How to Self-Publish a Book
They say that “every detail counts,” but something I’ve noticed is sometimes all the details aren’t given or provided.
I realized this when I first researched how to self-publish a book. People provide you half of the answer and then want you to pay for the rest or they give you options that you can’t afford.
In short, you rarely find a step by step guide to actually doing the smaller things to get your book published.
So, for all those interested in self-publishing and don’t know how to, grab a pen and paper because this is for you.
Step 1 — Write A Book
Yup, that goes without saying. None of the things I say below will help you out if you don’t have your book written. So, let’s start there.
I’m all about that free life, so I free tools like Notes (for the Mac), DraftIn or Google Docs are where I begin my writing process.
I start by laying out my concept, the characters and the theme of the book. This last part is vital for me since my stories are for children.
Don’t worry about editing, pour all your ideas onto the paper. My school of thought is that it’s never a bad thing to have too many words. When you do begin editing you will end up changing things up to make sure that it flows, so focus on writing.
Step 2 — Editing
Most self-published authors are on a limited budget, meaning, whatever we can do not to spend money, we will do it! If you are a signed author, your book goes through multiple rounds of revision with an editor and a proofreader.
The proofreader combs through your work looking for errors in grammar, spelling, and formatting. While the editor looks at the writing to make sure the story moves fluidly and that your work targeting the right audience.
However, you’re not a signed author, not yet at least, so, for now you have to do your own editing and proofreading.
I use two tools to make sure my writing is up to par. The first tool I use is Grammarly. All of my books were edited using Grammarly and boy has it made a world of difference.
Grammarly is a writing-enhancement platform that acts as a proofreader, making sure you’re not incorrectly spelling words, using passive voice vs active voice, among so many other things. There is both a free and paid version of the app, so no matter your budget you can get your worked proofread at your convenience.
Now, after you run your work through Grammarly, it is time to take it over to this little jewel called Hemingway App.
Hemingway App is your personal editor helping you write with a clear and direct voice. The best part about the app is that based off your writing it gives you a readability score which is tied to a grade level . The easier your work is to read, the younger the grade level is. This feature works well when writing for younger children.
Step 3 — The Book Cover
You have done the hard part which is writing your book, making sure it has been edited and proofread; now, it’s time to work on the coveted book cover.
They say, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but, let’s be real, a great book cover is what catches your eye and makes you want to peek inside. So you have to come correct!
If you have the luxury of being a skilled artist or designer, then you won’t have to worry much here. But, if you’re anything like me and design is not your strong suit, then pay attention!
You will need to outsource or hire someone that is Chef Curry with the design skills. Websites like UpWork and Freelancer.com are both great sites to hire talented designers for reasonable prices. Do a google search and you will find tons of other freelance websites. You can expect to spend anywhere up to $50-$200 for a solid designer. The more you spend, the better your cover will most likely look.
I know when I first started, I didn’t have $200 to spend on a book cover, I barely had enough for my cellphone bill. Don’t worry, if you’re looking for something even cheaper, I have just the thing for you.
Just like its name, work is done starting for $5. I kid you not! You can get a book cover made for just $5. It won’t be the best cover in the world, but, it’s a great starting place.
If you have no budget, no problem, there’s an option for you here too. You can use sites such as Canva to help you create an amazing and epic book cover.
Canva is like Photoshop for non-photoshoppers. This drag and drop platform has tons of book cover templates, cool fonts and royalty free photos to use to make your cover. They even provide you with the correct measurements to use for various book publishing sites. While the app is free to use, some photos and pre-made templates do cost money, I’m talking about $1. There are so many free options to choose from that you won’t need to pay.
Bonus Step — Children’s Books
This is for writers who are creating illustrated children’s books. If you are hiring an illustrator using a platform such as UpWork or Freelancer, it’s imperative that you make your hiring post as specific as possible. Below is a script you can use to make sure you land the best artist for your work. I used this very same script to create the illustrations for my book series, Adventures with Jade.
Looking to have a character illustration for a children’s book I’m writing geared towards children aged 3–6.
The character is a young African American girl named Jade. She is five years old and goes on superhero adventures with her sidekick Rhyme (which is a stuffed panda).
I’m looking to have an illustration created of Jade holding Rhyme while dressed in her superhero gear.
The illustration style I’m looking for is similar to (insert art inspiration)
I’ve attached an image of the (insert art inspiration) visuals as well as an inspiration for what I wish to have Jade dressed like. Her superhero outfit should make her look cool, tough and not the traditional “girl attire.”
The artist I choose will be working on bringing the remaining book to life.
In the end, I need both PNG/JPG and the original EPS or AI files.
If you accept this project, you are selling the copyright of all images
Thanks
P.S. Images should be in color.
