The book that changes your life is the one you publish - not the one you read.

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Over the years our authors have been presented with incredible opportunities after self-publishing with us. Everything from traditional publishing deals to film offers.

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Self-publishing a book can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it can also be overwhelming and intimidating if you are not sure where to start. Whether you are a first-time author or an experienced writer, self-publishing has become an increasingly popular option for getting your work out into the world.

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In this blog post, we will cover the basic steps for self-publishing a book, as well as some tips and best practices to help you succeed.

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1. Write a book with potential

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If you were launching a new product this would be called market research. Business owners use this all the time to validate a product idea. They look at the market and try to find haps. Where can they offer something unique.

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The good news is that often with a book this can be as simple as sharing your own perspective. For example there are thousands of business books or self-help books but told in a unique way about your story it is already different.

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Advice we often give to authors is to treat your book like you would a product. That is ultimately what it is.

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Whether you have completed manuscripts, a few book proposals, or are just starting out, it's crucial to assess the market potential of your book before diving into self-publishing. Here’s how you can effectively evaluate your book’s market viability:

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1. Identify Your Genre:
   • Your book’s genre is more than a simple category. It influences aspects like story structure, language, writing style, and even visual elements. For instance, a children’s book might describe a rotting apple as “squishy” or “slimy,” whereas a murder mystery might use terms like “putrid” or “festering.” Understanding these nuances helps you connect with your target audience more effectively.
2. Understand Genre Conversations:
   • Dive into online forums and message boards where fans of your genre discuss their preferences and frustrations. Pay attention to what draws them to certain books and what common issues they face. This insight can guide your writing and marketing strategies.
3. Analyze Bestsellers:
   • Look at the top-selling books in your genre on platforms like Amazon and the New York Times Best Sellers list. Study what makes these books successful. What themes, writing styles, and marketing tactics do they use? Understanding the hallmarks of successful books in your genre can inform your own approach.
4. Evaluate Competitor Positioning:
   • Examine how successful books in your genre are positioned in the market. Consider their titles, cover designs, and blurbs. What unique selling points do they highlight? Identify the hooks that captivate readers and think about how you can differentiate your book.
5. Identify Gaps in the Market:
   • In a saturated market, differentiation is key. Put yourself in the reader's shoes and identify what’s missing from current bestsellers. Are there untold stories or unique angles you can explore? Filling a gap in the market can set your book apart.
6. Find Your Niche:
   • Consider targeting a niche within your genre. Niching down can help you stand out and reduce competition. By catering to a specific subsection of your genre’s audience, you can create a more targeted and effective marketing strategy.
7. Assess Your Manuscript:
   • If you have a manuscript ready, evaluate its market potential now. Determine what makes your book unique and consider if any revisions could enhance its appeal. Understanding your audience will streamline future marketing decisions.

By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, you'll be better equipped to launch your self-published book.

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2. Edit Like a Pro

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As a self-publisher, your book must meet the same standards as those from traditional publishers. Here's how to achieve a professional level of refinement:

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Self-Edit Thoroughly

Begin by reviewing your manuscript yourself. Read it from start to finish as if you were part of your target audience. This helps you see the big picture and ensures your story flows well.

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Seek Audience Feedback

Before involving a professional editor, gather feedback from your potential readers. Treat this phase like product development—entrepreneurs refine their products based on user input to enhance usability. Similarly, get your manuscript into the hands of your intended audience to gauge its marketability. Engage with genre-specific message boards and send copies to friends and family who fit your target demographic. The goal here is to understand overall impressions rather than focus on minor errors.

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Professional Copy Editing

Copy editing is a meticulous process aimed at enhancing readability and eliminating grammatical and factual errors. While self-editing is important, having a professional editor review your manuscript provides an essential external perspective. Professional editors can identify issues you might overlook due to familiarity with your own writing.

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Finding a Professional Editor

Freelance editors are a great resource for self-publishers, offering professional editing services within a budget.

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We offer professional editing services as part of our packages. These can also be purchased independently if needed. We offer developmental editing, copy-editing and proofreading. We have been working with our editors for over a decade and they all come highly vetted and experienced.

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By following these steps and leveraging professional resources, you'll ensure your manuscript is polished and ready to compete in the market. Once your manuscript is professionally edited, the next step is designing a compelling cover.

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3. Create an Eye-Catching Book Cover

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While the saying goes "don't judge a book by its cover," most people do. Your book cover serves as the first impression for potential readers across online retailers, marketplaces, and physical stores. Here’s how to make it count:

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Should You Hire a Professional Designer?

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As a self-publishing author, you might juggle many roles, including graphic designer. Designing your own cover can save money but requires a keen eye and some experience. Here’s how to decide:

• Self-Design: If you have a knack for design, creating your own cover can be rewarding. It allows for personal touch and cost savings.
• Professional Help: If design isn’t your strong suit, hiring a professional can ensure your cover stands out. Evaluate your skills honestly to decide the best route.

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Essential Cover Design Tips

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Whether you’re designing the cover yourself or hiring a freelancer, approach it with a marketer’s mindset. Consider these crucial points:

• Draw Inspiration: Look at covers from successful books in your genre. Analyze what makes them appealing. How do they convey the book’s essence? Use these insights to inform your design choices.
• Thumbnail View: Online, your cover will often be seen as a thumbnail. Ensure that key elements and the overall design remain impactful even when reduced in size. Avoid clutter and focus on strong, bold elements.
• Legible Title: Ensure your title is easily readable at a glance. Prominent, clear typography helps readers remember your book’s name and associate it with the cover image.
• Spine and Back Cover: Don’t overlook the spine and back cover, especially for physical copies. The spine should be attractive and readable on a bookshelf, maintaining coherence with the front cover’s design.
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Finding a Designer

Hiring the right designer is fundamental to the success of your book. You need a designer who understands your genre and can produce an eye catching cover.

