Self-publish a Book: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Ever dreamed of seeing your name on a book cover? Wondering how to self-publish a book without going through the hassle of traditional publishing? Good news: it’s never been easier! Whether you’re aiming for Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or looking into IngramSpark, this guide breaks down exactly how to self-publish a book, step by step, tailored for first-time authors in the USA. Ready? Let’s dive in.

1. Understanding Self-Publishing: What Does It Mean?

Self-publishing a book means taking full control of the publishing process—writing, editing, designing, marketing, and selling—without going through a traditional publisher. Instead of waiting months (or years) for a literary agent or publisher to say yes, you call the shots.

But what does this really involve? Essentially, you’ll be responsible for everything a traditional publisher would normally handle. You’ll pick the cover, set the price, choose the platform, and market the book to readers.

Traditional vs. Self-Publishing: Key Differences

Let’s compare: In traditional publishing, a publisher invests in you. They cover editing, design, printing, distribution, and marketing, but in return, they control rights, take most royalties, and decide whether your book even sees the light of day.

With self-publishing, you keep creative and financial control. You also keep more royalties—often 60-70% compared to traditional’s 5-15%. However, you’ll either need to learn the ropes or hire professionals for editing, design, and promotion.

Think of it like cooking at home versus dining at a fancy restaurant. One gives you full control (but more work), the other gives you less work (but less say).

Why More Authors Are Choosing to Self-Publish a Book

The rise of Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing and other platforms has transformed the industry. Over a million books are self-published annually—and for good reason. Authors are tired of rejection letters and long timelines.

Self-publishing a book lets you:

• Publish whenever you’re ready
• Keep creative freedom
• Earn higher royalties
• Reach a global audience instantly

No wonder even bestselling authors like Hugh Howey and Colleen Hoover started this way!

But it’s not just about skipping the gatekeepers—it’s about owning your author journey. That’s why understanding the process from day one is crucial.

2. Preparing Your Manuscript for Self-Publishing

You’ve got a draft. Maybe it’s a novel, a memoir, or a how-to guide. But before uploading it to Amazon KDP or any platform, you need to polish it.

Writing and Editing Your Manuscript

First: write the best book you can. Yes, that seems obvious. But too many first-time authors rush to publish without revising.

Here’s a simple checklist:
✅ Draft → ✅ Revise → ✅ Beta readers → ✅ Revise again

Once you’ve gone through this process, it’s time for professional editing.

Hiring Professional Editors and Proofreaders

No matter how skilled a writer you are, professional editing is non-negotiable. An editor catches things you miss—plot holes, inconsistencies, grammar errors.

There are three types of editing:

1. Developmental editing: Big-picture feedback on structure, pacing, characters
2. Copyediting: Sentence-level clarity, grammar, style
3. Proofreading: Final typo and formatting check

Expect to invest anywhere from $500 to $3,000 depending on the length and editor’s experience. Consider sites like Reedsy or Fiverr to find editors.

Formatting Your Book for Print and Ebooks

Ever opened a book and found weird spacing or fonts? Don’t be that author.

Formatting ensures your manuscript looks professional on Kindle, Nook, iPads, and in print. You can DIY with tools like Vellum, Atticus, or Kindle Create. Or hire a professional formatter.

Each platform has formatting specs:

• Amazon KDP: MOBI or EPUB
• IngramSpark: PDF/X for print
• B&N Press: EPUB

Remember, a sloppy layout makes readers quit faster than a bad plot!

3. Choosing the Right Self-Publishing Platform

Not all platforms are created equal. Some offer wide distribution; others excel in royalties or print quality.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Amazon KDP is the king of self-publishing. It holds over 70% of the ebook market in the USA. With KDP, you can publish ebooks and paperbacks for free and sell globally.

Pros:
✅ Huge audience
✅ Easy upload process
✅ 70% royalties (for ebooks priced $2.99-$9.99)

Cons:
❌ Exclusivity required for Kindle Unlimited (if you opt in)
❌ Limited print options (no hardcovers)

If you only pick one platform to self-publish a book, KDP is it.

