How to Publish a Book in USA

How to Publish a Book in USA: Step-by-Step Guide for New and Experienced Authors

Wondering how to publish a book in the USA and make it accessible through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, IngramSpark, or Book Baby? Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned writer looking to break into the American market, this guide will walk you through every critical step. Publishing a book in the USA is no longer limited to the elite—it’s now more accessible than ever thanks to self-publishing platforms and print-on-demand technology.

To publish a book in the USA, you need a polished manuscript, a formatted file ready for print or digital use, a compelling cover design, and a distribution plan that fits your goals. Depending on whether you choose to go the traditional route or self-publish, the process can vary—but the end goal is the same: get your book into the hands of readers nationwide and beyond. This article is tailored for authors like you—whether you’re navigating Amazon KDP for the first time, exploring IngramSpark, or curious about hybrid publishing through Draft2Digital or StreetLib.

Let’s dive into how you can turn your manuscript into a published book that’s available across the USA and internationally.

Why Publishing a Book in the USA is a Major Milestone

The Scale and Opportunities in the US Market

Publishing a book in the USA opens the door to one of the largest and most profitable book markets in the world. With millions of readers spanning diverse genres—from fiction and memoirs to technical guides and children’s literature—the US market offers authors incredible visibility and earning potential. Whether you’re writing a debut novel or a non-fiction manual, tapping into this massive audience can mean more sales, more recognition, and a solid author platform.

Here’s why it matters:

The USA accounts for over 25% of global book sales, making it a hotbed for authors seeking both profit and reach.
It’s home to powerhouse platforms like Amazon KDP, Barnes & Noble Press, IngramSpark, and BookBaby, which give indie authors global distribution with minimal upfront costs.
US readers embrace diversity in genres, storytelling styles, and publishing formats, including print, eBook, and audiobooks.
The rise of print-on-demand and eBook distribution means you don’t have to print thousands of copies—you can publish a book digitally and only print when someone orders it.

For authors aiming for long-term success, the US market isn’t just another audience—it’s the audience. Publishing here sets a precedent and provides access to tools and services that are often more advanced and author-friendly than in other regions.

A Gateway to Global Distribution

Publishing in the USA doesn’t just serve local readers—it connects you with global distribution networks. For example, when you publish a book on Amazon KDP in the USA, your book can instantly become available in Canada, the UK, Australia, India, and other global marketplaces. The same applies to platforms like IngramSpark, which lets you distribute your book to over 40,000 retailers, including independent book stores and libraries.

This worldwide exposure boosts your visibility, increases book sales, and strengthens your personal brand as an author. You may start by targeting readers in New York or Los Angeles, but before long, your book could be in the hands of someone in London or Sydney—without needing to sign a traditional publishing deal.

Traditional vs. Self-Publishing Trends in the US

In the past, traditional publishing dominated the American book industry. But over the last decade, the rise of self-publishing has completely shifted the landscape. Today, more than 1.7 million self-published books hit the US market annually—and platforms like Draft2Digital, StreetLib, and Kobo Writing Life make it easier than ever to publish a book without a literary agent or publisher.

Here’s how the trends break down:

Traditional publishing is still prominent, especially for big-name authors and niche genres. However, it requires a long process—submitting queries, securing an agent, and waiting months (if not years) for publishing.
Self-publishing, on the other hand, offers speed, control, and higher royalties. Authors can set their own deadlines, retain creative control, and earn up to 70% royalties on eBook sales.
Hybrid publishing models—where authors pay for professional publishing services but retain ownership—are gaining traction in the US, especially through platforms like Book Baby and Author House.

Understanding these trends helps authors decide the best publishing route based on their timeline, budget, and goals. The USA’s flexible publishing environment allows you to start small, experiment, and grow without massive risk.

Understanding the Basics of Publishing a Book

What It Really Means to Publish a Book

To publish a book means to make your manuscript available to the public in a professional, accessible format—be it print, digital, or audio. It’s not just about uploading a Word document online; it’s about preparing, packaging, and promoting your work in a way that meets reader expectations and industry standards.

