Everything You Need to Know to Publish Your Book with Confidence
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
So, you’ve written a book. First of all, congrats. Seriously. Most people talk about writing a book. You actually did it. That alone puts you in rare company.
But now comes the big question:
“How do I actually publish this thing?”
Self-publishing can feel like a maze of choices, platforms, file types, and formatting rules. The good news? It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools, mindset, and guidance, you can take your manuscript from file to finished product—and get it into readers’ hands on your own terms.
This guide breaks down how to self-publish a book step-by-step—whether you're publishing fiction, nonfiction, or anything in between. Let’s make the process clear, manageable, and (dare I say) fun.
💡 What is Self-Publishing?
Self-publishing means you’re in control of your book’s entire publishing journey—from the content and cover design to pricing and marketing. Instead of going through a traditional publisher, you publish your book yourself, often using platforms like Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, or IngramSpark.
There’s no need to wait for approval, sign away your rights, or accept tiny royalties. Self-publishing is flexible, fast, and empowering.
Step-by-Step: How to Self-Publish a Book
Let’s walk through the full self-publishing process from start to finish. Each step includes tools you can use (affiliate opportunities!), practical tips, and a few real-world insights.
1. Finish & Edit Your Manuscript
Before you hit “publish,” your manuscript needs to be in its best possible shape. That means completing revisions and going through at least one round of editing.
🔧 Tools to help:
Grammarly or ProWritingAid – for grammar, clarity, and readability
FirstEditing – professional editing services ([affiliate link opportunity])
Reedsy – vetted freelance editors with genre-specific experience
Pro Tip: Even the best writers use editors. Your future readers will thank you.
2. Format Your Book for eBook and Print
Your manuscript should look professional on every device, from a Kindle to a hardcover.
Two great tools:
Atticus – an all-in-one writing and formatting tool for both Print and eBook (and perfect for beginners!)
Vellum – a premium formatting tool for Mac users with beautiful templates
Formatting includes:
Consistent fonts
Proper chapter breaks
Page numbers for Print
Front and back matter (title page, copyright, author bio, etc.)
🧠 Pro Tip: Export your book in PDF (for Print) and ePub/MOBI (for eBook) formats depending on where you’re publishing.
3. Create a Cover That Sells
People do judge a book by its cover. You want a professional design that fits your genre and grabs attention, especially at thumbnail size.
DIY or Pro?
Canva Pro – easy-to-use with pre-made templates for Kindle covers
BookBrush – explicitly made for authors (great for ads and 3D mockups)
Fiverr or Reedsy – hire a professional cover designer (recommended for most fiction)
Example: Romance covers tend to use bold serif fonts and character-driven art. Thriller covers often lean dark with strong contrasts and simple, striking titles.
4. Choose Your Publishing Platforms
Now it’s time to get your book out into the world.
Most popular self-publishing platforms:
Amazon KDP – the king of self-publishing. Offers eBook, paperback, and now hardcover options
Draft2Digital – distributes to Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and libraries
IngramSpark – best for print distribution to bookstores and libraries
You can go exclusive (like joining Kindle Unlimited) or wide (publish on multiple platforms). There's no right answer—just what fits your goals.
5. Set Up Your Book Details
Each publishing platform will ask you for key book data. Here’s what you’ll need ready:
Book title & subtitle
Description/blurb
Keywords (to help readers find you!)
Categories (genre-specific)
Author name & bio
ISBN (free with Amazon or purchased via Bowker or IngramSpark)
SEO Tip: Use your keywords naturally in your title, subtitle, and book description. Think like a reader searching for your genre or topic.
6. Set Your Price & Royalties
Self-publishing means you control your pricing strategy. Here's a quick breakdown:
Amazon KDP: Choose 35% or 70% royalty, depending on your eBook price and region
Draft2Digital & IngramSpark: Vary by platform and distribution
Most indie authors start with an eBook price between $2.99 and $4.99 and print books around $9.99 and $14.99.
7. Launch & Market Your Book
This part often gets skipped, but it’s so important. A good launch can make or break your book’s early momentum.
What you can do:
Build an email list using ConvertKit or MailerLite
Offer a free lead magnet (like a short story or resource vault!)
Send out ARCs (advance review copies) through BookFunnel or StoryOrigin
Run a launch promo with limited-time pricing
Encourage early reviews on Amazon and Goodreads
Create buzz on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook groups
🎯 Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Self-publishing might initially seem overwhelming, but it’s just a series of manageable steps once you break it down. You’re building a book and a brand—and doing it on your terms.
Whether you're writing fiction, nonfiction, children's books, or poetry, this process works. And the more you do it, the easier (and more exciting) it gets.
So don’t overthink it. Take the next right step. And keep writing—because the world needs your stories.