IngramSpark, BookBaby, and Other Alternatives

Want bookstores to carry your book? Go beyond Amazon.

IngramSpark offers wider print distribution to indie bookstores and libraries. BookBaby provides done-for-you packages including editing and cover design. B&N Press lets you list directly with Barnes & Noble online.

Other notable options:

• Blurb: Great for photo books
• Draft2Digital: Easy ebook distribution to Apple, Kobo, etc.
• PublishDrive: Reaches global markets like China
• StreetLib: Expands reach into Europe
• Kobo Writing Life: Popular for Canadian readers

Each platform takes a cut of royalties and has unique fees. Some require ISBNs; others provide free ones. Compare carefully based on your goals.

Comparing Fees, Royalties, and Distribution Options

Here’s a quick look:

Platform	Setup Fee	Royalty Rate	Distribution
Amazon KDP	Free	60-70%	Amazon-only
IngramSpark	$49/title	40-60%	Bookstores, libraries
BookBaby	$399+	100% (minus sales fees)	Wide
Draft2Digital	Free	60%	Apple, Kobo, B&N

Choosing the right platform depends on where you want your book sold—and how much you want to spend upfront.

4. Designing an Eye-Catching Book Cover

They say don’t judge a book by its cover—but readers do it every day. Your cover is your biggest marketing tool.

Why Cover Design Matters for Sales

An amateur cover screams self-published—and not in a good way. A professional cover tells readers, “This book is worth your time and money.”

Think about bestselling books in your genre. They follow design conventions: fonts, images, colors. Yours should too.

A romance novel cover won’t work for a thriller. A memoir cover won’t fit a fantasy epic.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Designer

Yes, you can design your own cover using Canva, BookBrush, or Photoshop. But unless you have design training, it’s risky.

Hiring a pro ensures:
✅ Print-ready files
✅ Platform-specific sizing
✅ Market-appropriate design

Costs range from $100 (pre-made covers) to $500+ (custom designs). Websites like 99Designs, Reedsy, and Fiverr connect you with designers.

Cover Design Requirements for Popular Platforms

Each platform has strict specs. For example:

• Amazon KDP: JPEG or TIFF, 300 dpi, sRGB
• IngramSpark: PDF/X-1a:2001 with bleed
• B&N Press: PDF, with specific spine width

Ignoring specs can lead to delays or rejected files.

Pro tip: If you plan both ebook and print, make sure the designer includes both formats!

5. Setting the Right Price for Your Book

Pricing isn’t just a number—it’s a strategy. Price too low and readers undervalue it. Price too high and they won’t buy.

How to Price Competitively

Check similar books in your genre and length on Amazon. What’s the sweet spot?

For ebooks:
✅ 99 cents – $2.99 for promos
✅ $2.99 – $4.99 for most indie books
✅ $5.99+ for longer/nonfiction

For paperbacks:
✅ $9.99 – $14.99 depending on page count

Pricing Strategies for Different Marketplaces

Amazon KDP pays 70% royalties on ebooks priced $2.99-$9.99. Outside that range? Drops to 35%.

IngramSpark takes 40-60% depending on retailer discounts.

Some platforms allow price matching or promotional pricing. Use these to boost early sales or launch campaigns.

Balancing Royalties and Reader Expectations

Ask yourself:
👉 Do I want more readers or higher royalties?
👉 Am I competing on price or quality?

Sometimes pricing higher signals premium quality—but you’ll need reviews and marketing to back it up.

Test, tweak, and watch what sells!

6. Uploading Your Book to Publishing Platforms

Alright, your manuscript’s polished, your cover’s stunning, and you’ve picked your platform. Now it’s time to hit “Publish.” But uploading isn’t just dragging files into a box—it’s where a lot of authors trip up when they self-publish a book.

