C. R. Warnick’s 10 Steps to Self-Publishing in 2024
Let’s be honest: traditional publishing is becoming more and more a thing of the past. And that’s good. Self-publishing gives you, as the author, creative control over your literary destiny and doesn’t hook you with false promises of easy fame and glory.
If you want to publish a novel, it’s going to take work. And money. Accept that now, and don’t fool yourself into thinking traditional publishing will help you avoid that. This is an investment in the future, an investment in your future, so view it as such. As of the moment you decided to self-publish, you became an intrepid entrepreneur, and you will now spend the next few years of your life living in your parents’ basement and eating rice and beans for dinner.
But it’s temporary. The journey is long, but it’s longer if you never start. So start, and before you know it, your book launch will arrive. And from there, it can only get better.
Even if you never reach the fame and glory you dream of, you will have reached the peak of a creative endeavor worth celebrating. You will have added color and meaning to life - both yours and others. So start - and don’t look back until you’ve made it.
Without further ado, here are 10 suggested steps to consider as you navigate the world of self-publishing, brought to you by someone who has experienced . . . well, still not much, but a little more than you have.
Refine Your Manuscript: Before diving into the world of self-publishing, ensure your manuscript is polished and ready for public consumption. I highly recommend hiring professional editors to provide constructive feedback on plot structure, character development, and grammar. Don’t settle for a couple pairs of friends’ eyes, though that can help, too.
Design a Captivating Cover: People do judge books by their covers, so invest time and resources into creating an eye-catching design. If you lack graphic design skills, hire a professional designer who can bring your vision to life and make your book stand out in the crowded market.
Choose the Right Title: Your book's title is its first impression, so choose one that reflects the essence of your story and is easy to remember. Research existing titles to avoid duplication and ensure your book stands out in online searches.
Format Your Manuscript: Formatting is crucial for a seamless reading experience. Utilize professional formatting tools or services to ensure your novel is compatible with various e-readers and print-on-demand platforms. You need an e-book version of your novel. Period. And you need your book to shine online.
Set Up Your Author Platform: Establish an online presence to connect with your audience. Create a website, set up social media profiles, and engage with potential readers. Building a loyal fan base will help generate buzz around your book.
Explore Self-Publishing Platforms: Research and choose a self-publishing platform that aligns with your goals. Popular options include Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, and Smashwords. Each platform has its own set of features, royalty structures, and distribution channels, so choose the one that best suits your needs. I use KDP which has worked well for me and provides me with a huge pool of potential readers.
Set a Competitive Price: Pricing is a critical factor in attracting readers. Research the market and set a competitive yet reasonable price for your novel. Consider offering promotional discounts or free promotions to generate initial interest. Goodreads hosts free book giveaways, so look into that if you’re interested.
Implement a Marketing Strategy: Promoting your book is essential for success. Leverage social media, book blogs, and online communities to create awareness. Invest time in creating a marketing plan that includes a book launch strategy, advertising, and engagement with potential readers. You don’t have to use the same avenues as everyone else, but you have to do something to get eyeballs - eyeballs on your content, eyeballs on your name, eyeballs on your profiles - eyeballs all eventually landing on your book.
Utilize Beta Readers and Reviews: Before your official launch, gather feedback from beta readers to gain valuable insights into your novel's strengths and weaknesses. Encourage readers to leave reviews on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon, as positive reviews can significantly impact your book's visibility. And you want both professional reviews as well as anonymous (?) reviews from Mom and her book club.
Optimize for Continued Success: After the initial launch, continue to promote your book and stay engaged with your audience. Consider running promotions, participating in book events and competitions, and exploring opportunities for translations or audiobooks. Keep an eye on market trends and be open to adapting your approach to maximize your book's success.
Like I said, it takes work, time, and money. But it’s worth it. Not because you’ll be the next J. K. Rowling or Stephen King, but because you’ll have taken control and responsibility of your own creative enterprise - and that is something truly valuable.