most of the photography for it, are done, getting them typed out, so I could have them published, as i worked, moved, and went through extensive therapy for PTSD and the healing needed and care of my father, after her death…i have not, until now had the time or confidence to pursue the fulfillment of that promise, until now. Thank you for calmiong my fears, so easily, about doing this all, myself, about being online and using a laptop for anything besides fb or pinterest( i am 52 and didnt have computer classes when i went to school), and for making me believe this huge mountain, in my life, is something i can conquer. I appreciate you so very much an d I am sure that you have not heard the last from me. May you, your wife and your precious fur babies have a beautiful and blessed New Year and much success to you. Thanks so much, again
Ellie, I just finished subscribing to your email, reading your advice and taking notes because i have had a book of poetry, finished, since two years ago, at Christmas….as a promise i made to my mother, as she was dying. i have felt as though I had failed, for about the last 9 months, though, because, even though the poems were written and most of the photography for it, are done, getting them typed out, so I could have them published, as i worked, moved, and went through extensive therapy for PTSD and the healing needed and care of my father, after her death…i have not, until now had the time or confidence to pursue the fulfillment of that promise. Thank you for calming my fears, so easily, about doing this all, myself, about being online and using a laptop for anything besides fb or pinterest( i am 52 and didnt have computer classes when i went to school), and for making me believe this huge mountain, in my life, is something i can conquer. I appreciate you so very much and I am sure that you have not heard the last from me. May you, your wife and your precious fur babies have a beautiful and blessed New Year and much success to you. Thanks so much, again