Step-by-Step Upload on Amazon KDP

Since most authors start with Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, let’s walk through their process:

1. Create an account at kdp.amazon.com (or sign in with your Amazon account).
2. On your dashboard, click “Create a new title.”
3. Choose eBook or Paperback. (You can do both, but start with one!)
4. Enter your book details:
   • Title
   • Subtitle
   • Series info (if any)
   • Author name
   • Description (this acts as your sales pitch!)
5. Select keywords and categories. This helps Amazon recommend your book to readers.
6. Upload your manuscript file. (Make sure it’s formatted correctly!)
7. Upload your cover file.
8. Preview your book using Amazon’s previewer tool.
9. Set your territories, pricing, and royalty rate.
10. Hit Publish!

Sounds simple? It is—if you’ve prepared well. But even small errors (like a blurry cover or poor formatting) will hurt your chances.

Metadata, ISBNs, and Copyright Registration

When you self-publish a book, metadata matters. That’s the stuff behind the scenes: title, author name, keywords, categories, description. Get it right, and your book’s discoverable. Get it wrong, and you’re invisible.

👉 Keywords: Think like a reader. What would they type into Amazon’s search bar? Use 7 keyword phrases targeting your niche.

👉 Categories: Amazon allows 2, but you can request up to 10 by emailing KDP support. Choose wisely—this affects your bestseller rankings!

Now about ISBNs:

• Amazon provides a free one (but they list Amazon as the publisher).
• If you want to list your name or imprint, buy an ISBN from Bowker (the official US agency).

And don’t forget copyright! In the USA, copyright exists once you create the work. But for extra protection, register it at copyright.gov—it costs around $45 and gives you legal proof.

Common Upload Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s where manye authors fumble:

• Using a low-resolution cover (Amazon rejects anything under 300 dpi)
• Forgetting to proof the Look Inside feature
• Uploading a Word doc instead of a properly formatted file
• Picking bad keywords like “fiction” (too broad!)
• Not checking for typos in metadata (yep, I’ve seen authors misspell their own name…)

Before you click publish, triple-check everything. It’s worth it.

7. Marketing Your Self-Published Book

So your book’s live—congrats! But publishing is just half the battle. Now comes the real challenge: getting people to buy it.

If you self-publish a book without marketing, it’s like shouting into an empty room.

Building an Author Platform

Start by building your author presence before you launch. Here’s how:

• Website: A simple site with an About page, email signup, 
• Social media: Pick 1-2 platforms where your readers hang out (Instagram for YA, Facebook for romance, Twitter for sci-fi).
• Email list: Your most powerful tool. Offer a free chapter or short story to encourage signups.

Your platform helps you control your audience. Instead of relying on Amazon’s algorithm, you’ll have direct access to your readers.

Social Media, Email Lists, and Book Launches

When it’s time to launch, plan a multi-day campaign. Don’t just post “My book’s out!” once and hope for sales.

Here’s a launch plan:

• Tease cover reveals and excerpts on social media.
• Run giveaways (advance reader copies, swag).
• Email your list with a launch countdown.
• Schedule guest posts or podcast interviews.
• Set up a launch team of fans who leave early reviews.

A launch isn’t a one-day event—it’s a marathon of excitement. Build momentum for weeks before and after release.

Using Amazon Ads and Book Promotion Sites

If you want to scale sales fast, consider paid promotions.

Amazon Ads let you target readers by keywords, categories, and competing titles. Start small (like $5/day) and tweak campaigns as you go.

Book promotion sites can also give a boost. Popular ones include:

• BookBub (premium but powerful)
• Freebooksy
• Bargain Booksy
• BookSends
• Robin Reads

These sites email their readers deals on books in specific genres. Great for visibility, especially if you discount your book temporarily.

Bottom line: marketing isn’t optional. Even the best book won’t sell if no one knows it exists.

8. Getting Book Reviews to Boost Sales

Ever browsed Amazon and skipped a book because it had no reviews? Exactly. Reviews are social proof. They tell readers, “Hey, this book’s worth your time.”