In an increasingly competitive market a book cover that stands out is more important that it has ever been before.

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Free Design Tools for DIY

If you choose to design your cover yourself and have some design experience, consider these free tools:

• Canva: User-friendly with templates and design elements.
• Fotor: Offers a range of design features and templates.
• Edit.org: Easy to use with various design templates.
• Visme: Provides design capabilities suitable for creating professional covers.

With a professionally edited manuscript and an eye-catching cover, you’re well on your way to creating a compelling physical product. Next, you’ll need to bring these elements together to finalize your book’s production.

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Step 4: Format Your Book

After editing and finalizing your cover design, the next crucial step is formatting your book for print or digital distribution. Proper formatting ensures your book meets the standards of your chosen publishing platform. Here’s how to approach this task effectively:

Selecting the Right Formatting Tool

Various tools can help you format your book, including Adobe InDesign, Scrivener, and Microsoft Word. Choose a tool that aligns with your technical skills and meets your formatting needs.

Adhering to Platform Guidelines

Each publishing platform, whether for print or eBooks, has specific formatting guidelines. Carefully review and follow these requirements to ensure your book is accepted without issues. For example, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark have detailed formatting standards that must be met.

Consistent Styling

Maintain a consistent style throughout your book. This includes uniformity in font choice, font size, margins, and line spacing. A cohesive style enhances the professional appearance of your book.

Choosing Readable Fonts

Select a clean, easy-to-read font that works well in various sizes. Avoid overly decorative fonts that can hinder readability. Common choices include serif fonts like Times New Roman or sans-serif fonts like Arial.

Including Page Numbers

Page numbers are essential for printed books, aiding readers in navigation and reference. Ensure they are correctly placed and consistent throughout the book.

Formatting for Ebooks

Ebook formatting differs from print formatting. Formats like ePub and MOBI have specific requirements and limitations. Research and adhere to the guidelines for your chosen ebook format to ensure compatibility and a smooth reading experience.

Professional Assistance

Given the complexity of formatting, consider hiring a professional formatter. Expert help can save time and ensure your book meets all necessary standards.

Step 5: Choose a Self-Publishing Platform or Service

Selecting the right platform for self-publishing is crucial. Options include:

• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): Ideal for reaching a broad audience through Amazon.
• IngramSpark: Excellent for wide distribution, including bookstores and libraries.
• Kobo Writing Life: Great for accessing international markets.
• Print-on-Demand Services: CreateSpace (now part of KDP) and Lulu are popular choices for print books.

Each platform has unique benefits and limitations. Research thoroughly to determine which aligns best with your goals.

Comprehensive Self-Publishing Services

If you prefer a hands-off approach, consider a comprehensive self-publishing service. These services handle everything from formatting to distribution, allowing you to focus solely on your writing. Simply provide your manuscript, and they will manage the rest.

By following these steps and paying attention to specific requirements, you can ensure your self-published book is both professional and reader-friendly.

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Step 6: Publish Your Book

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After selecting a self-publishing platform or service, it's time to publish your book. The publishing process varies by platform, but typically involves the following steps:

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1. Upload Your Files: Submit your book file and cover design. Ensure both meet the platform's specifications for format and quality.
2. Set Pricing and Availability: Decide on your book’s price, distribution channels, and regions where it will be available. Consider market standards and your target audience when setting the price.
3. Create a Compelling Description: Write an engaging book description and include relevant metadata such as keywords, categories, and author bio. This information helps potential readers find your book.
4. Review Everything Carefully: Double-check all details before publishing. It's often challenging to make changes once your book is live, so ensure accuracy and completeness in your submission.

Step 7: Promote and Market Your Book

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Publishing is just the start. To attract readers and boost sales, you need a robust promotion and marketing strategy. Here are some effective tactics:

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1. Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to create buzz. Share updates, engage with your audience, and participate in relevant groups and discussions.
2. Build an Author Website: Establish a professional online presence with an author website. Include a blog, book excerpts, and a newsletter sign-up to build a loyal following.
3. Utilize Email Marketing: Collect email addresses through your website and send regular updates, special offers, and exclusive content to your subscribers.
4. Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with bloggers, bookstagrammers, and other influencers in your genre. Reviews and recommendations from trusted voices can significantly boost your visibility.
5. Run Paid Ads: Consider targeted advertising on platforms like Amazon, Facebook, and Google. These ads can reach specific demographics interested in your genre.
6. Engage in Book Tours and Events: Participate in virtual book tours, webinars, and local author events. These interactions can help you connect with readers and other authors.
7. Solicit Reviews: Encourage readers to leave reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and other platforms. Positive reviews enhance credibility and attract more readers.
8. Offer Promotions and Discounts: Run limited-time discounts, giveaways, and bundle deals to entice readers and create urgency.
9. Utilize Content Marketing: Write guest posts, articles, or short stories related to your book’s theme. This strategy can draw attention from readers interested in your genre.

By implementing these strategies and continuously engaging with your audience, you can effectively promote and market your book, reaching more readers and achieving greater success in the competitive publishing landscape.

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If you would like a company to professionally publish for you then drop us a line.