Publishing a book involves several essential components:

ISBN (International Standard Book Number) – Identifies your book worldwide and is necessary for tracking and distribution.
Manuscript formatting – Your manuscript must be structured with proper margins, fonts, and layout according to platform guidelines.
Cover design – This is your book’s first impression; it must meet visual and dimensional specs for digital and print platforms.
Distribution – Choosing where and how your book will be sold (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, indie bookstores, etc.).
Marketing – Making your book visible through promotions, SEO, social media, and email marketing.

Whether you’re publishing through Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital, these steps remain core to the process. The good news? Templates, software tools, and self-publishing platforms have made the publishing process smoother than ever.

Key Steps Involved in the Publishing Process

Here’s a breakdown of the key steps you’ll follow to publish a book in the USA:

Finish your manuscript – Write, edit, and proofread until you’re confident in your content.
Format your manuscript – Use a template or software like Atticus, Vellum, or even Microsoft Word with custom styles.
Design a professional cover – Either hire a designer or use free tools like Canva tailored to KDP or IngramSpark dimensions.
Get an ISBN – Purchase through Bowker (USA’s official ISBN agency) or get a free one from platforms like Amazon KDP.
Choose your publishing platform – Decide if you’ll go exclusive (like Amazon KDP Select) or wide distribution (via Draft2Digital or IngramSpark).
Upload and publish – Upload your manuscript, enter metadata (title, subtitle, description), set your price, and go live.
Promote your book – Use email newsletters, Amazon ads, BookBub, or social media to drive visibility.

Publishing a book can be done in as little as a week if your manuscript is ready—but planning ahead ensures long-term success.

Costs and Time Involved in Book Publishing

The cost of publishing a book in the USA varies widely depending on whether you go traditional or self-publish. For self-publishing, here’s a rough breakdown:

Expense	Estimated Cost
Editing (proof + copy)	$300 – $2,000
Formatting	$50 – $500 (or DIY)
Cover Design	$100 – $500
ISBN (Bowker)	$125 per ISBN
Publishing Platform Fee	Free – $299 (depending)
Marketing & Ads	$100 – $1,000+ (optional)

Timewise, publishing a book can take:

Traditional route: 1–2 years from manuscript to bookstore.
Self-publishing: 1–6 months, depending on your schedule and prep time.

Many new authors begin by self-publishing in the USA to gain traction and audience feedback before seeking traditional deals. It’s a smart move that allows you to build a portfolio and prove your marketability.

Choosing Between Traditional and Self-Publishing

Pros and Cons of Traditional Publishing

Traditional publishing has long been considered the gold standard for authors. With big-name publishers like Penguin Random House or HarperCollins at the helm, your book could reach physical bookstores, libraries, and media outlets across the USA. But that path isn’t easy—and it’s not always the best choice for every author.

Pros of traditional publishing:

Credibility and prestige – Being published by a known house lends you immediate legitimacy.
Professional team support – Includes editors, designers, marketers, and publicists.
No upfront costs – The publisher covers all expenses; you may even receive an advance.
Retail placement – Greater chance of seeing your book in bookstores, schools, and libraries.

Cons of traditional publishing:

Difficult entry – Requires finding a literary agent and going through a highly selective process.
Time-consuming – It can take months to secure an agent and over a year to publish.
Low royalties – Authors typically earn 5–15% of sales.
Lack of control – You may not have a say in the cover design, title, or pricing.

For authors aiming to publish a book in the USA and gain national exposure, traditional publishing is a great long-term strategy—but not without its trade-offs.

Advantages of Self-Publishing for Modern Authors

Self-publishing has exploded in the USA for one simple reason: control and freedom. Authors now have the tools to produce high-quality books without waiting for a gatekeeper’s approval. Whether you’re publishing fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, you can launch a book on your terms.

Benefits of self-publishing:

Speed to market – Publish in weeks, not years.
Creative control – You control everything: content, design, pricing, distribution.
Higher royalties – Earn up to 70% on Amazon KDP, vs. 10% with traditional publishers.
Global reach – Distribute worldwide via Amazon, IngramSpark, PublishDrive, and more.
Scalability – Publish one book or build an entire catalog without approval from anyone.

Self-publishing is especially ideal for:

Entrepreneurs or professionals writing niche guides
Novelists seeking a dedicated fanbase
Memoir writers telling personal stories without filters
First-time authors building their platform

While the burden of marketing and funding falls on you, the reward is total independence. With the right tools and strategy, self-publishing lets you publish a book and succeed—on your terms.

