A Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Publishing Your First Book

Thinking about self-publishing your first book?

You’re not alone. More and more authors, artists, and experts are choosing to publish their own work—and with today’s tools, it’s easier and more accessible than ever. Whether you’re ready to tell your story, share your knowledge, or grow your creative business, self-publishing gives you the control and flexibility to do it on your own terms. This post will walk you through the key steps to get started.

Self-publishing means full creative control.

Understanding Self-Publishing

Self-publishing means bringing your book to life without going through a traditional publisher. You’re in charge—from financing and creative decisions to marketing and distribution. While that might sound like a lot, the upside is full creative control and the ability to keep 100% of your profits.

Thanks to platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, and Lulu, it’s never been easier to publish independently. In fact, the self-publishing industry brought in over $1 billion in 2022—proof that more and more creators are taking the leap on their own terms.

Preparing Your Manuscript for Self-Publishing

Before you can publish your manuscript, you need to ensure that it is polished and ready for your readers. Here are the steps to prepare your manuscript:

1. Write and Refine Your Draft

Don’t overthink it—just start writing. Your first draft isn’t about perfection; it’s about getting your ideas out of your head and onto the page. You can shape and polish it later. For now, let it flow.

Once your draft is complete, take a short break. Then come back with fresh eyes and move into the revision stage.

Here’s what to focus on next:

• Revise: Read through your manuscript more than once. Look for areas where the story drags, the message feels unclear, or the pacing needs work. Tighten things up so the writing feels intentional and engaging.

• Get Feedback: Share your draft with a few people you trust—friends, peers, or a writing group. Ask for honest, constructive input. You don’t have to apply every suggestion, but a second (or third) set of eyes can help you spot things you’ve missed.

  
  

2. Editing and Proofreading

This is where your rough draft starts to shine. Editing and proofreading are essential if you want to present a polished, professional book.

If it’s within your budget, hire an editor who understands your genre. A professional can help you:

• Strengthen the structure and flow of your manuscript

• Catch grammar mistakes, typos, and formatting errors

• Improve clarity without losing your voice

Even if you’re self-editing, give yourself time between rounds so you can spot issues more easily. This stage is all about refining your message and making sure your book is ready to go out into the world.

Preparing your manuscript for editing

Formatting Your Book

Once your manuscript is polished, it’s time to prepare it for publishing. Formatting means setting up your text, images, and page layout to match the requirements of the platform you’re using—whether that’s Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or another distributor.

Proper formatting ensures your book looks professional and is easy to read, both in print and digital formats. If this step feels overwhelming, consider hiring a formatter or using platform-specific templates to guide you.

1. Choose a Formatting Tool

There are several tools that can make book formatting easier, depending on your workflow and preferences:

• Vellum: A user-friendly option for Mac users that produces clean, professional layouts.

• Scrivener: Popular among writers for its organizing tools and built-in formatting features.

• Adobe InDesign: My personal recommendation—especially if you’re looking for full control over layout and design. It’s ideal for both print and digital publishing and gives you a professional finish.

Choose the tool that best matches your comfort level and the publishing platform you plan to use.

2. Consider Book Size and Interior Design

Before you upload your book, you’ll need to decide on its trim size—the final dimensions of your printed book. The size you choose depends on your genre and how you want your book to feel in your reader’s hands.

Here are some common options:

• 5" x 8" – A classic size for fiction

• 6" x 9" – Standard for non-fiction and memoir

• 8.5" x 11" – Ideal for workbooks, activity books, or art-based content

• 8.5" x 8.5" or 8.5" x 11" (landscape) – Common choices for children’s picture books

Along with trim size, choose a font style and size that support easy reading. Serif fonts like Times New Roman or Garamond work well in print, typically at 11 or 12 pt for body text.

Getting these details right improves the reading experience and adds a layer of professionalism to your final product.

Designing Your Cover

Your book cover is the first thing readers will see—it needs to look polished and reflect your content. You have two main options:

1. DIY vs. Professional Design

• Design it yourself: Tools like Canva offer user-friendly templates for both eBooks and print books. If you have a good eye and basic design skills, this can be a budget-friendly option.

• Hire a professional: A freelance designer can elevate your cover and ensure it meets publishing specs.