But how do you get reviews ethically when you self-publish a book?

Why Reviews Matter for Visibility

Amazon’s algorithm favors books with:
✅ More reviews
✅ Recent reviews
✅ Verified purchase reviews

Reviews boost ranking, credibility, and conversion rates. A book with 20+ reviews will almost always outsell one with 0.

Also, some promo sites require a minimum number of reviews before they’ll feature you.

Ethical Ways to Get Early Reviews

Here’s what NOT to do: pay strangers for reviews, swap reviews with other authors, or write fake reviews. Amazon bans these practices.

Here’s what works:

• Give out advance reader copies (ARCs) to early fans, friends, or launch team members.
• Ask your email list subscribers.
• Reach out to book bloggers and reviewers in your genre.
• Use services like BookSprout, NetGalley, or StoryOrigin to find reviewers.

Pro tip: Always politely ask for an honest review. Don’t pressure people into 5 stars—that’s unethical and unnecessary.

Avoiding Fake Reviews and Penalties

Amazon’s been cracking down on review manipulation. If they detect shady practices, they’ll remove reviews—or worse, ban your account.

Avoid:
❌ Paying for 5-star reviews
❌ Using Fiverr gigs promising “real reviews”
❌ Asking family members to review (Amazon can track shared addresses/IPs)

Build your reviews organically. It takes time, but it’s worth it for long-term success.

9. Tracking Sales and Managing Royalties

Congrats—your book’s selling! Now it’s time to watch those numbers roll in. But understanding sales reports is key if you want to grow.

Understanding Sales Dashboards

Each platform has its own dashboard:

• Amazon KDP: shows sales by marketplace, format, royalties.
• IngramSpark: tracks wholesale orders and direct sales.
• Draft2Digital: aggregates sales across multiple retailers.

Don’t just glance at the top-line numbers. Analyze:
👉 Which countries are buying?
👉 Are ebook or print sales stronger?
👉 Which days saw spikes (and why)?

These insights help you decide where to focus future marketing.

Royalty Payments from Different Platforms

Royalties vary by platform:

• Amazon KDP: pays 60-70% of list price (minus printing costs for paperbacks), monthly after 60 days.
• IngramSpark: pays 40-60% depending on retailer discount, monthly after 90 days.
• Draft2Digital: pays 60% for ebooks, monthly after 60 days.

Payments are usually direct deposit or Payoneer. Keep track of payment schedules so you’re not surprised by delays.

Handling Taxes and Reporting Income

Here’s the fun part: taxes. (Okay, not really fun.)

If you self-publish a book, you’re technically running a business. In the USA, you’ll get a 1099 form from Amazon if you earn over $600.

You’re responsible for:
✅ Reporting royalties as income
✅ Paying self-employment taxes
✅ Tracking expenses (editing, cover design, ads)

Consider hiring an accountant familiar with author income—or use bookkeeping tools like QuickBooks or Wave.

And yes, you can deduct business expenses related to your writing!

10. Expanding Your Reach: Print, Ebook, and Audiobook

Why stop at one format? Readers consume books in different ways. Offering multiple formats lets you reach more people—and make more money.

Benefits of Multi-Format Publishing

Each format has its audience:
📚 Print lovers want paperbacks and hardcovers.
📱 Commuters love ebooks on their phones.
🎧 Busy readers prefer audiobooks during chores or workouts.

By self-publishing a book in all formats, you:
✅ Maximize your income streams
✅ Appeal to different reading preferences
✅ Future-proof your publishing career

Turning Your Book Into an Audiobook

Audiobooks are booming. Platforms like ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange) let you produce an audiobook for Amazon, Audible, and iTunes.

You can:

1. Hire a narrator (they get paid upfront or royalty split)
2. Narrate it yourself (if you’ve got a great voice!)

Expect to invest $1,000–$3,000 for a professional narrator depending on book length.