Hybrid Publishing: A Blend of Both Worlds

Hybrid publishing offers a middle ground between traditional and self-publishing. In this model, you invest in your book (usually a few thousand dollars) in exchange for professional services like editing, design, and marketing. In return, you retain more control and royalties than traditional publishing allows.

Popular hybrid publishers in the USA include:

BookBaby
AuthorHouse
She Writes Press
Greenleaf Book Group

Why choose hybrid publishing?

You get the quality and polish of a traditional book without the gatekeeping.
You can still pitch your book to bookstores and libraries.
You keep ownership of your content and often earn higher royalties.

However, not all hybrid publishers are equal. Do your research, check reviews, and make sure the services are worth the investment. Reputable hybrid publishers should be transparent and prioritize author success—not just upselling you services.

How to Prepare Your Manuscript for Publishing

Writing, Editing, and Proofreading

Before you publish a book, your manuscript must shine. Even the best platforms and marketing won’t save a poorly written or unedited book. Editing is essential—whether you’re working with a professional editor or doing several rounds of self-editing.

The editing process typically includes:

Developmental editing – Focuses on structure, plot, and content flow.
Copyediting – Addresses grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence clarity.
Proofreading – Final polish to catch lingering typos or layout errors.

Tips for DIY editing:

Read your book aloud to catch awkward phrasing.
Use editing tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid.
Take breaks between revisions to get a fresh perspective.
Get beta readers to offer early feedback.

Even if you’re publishing a short guide or journal, good editing builds trust and credibility with readers. A single typo on page one can destroy your authority—so don’t skip this step.

Formatting Requirements for Different Platforms

Formatting is where many new authors stumble. If your manuscript doesn’t meet a platform’s requirements, it may be rejected or look unprofessional once published. Different platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Kobo Writing Life have specific formatting guidelines for print and eBooks.

Basic formatting checklist for self-publishing:

Use a clean font (e.g., Garamond, Times New Roman, 11–12 pt)
Set consistent margins and line spacing
Include a title page, copyright page, table of contents, and chapters
Avoid hard tabs or excessive spacing
Use section breaks instead of page breaks
Embed fonts in PDF for print books

Recommended tools:

Atticus – All-in-one writing and formatting tool for print and eBooks
Vellum (Mac only) – Industry-favorite formatting for beautiful interiors
Scrivener – Great for organizing large manuscripts and exporting to multiple formats
Reedsy Book Editor – Free online formatting tool

Whether you’re creating a 300-page novel or a 50-page eBook, formatting can make or break your book’s readability. Spend time here—it’s worth it.

Book Cover Design and Interior Layout

Your book cover is your number one marketing tool. In a sea of titles, it’s what grabs attention, builds trust, and encourages clicks. A bad cover design signals amateur work—even if your content is brilliant.

Essential elements of a great cover:

High-resolution image (300 DPI for print)
Clear title and author name
Genre-appropriate style and color scheme
Back cover with blurb and ISBN (for print books)
Spine text that fits correctly

Where to get covers:

Hire a designer via Fiverr, 99designs, or Reedsy
Use pre-made templates from BookBaby or Canva
Design your own with free tools like Adobe Express

Your interior layout should also reflect professional standards. This includes:

Proper font choices and spacing
Running headers with book title or chapter names
Page numbers in footer
Balanced white space

A clean interior makes your book easier to read and increases your credibility as an author.

Platforms to Publish a Book in the USA

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

When it comes to self-publishing, Amazon KDP is king. If you’re wondering how to publish a book in the USA quickly, efficiently, and affordably, this platform should be your first stop. With millions of daily users, Amazon offers unmatched visibility, especially in the American market.

Why choose KDP:

Free to publish – No upfront fees to upload your book.
Wide reach – Instant access to Amazon’s marketplace in the USA and globally.
Royalties – Earn 35% to 70% depending on book price and region.
Print-on-Demand (POD) – Print paperbacks only when customers order them.
KDP Select – Optional 90-day exclusivity that unlocks Kindle Unlimited and promotional tools.