P.P.S. Also, will provide illustrator with credit on published book.
You don’t have to give your illustrator credit if you don’t want, it’s just nice to show them some love.
Step 4 — ISBN/Barcode
We’ve all seen a 10 or 13 digit code on a book followed by a barcode that’s scanned when purchasing or renting a book. That number is and International Standard Book Number or ISBN for short. Each number and its corresponding barcode are unique and connected to a book.
If you want to self-publish and be able to sell your work in stores you’ll need to buy an ISBN code as well. Even if you don’t want to sell in stores, but plan on making your book as big as it can be, then I’d purchase an ISBN code. The reason being is that if you don’t and you self-publish on Amazon for example, they will provide you with an ISBN, however, say that you book does blow up, they can use your book in any manner that they wish as they technically own the rights to it.
So long story short, BUY YOUR OWN ISBN!
To my knowledge, Bowker is the only company able to sell ISBNs in the U.S.
You can get 1 ISBN for $125 or 10 for $ 295.
Shocking right?
It’s expensive as all heck! And unfortunately, there is no way of getting around it.
Keep in mind that for every various book format you create, you’ll need to use a different ISBN. For example, if you plan to offer an eBook, a softcover book and a hardcover book, you’ll need three separate ISBN’s.
Please, note that a barcode is not the same as an ISBN. Oh, and guess what? Bowker sells barcodes separately.
I know, I know, craziness. Don’t fret, here’s a quick tip:
DON’T BUT ANY BARCODES FROM BOWKER!
You can get them for free on a website called Bookow. Simply enter your 13 digit ISBN, the selling price of your book and voila, a barcode will be generated for you. Download the files and place them on your book.
You’re welcome.
Step 5 — Pace Yourself
Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will your book. It’s going to be a long journey so make sure to take breaks and rest. When I wrote and published my first children’s book, I tried to get everything done ASAP and because of that I got burnt out and made a lot of mistakes.
Take some time and chill out while streaming over 140 live channels or watch your favorite show on the go using the FiOS Mobile App, get some exercise in or read a book. Speaking from experience, don’t cast away your friends, go hang out with them. You don’t have to hustle 24/7. Anyone that tells you otherwise is not realistic. Value these interactions and these moments to relax. Often times through these moments you’ll have a breakthrough or find inspiration for your own work.
Don’t skip this part!
Step 6 — Book Formatting
This is a step that is often overlooked, but is essential. Most platforms that you are going to sell your book on have a specific way that your book must be formatted.
For the most part, eBooks must be formatted as ePUBs, but, that same style does not always translate when uploading your book for print.
To remove the hassle that comes with having to watch YouTube videos, I’m willing to help format your book. Just shoot me an email at chris@ccoleman.me with the subject, “I need help formatting my book.”
It is way too complicated to explain, just know that it is one of the last hurdles before you get to printing your book.
Step 7 — Printing
Congrats, you’ve made it this far, but the journey is far from over!
It’s time to get your book printed and out to the world, but, how?
Do you want to have your books printed on demand (POD) or do you want to foot the bill and buy in bulk?
Let’s weigh the two options. I will say this upfront, if you do not do speaking engagements, visit schools, libraries, and conferences, actively sell your book at events or in person or have a large social media following or existing community or email list that you own, then print on demand may be the best option for you in the beginning.
Createspace (an Amazon company) and IngramSpark (formerly known as Lighting Source) are two of the most well-known companies out there to help you to do POD or purchase books in bulk.
POD is great because you don’t spend any money at all. When someone buys your book through Amazon or IngramSpark, these companies take a percentage of the sale and then sends you your cut. They deal with shipping and handling as well as returns if someone really hates your work. You don’t have to hold inventory or continuously run to the post office to ship out your work. Amazon is one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, and you have the potential to reach readers from all around the world.
The downside is this, unless your book does crazy numbers, you will not make much money doing this option as people are used to paying lower prices on platforms such as Amazon.
On the flip side, while you do foot the bill upfront when buying in bulk you have a higher return on your investment if you can sell your books that is. The more books you purchase, the less you pay. People are also more willing to buy a book for a higher price point directly offline than online. This method requires a few more pieces to make it work, including, access to your audience by way of speaking, appearances and more.
The End
Well, that was quite the ride wasn’t it. I’m glad you are interested in finally taking the next steps in your writing career. There is no better feeling then seeing the completed project. One that I hope each and every aspiring author gets to enjoy.
Now, its time to go turn your book into reality! Make sure you keep me updated on your project by either sending me a tweet, @ItsChrisColeman or hitting me up in my emails at chris@ccoleman.me.
Looking forward to hearing from you all and good luck!
