Self Publishing Books 101

1. Self-publishing has become accessible and affordable for everyone

Honestly...if you can dream it, you can do it!

Democratization of publishing. The advent of print-on-demand technology and online platforms has revolutionized the publishing industry. Authors no longer need to face rejection from traditional publishers or invest thousands of dollars in inventory. With minimal upfront costs, writers can now bring their ideas to life and reach a global audience.

Cost-effective options. Self-publishing costs have dramatically decreased. Authors can now publish their books with little to no upfront investment, depending on their willingness to learn and perform certain tasks themselves. For example, using print-on-demand services like CreateSpace, authors can publish a book for as little as the cost of a proof copy (around $7).

2. Create a professional book template and cover design

Your book cover design will make the first impression to your potential readers.

Book template essentials. A professional book template is crucial for creating a polished final product. Key elements include:

• Proper formatting for your chosen book size
• Appropriate fonts for titles and body text
• Correctly formatted front matter (title page, copyright page, table of contents)
• Consistent chapter layouts

Cover design impact. The book cover is your primary marketing tool. It should:

• Capture attention within 4 seconds (average time spent looking at covers)
• Include a compelling title, subtitle, author name, and relevant imagery
• Have a well-written description on the back cover (14 seconds average reading time)
• Incorporate professional design elements to avoid looking amateurish

3. Choose the right self-publishing company for your needs

It really depends on what your goal is for your book.

Evaluate publishing options. When selecting a self-publishing company, consider:

• Upfront costs and royalty structures
• Distribution channels (e.g., Amazon, bookstores)
• Print quality and book format options
• Additional services offered (editing, cover design, marketing)
• Contract terms and rights retention

Top recommendations. Two highly recommended options are:

1. CreateSpace (now part of Kindle Direct Publishing): Ideal for authors seeking a user-friendly platform with no upfront costs and wide distribution.
2. IngramSpark: Suitable for authors wanting more control and willing to handle additional publishing details.

4. Understand ISBN numbers and copyright protection

The ISBN number is an identifier used world-wide and continues to be the standard for identifying books internationally.

ISBN basics. International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) are unique identifiers for books. Key points:

• Required for selling in bookstores and libraries
• Different ISBNs needed for each format (paperback, hardcover, ebook)
• Can be obtained for free through some publishers or purchased independently

Copyright considerations. While copyright is automatically granted upon creation, registration offers additional benefits:

• Provides public record of ownership
• Required for lawsuits against infringement
• Relatively inexpensive ($45-$125 for basic registration)
• Not mandatory but recommended for valuable works

5. Format your book for print and digital platforms

Most book publishers, like CreateSpace will want your final book draft uploaded to their website as a PDF document.

Print formatting. Ensure your book is ready for print by:

• Using appropriate page sizes and margins
• Embedding fonts
• Setting proper resolution for images (300 dpi)
• Converting to PDF while maintaining formatting

Digital formatting. Prepare your book for e-readers and online platforms:

• Create reflowable text for various screen sizes
• Use compatible file formats (EPUB, MOBI)
• Optimize images for digital display
• Include hyperlinks for table of contents and external references

6. Market your self-published book effectively

Remember, a journey of one thousand steps begins with one.

Build your author platform. Establish your presence as an author:

• Create an author website and blog
• Engage on social media platforms
• Develop an email list of interested readers

Utilize multiple marketing channels. Promote your book through various avenues:

• Online retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)
• Book review websites and blogs
• Local bookstores and libraries
• Speaking engagements and book signings
• Paid advertising (social media, book promotion sites)

7. Leverage print-on-demand technology for cost-effective publishing

Through CreateSpace, you can publish your book with no upfront costs (if you do everything yourself, like I did).

Print-on-demand advantages. This technology offers several benefits:

• No inventory costs or storage concerns
• Books printed as orders are received
• Ability to make changes and updates easily
• Wide distribution through major online retailers

Maximize profitability. Utilize print-on-demand to optimize your publishing business:

• Set competitive pricing while maintaining good royalties
• Offer multiple formats (paperback, hardcover, ebook) without additional inventory
• Use sales data to inform marketing decisions
• Experiment with niche markets and genres without significant financial risk

Last updated: October 29, 2024