KDP supports:

Tips for success on KDP:

Write a compelling book description with keywords.
Choose relevant categories and tags.
Invest in a great cover that stands out on thumbnail previews.
Use Amazon Ads to boost visibility during launch.

Publishing a book via KDP is the fastest way to enter the US market—and it’s a solid foundation for building your author brand.

IngramSpark and B&N Press

IngramSpark is the go-to platform for authors seeking wide distribution in the USA, including independent bookstores, libraries, and academic retailers. If your goal is to get your book into physical stores beyond Amazon, IngramSpark is a must.

Benefits of using IngramSpark:

Distributes to over 40,000 retailers
Offers hardcovers, paperbacks, and eBooks
Customizable distribution options
Supports high-quality print-on-demand

Things to know:

There’s a setup fee ($49 per book), but promo codes are often available.
You must provide your own ISBN (purchase from Bowker).
Books must meet professional formatting standards.

B&N Press (formerly NOOK Press) is ideal for authors who want to publish directly to Barnes & Noble’s online and retail stores. Like KDP, it’s free to use and offers print and digital options.

Why use B&N Press:

Free publishing platform
Access to B&N’s US-based customers
Print options for in-store placement consideration
Exclusive marketing opportunities for top-performing books

Publishing on both IngramSpark and B&N Press can expand your reach beyond Amazon and tap into loyal bookstore customers across the USA.

Other Noteworthy Options: Book Baby, Draft2Digital, Blurb, and More

If you’re serious about learning how to publish a book in the USA, don’t limit yourself to just one platform. Many authors use multiple platforms to maximize exposure and revenue.

Here are some other great options:

Book Baby

Offers full-service publishing packages
Ideal for authors who want professional editing, design, and marketing
Handles print and eBook distribution
Great for authors who prefer a done-for-you experience

Draft2Digital

Best for eBook distribution across Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and more
Offers free formatting tools and auto-generated TOCs
Allows wide distribution while retaining your rights
Easy to use, with great customer support

StreetLib

Focuses on global distribution, but includes the USA
Supports print and digital formats
Ideal for multilingual authors or international reach

Blurb

Excellent for photobooks, cookbooks, and visual-heavy titles
Print-on-demand capabilities for high-quality hardcover and paperback books
Works well for creatives, photographers, or designers

Kobo Writing Life

Popular for eBooks in the USA and Canada
Offers promotional tools and direct upload
User-friendly and supports multiple currencies and languages

Each of these platforms has strengths depending on your genre, goals, and budget. The smartest strategy? Start with one platform like Amazon KDP, then expand to others for wider reach.

Conclusion: You’re Ready to Publish a Book in the USA

Now that you’ve learned how to publish a book in the USA, the path forward is clear. Whether you go the self-publishing route via Amazon KDP or choose a hybrid platform like Book Baby, you have all the tools to launch your author career with confidence.

Publishing a book is more than just uploading a manuscript—it’s about preparing professionally, understanding your market, and choosing the right platform to deliver your message. With the massive reach of the US publishing industry and the flexibility of modern self-publishing tools, there’s never been a better time to bring your book to life.

From manuscript to marketing, this guide covered everything you need to know. All that’s left is to take the first step. Your readers are waiting.

FAQs

1. Do I need an ISBN to publish a book in the USA?

Yes, especially if you want your book sold in retail stores or libraries. Amazon KDP offers a free ISBN for print books, but owning one from Bowker gives you full publishing control.

2. How much does it cost to publish a book in the USA?

Costs vary based on your publishing method. Self-publishing can range from $200 to $3,000 depending on editing, cover design, and marketing.

3. Can I publish a book in the USA from another country?

Absolutely. Many platforms like KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital allow international authors to publish and sell books in the USA.

4. What format should I publish in—eBook, paperback, or both?

It’s best to publish in both. eBooks reach digital readers, while paperbacks increase visibility and allow for print sales via bookstores and libraries.

5. Is traditional publishing better than self-publishing?

It depends on your goals. Traditional publishing offers prestige and distribution, but self-publishing offers speed, control, and higher royalties.

How to Publish a Book in USA

How to Publish a Book in USA: Step-by-Step Guide for New and Experienced Authors

Why Publishing a Book in the USA is a Major Milestone