Other platforms like Findaway Voices help distribute audiobooks beyond Amazon.

Selling on International Platforms

Don’t limit yourself to the USA! When you self-publish a book, you can reach:
🌍 Amazon’s international stores
🌍 Kobo Writing Life (popular in Canada, Europe)
🌍 StreetLib (strong in Italy, Latin America)

Check if you need to price differently or format differently for certain regions.

Global sales = global income.

11. Handling Returns, Refunds, and Customer Feedback

You did it—you managed to self-publish a book, sales are trickling in, and reviews are popping up. But then… you see a return. Or worse, a refund. Ouch. 😬 Don’t panic—returns and negative feedback are just part of the journey.

Policies of Major Platforms

Each publishing platform has its own rules for returns and refunds.

👉 Amazon KDP: Readers can return ebooks within 7 days of purchase for a full refund. This policy exists so customers can fix accidental purchases or tech issues—but unfortunately, some abuse it (read & return).

👉 IngramSpark: Bookstores can return unsold print books if you opt into returnable status (which can eat into your profits).

👉 BookBaby, Draft2Digital, B&N Press: Typically follow retailer policies—returns are rare unless there’s a printing error.

Refunds aren’t coming out of your royalties unless you’ve enabled returns on print books through IngramSpark. For ebooks, you won’t lose royalties unless the return happens before payment cycles close.

Responding to Negative Feedback Professionally

The first bad review stings—especially after you’ve poured your heart into the book. But here’s the golden rule: never argue publicly. 😤

Instead:
✅ Thank readers who leave honest criticism.
✅ Avoid replying emotionally or defensively.
✅ Learn what you can from recurring complaints (editing? pacing? unclear blurb?).

If a review violates platform guidelines (personal attacks, hate speech, etc.), you can report it for removal. Otherwise, take the high road and keep improving.

Remember: negative reviews actually build trust. Nobody believes a book with 100 perfect 5-star reviews!

12. Updating and Revising Your Published Book

One of the coolest perks of choosing to self-publish a book? You can fix mistakes or release updates anytime. Try asking a traditional publisher to let you tweak chapter 3—they’ll laugh you out the door.

When and How to Release New Editions

Maybe you’ve spotted a typo after publishing. Or you’ve learned from early feedback that readers are confused about a subplot. Or your book’s been out for years, and it’s time for a refreshed cover.

When should you update?
👉 Minor fixes: Small typos, formatting tweaks? Just upload a new file.
👉 Major changes: Added chapters, rewrites? Consider marking it as a “Second Edition.”

Amazon KDP lets you upload a revised manuscript anytime. Readers who already downloaded your ebook won’t automatically receive updates unless you request an update via KDP support for critical errors.

Print editions work differently. If you update print files:

• New buyers will get the revised version
• Previous buyers won’t be notified
• ISBN stays the same (unless it’s a significant revision needing a new ISBN)

Uploading Revisions on KDP and Others

It’s pretty simple:

1. Go to your KDP dashboard
2. Click your book title
3. Upload the updated manuscript and/or cover
4. Preview and resubmit

IngramSpark also allows revisions but charges a $25 revision fee per file.

Pro tip: if you’re planning big changes, save them for a second edition or relaunch to avoid confusing readers.

13. Scaling Up: Building a Self-Publishing Business

Once you’ve published one book, you’re officially an author. But if your goal is to make self-publishing a career? One book isn’t enough. You need to scale.

Writing More Books Faster

The best marketing for a book… is another book. Readers love discovering an author with a series or backlist.

Consider:
✅ Writing in series to hook readers longer
✅ Rapid releasing (publishing books close together to build momentum)
✅ Setting writing goals (words per day, deadlines)

Dictation tools (like Dragon NaturallySpeaking) or writing sprints can help you boost word count without sacrificing quality.

Outsourcing and Building a Team

When you self-publish a book, you wear all the hats—writer, editor, marketer, designer. But as you scale, it makes sense to delegate.

