Navigating the self-publishing world sure is a tall task to begin, particularly if you’re new to self-publishing—you don’t know you’re way around or choosing which self-publishing guide is best to get you equipped in learning the nitty-gritty of this craft.
And it’s only normal to be overwhelmed with the demand, especially if it’s your first time.
But it doesn’t have to be like that.
Self-publishing can be intimidating, but worth it if you land with a reliable publishing provider.
Let’s hop in and get you started!
Determine why you want to write and publish your book
There are no words to describe how it is important to get to the bottom of why you want to write and publish a book.
It will serve as your foundation when all else fails. Your reason to write will give you the reason to continue.
Your motives determine your direction, and direction determines your destination.
Where are you headed at? Writing and publishing require full commitment, resources, determination, and with the right reasons and goals established.
Start by coming up with at least 10 valid reasons you would pursue in publishing your book.
Write and finish your first draft
If you’re still halfway closing your draft or haven’t started anything yet, consider following a detailed writing process.
An effective way to nail your draft is to follow a comprehensive process of writing a book. Here’s how:
Set a writing schedule. The best way to be committed to your writing is to set up a writing schedule for the week, the number of words you goal on, and most importantly a ‘deadline’.
Start with an outline. Your outline serves as a map to keep track of the story elements and developments you want to put in motion. With your outline, you can make sure everything is organized, potential ideas are put out, and nothing slips through the crack.
Maintain a healthy writing habit. Keeping a healthy writing habit is tough but don't rush it. The key is to take it slowly and observe your pace. If you find yourself stuck on a blank page, immediately resort to a solution that will not repeat the same problem next time.
Get a trusted buddy. A trusted partner can be anyone you can trust to remind you of the commitment you made. Whether they’d be reminding you of your deadlines, or give you honest feedback on your writing and the overall process.
Find a distraction-free environment. Find a coffee shop, a nearby lake, bedroom, or any environment free from physical noise and distractions that gets in the way.
Get feedback before publishing
Regardless you’re getting a professional editor to go over your work, it’s always best to let a mentor or partner go over your initial draft first.
What seemed a perfect draft to you may not make sense to someone else.
Most times, these people (mentor or partner) are the ones who notice slips or grammatical errors you didn’t.
To add up, they can offer ideas and new perspectives that could tighten up your storyline.
Always be open to criticisms or comments that perhaps would rip you apart.
That’s normal. Criticisms are learning curves for writers to be better at their craft.
Take comments and suggestions lightly. Think about it and brainstorm on this feedbacks.
How can these suggestions or feedback improve my work?
Picking your book title
It’s just a book title, what’s the big deal? Absolutely a big deal.
Book titles aside from cover design are the first few words that communicate to your audience.
It holds the chance to catch the interest of a reader— whether it gets picked or just get ignored like the rest.
Remember that you compete with hundreds of books in a single bookstore with the potential to outshine yours.
The key to choosing the right book title is not to complicate it. Keep it simple, clear, and intriguing.
Avoid using buzzwords that take readers a while to decipher.
A book title should not take them more than thirty seconds to figure out what your genre is.
The clearer and simpler the book title, the higher chances it gets picked.
A book title should have the following attributes:
Teaches a high demand skill
Builds a strong impact
Provides a solution to a problem
Short, clear, and concise
Stirs emotional response
Get a professional editor
Even seasoned writers opt for professional book editors.
Picking an editor you can trust is one of the best investments you can make in publishing your book.
An error-free and accurate content always builds credibility and a good impression on your readers.
If you’re on a tight budget, ask your writer friends to recommend budget-friendly editors that offer quality edited manuscripts.
A book cover design intended for your audience
Remember the number one rule: Know your audience.
Aside from your book title, the cover design is one of the crucial elements writers have to take seriously.
If it would require you to fork over for an experienced designer then do it!
Sadly, the “don’t judge the book by its cover” is an absolute myth to readers.
Truth is, everyone thinks a lot about how a cover design is poorly done. And we just want to avoid that.
A good book cover is simple, professionally designed, has a readable and eye-catching title and subtitle, and follows a design style and color pallet intended for your audience.
So if you’re publishing a self-help book, picking red and black as your main color pallet will not quite appeal to readers who want to seek wisdom.
Hit self-publish!
Working with a self-publishing provider opens you to an array of publishing services like formatting, developmental editing, indexing, and publishing packages to choose from.
Don’t rush in choosing packages. Look into the prices and the services that see fit for your book and budget.
With all the rip-off and vanity publishers sprawled online, it’s ideal to get suggestions from a group of seasoned authors to make sure you land on a trusted and reasonable self-publisher.
Market your book
Just when you thought the long haul of working your book is over, the marketing process will burst your bubble.
It’s not enough to publish a hard and soft copy of your book after its official launch, you still need to get the word out.
Apart from publishing packages self-publishing companies offer, they also have a plethora of marketing services you can opt to.
To give you an outline on how book marketing works, acquaint yourself with these helpful marketing initiatives you can later suggest to the team you’re assigned to:
Tap into social media noise. Interact with your audience while you share your book through social media.
Establish a professional author website.
Connect to influencers or personalities that can endorse your book.
Involve traditional media with your marketing platforms.
Give out book copies or send it as a gift to your friends and family.
The guide on how to self-publish a book step by step may not look as easy as you think. But once you’re at the finish line, the accomplishment is rewarding and fulfilling.