  
  

Whichever route you take, make sure your cover is sized correctly for your chosen trim size and includes space for the spine and back cover if you’re publishing in print.

A well-designed book cover can attract potential readers

Choosing a Self-Publishing Platform

With your manuscript ready and cover designed, it’s time to choose where to publish. Your choice of self-publishing platform can significantly affect your potential reach and sales. Here are some popular options:

1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon KDP is one of the most widely used platforms. It’s free to publish, offers vast exposure, and provides both eBook and paperback options.

2. IngramSpark

IngramSpark is excellent for authors seeking to distribute their book widely across bookstores and libraries. While there is an initial setup fee, the reach can be beneficial.

3. Smashwords

Smashwords offers a unique way to distribute your eBook to various retailers and libraries, including Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.

Make sure to check out additional book publishing services that can help you throughout your self-publishing journey.

Marketing Your Book

After publishing, your focus should shift to marketing. This is crucial for reaching your audience and achieving sales. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Build an Online Presence

Creating a simple, well-designed website gives readers a place to learn more about you, your book, and what you’re working on next. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just clear and easy to navigate.

Pair that with a social media presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest. Share updates, behind-the-scenes looks at your process, and content that ties into your book’s theme. Most importantly, be yourself and stay engaged. A genuine connection with your audience goes further than aggressive sales tactics.

2. Use Email Marketing

An email list is one of the best tools you can have as a self-published author. It gives you a direct line to your readers—no algorithms involved. Use it to share updates about new releases, special offers, or upcoming events.

Tools like Mailchimp, MailerLite, or ConvertKit make it easy to manage your list and send professional-looking emails. Start building your list early, even if it’s small. Over time, it can grow into one of your most valuable assets.

3. Organize Book Launch Events

A book launch—whether in-person or virtual—is a great way to build momentum and celebrate your hard work. It gives readers a reason to show up, support you, and help spread the word.

You can host a simple virtual event using Zoom or Facebook Live, where you read an excerpt, share behind-the-scenes stories, and answer questions. If you prefer something in person, consider a local bookstore, library, or community space. Keep it relaxed and engaging—your goal is to connect with readers and spark interest in your book.

4. Connect with Reviewers and Book Bloggers

Book bloggers and reviewers can help you reach new readers and build credibility. Do some research to find people who cover your genre, then send a polite, personalized pitch introducing your book.

If someone expresses interest, follow up professionally and thank them for their time—even if they don’t end up reviewing it. These relationships can open doors to future exposure and long-term support in the indie author community.

Promoting your book through social media is an effective marketing strategy

Navigating the Post-Publishing Process

Once your book is out in the world, there are still steps you can take to ensure continued success:

1. Monitor Sales and Learn from Feedback

After your launch, don’t just move on—check in regularly to see how your book is performing. Track your sales through your publishing platform and pay attention to reviews on sites like Goodreads or Amazon.

Reader feedback—both the praise and the critiques—can help you improve your writing, adjust your marketing, and plan your next steps. Stay open, stay curious, and let your readers guide how you grow.

2. Adjust Your Marketing Strategy as You Go

As you gather feedback and review your sales data, be willing to tweak your approach. Try running limited-time promotions, adjusting your pricing, or exploring new platforms to distribute your book.

Marketing isn’t one-and-done—it’s an ongoing process. Small changes can make a big difference, so don’t be afraid to test what works best for your audience.

3. Write Your Next Book

The best way to keep your momentum going? Keep writing. Every new book builds your visibility, strengthens your brand, and grows your audience.

Don’t wait for everything to be perfect—just begin. Even sketching out your next idea keeps your creative energy moving forward and shows readers you’re here to stay.

Your Success as a Self-Published Author

Publishing your first book independently is both exciting and empowering. You get full creative control, connect directly with readers, and build something that’s entirely your own. While the process can feel overwhelming at times, every step you take—writing, editing, formatting, marketing—brings you closer to holding your finished book in hand.

If you're feeling stuck or stretched thin by the long to-do list between manuscript and bookshelf, you don’t have to do it alone. I offer full-service publishing support and can manage the entire process for you—from layout and cover design to formatting, uploads, and final production. You keep 100% of your royalties and ownership—I just help you get there with less stress and more confidence.

Ready to bring your book to life?

Email me at lisa@lisaalbinus.com to get started today!