Think about hiring:

• A virtual assistant (for admin tasks, reader emails)
• A cover designer
• A professional editor
• A book marketing consultant

Investing in a team helps you focus on writing more books faster, while pros handle the rest.

Leveraging Data to Write to Market

Want to write books that sell? Look at what readers are already buying.

✅ Use Amazon’s Best Seller lists to research trends.
✅ Study book blurbs, covers, tropes in your genre.
✅ Check Publisher Rocket or K-Lytics for keyword and category data.

Writing to market doesn’t mean copying—it means understanding reader demand and delivering what your target audience loves.

Scaling = more books + better marketing + data-driven decisions.

14. Common Self-Publishing Mistakes to Avoid

Every author makes mistakes—we’re human! But learning from others’ slip-ups can save you time, money, and frustration.

Here are the top blunders when you self-publish a book:

Pitfalls in Editing, Cover Design, Marketing

1. Skipping professional editing. Typos kill credibility.
2. Using a DIY cover that screams amateur. Readers judge books by covers.
3. Not investing in marketing. “If I publish it, they will come” doesn’t work.
4. Choosing wrong categories/keywords. Get buried in irrelevant search results.
5. Launching without reviews. Social proof is key for early sales.

And don’t forget:
👉 Neglecting to build an email list
👉 Ignoring formatting guidelines
👉 Failing to set realistic expectations (sales take time!)

Self-publishing is a marathon, not a sprint. Avoid shortcuts that hurt long-term success.

Lessons Learned from Successful Authors

Successful indie authors often say the same things:
✅ Publish consistently
✅ Keep improving your craft
✅ Treat writing like a business
✅ Focus on the long game, not overnight success

Many bestselling indies didn’t hit big until their third, fifth, or tenth book. Patience + persistence wins.

15. Final Thoughts: Is Self-Publishing Right for You?

Let’s be real: self-publishing isn’t for everyone. It’s empowering, but it’s also a lot of work.

Pros and Cons Recap

✅ Pros:

• Creative control
• Higher royalties
• Faster publishing timeline
• Global reach

❌ Cons:

• You handle everything (or pay others to)
• Marketing’s on you
• Harder to get into bookstores
• No advance money

If you’re entrepreneurial, self-motivated, and excited to learn new skills, self-publishing a book could be your perfect path.

But if you’d rather write and hand off the business side to professionals, you might prefer traditional publishing.

Neither path is “better”—it depends on your goals.

Encouragement for New Authors

Here’s the truth: most people talk about writing a book. Few finish one. Even fewer publish.

By reading this guide, you’re already ahead of the pack.

Don’t let fear of failure stop you. You can always revise, relaunch, republish. Every bestselling author once stared at a blank page too.

👉 Start writing. Finish the book. Hit publish. And welcome to the author club.

Conclusion

Self-publishing a book isn’t just about uploading a file—it’s about building a career, connecting with readers, and taking ownership of your creative work. Whether you aim to publish one book or build a full-time business, the tools are at your fingertips.

Ready to take the leap? Start today. Your readers are waiting.

FAQs

How much does it cost to self-publish a book?

It can range from $0 to $3,000+ depending on how much you outsource (editing, cover design, formatting). At minimum, invest in professional editing and cover design for quality.

Can I self-publish a book without ISBN?

Yes—Amazon KDP provides a free ISBN for paperbacks, but it lists Amazon as the publisher. If you want your own imprint, buy an ISBN from Bowker.

How long does it take to self-publish a book?

Once your manuscript is ready, you can upload and publish within 24-72 hours on platforms like KDP. But editing, design, and marketing prep may take weeks or months.

Can I sell my self-published book in bookstores?

Yes, but it’s harder. You’ll need to distribute through IngramSpark or similar platforms and make books returnable for most stores to consider stocking them.

Is it possible to make a living by self-publishing a book?

Absolutely—many indie authors earn full-time incomes. But it usually takes multiple books, a marketing plan, and building an audience over time.