Self-publishing is a powerful, easy-to-learn and economically viable option that allows authors to bring their work to life on their own terms. At Bookshelfie, we proudly exclusively feature self-published authors and indie publishers, believing they should not be seen as lesser than the traditionally published. With the right guidance and resources, self-publishing can be an exciting, rewarding path to achieving your literary dreams.
About Self- Publishing
Traditional Publishing—Is It Really All It’s Cracked Up to Be?
For many aspiring authors, traditional publishing is often seen as the only option. The idea of being signed by a prestigious publishing house, along with the potential to see one’s book on the shelves of major bookshops, can seem like the be-all and end-all of literary success. Traditional publishing does offer certain advantages, such as access to professional editing, design, and formatting services at no cost to the author, as well as the possibility of wider distribution through established networks. However, with the rise of self-publishing, these benefits have been largely overshadowed by the challenges and restrictions associated with this route.
The odds of successfully being traditonally published are widely said to be about 1%. For the few authors who do succeed in traditional publishing, the reality often falls short of the dream. Literary agents and publishers take a large share of the profits, leaving the author with only a small portion of the revenue. Additionally, authors usually have little control over key aspects like cover design, title, and marketing, which can be frustrating for those with a clear vision. The rise of vanity and “hybrid” publishers has also led many inexperienced authors to spend thousands for the illusion of traditional publishing, with little to no return.
The main benefits of self-publishing are the following:
Complete Creative Control: You have full authority over every aspect of your book, from the content and cover design to the title and overall presentation. You can bring your vision to life exactly as you imagined it, without compromise.
Greater Profits: Unlike traditional publishing, where agents and publishers take a large share of the profits, self-publishing allows you to keep all the earnings from your book sales. With the right advertising, this can result in significantly higher returns, especially for successful books.
Quickness to Publish: Self-publishing allows you to move from manuscript to publication in a fraction of the time it would take through traditional channels. Once you’re ready, your book can be available to millions of readers almost immediately.
No More Rejections: Self-publishing frees you from the frustrating experience of repeated rejections from agents and publishers. You can take pride in your work and share it with the world on your own terms.
Success Stories in Self-Publishing
The world of self-publishing is replete with inspiring success stories that showcase that a traditional publisher’s stamp of approval isn’t necessary to achieve success. In fact, some of the most successful books of the past few years were self-published.
Here are three notable examples:
Once a struggling author, Amanda Hocking transformed her career through self-publishing. Her “Trylle” series, which blends elements of fantasy and romance, captivated readers and garnered significant attention. By effectively utilising social media to promote it, Hocking sold over a million copies in just a few years, ultimately earning her a publishing deal with a major house. Her journey underscores the power of perseverance and strategic marketing in the self-publishing realm.
Known for his gripping post-apocalyptic narratives, Hugh Howey started with the self-published “Wool,” which quickly gained traction and became a bestseller. His innovative approach to engaging with readers, including serialised storytelling and a robust online presence, helped him build a loyal fan base. Howey’s success eventually led to significant traditional publishing deals and adaptations, demonstrating how self-publishing can serve as a springboard to broader recognition in the literary landscape.
The author of the “Fifty Shades” series, E.L. James epitomises the transformative potential of self-publishing. Originally self-released on platforms like Amazon, her erotic romance series tapped into a previously underexplored market. The books quickly became a cultural phenomenon, resulting in multi-million dollar sales and a lucrative film franchise that you’ve probably heard of.
These authors exemplify how self-publishing, when approached with the right mindset and strategic thinking, can lead to extraordinary outcomes in the competitive world of the literary market. Below is a short and sweet little guide to help you navigate self-publishing!
Beta Reading and Editing
Finding Beta Readers and Editors
So, you’ve finished your first draft, and you’re eager to share it with the world. Congratulations! Completing a manuscript is a huge accomplishment. But before you hit that “publish” button, there’s one crucial step you don’t want to skip: getting feedback. Unless you are William Shakespeare, your story is probably a diamond in the rough, and now is the time to polish it to its full potential. This is where beta readers and editors come in.
The Role of Beta Readers and Editors
Beta Readers: Beta readers, representing your target audience, offer valuable feedback on story flow, character engagement, and pacing. Though not professional editors, they help identify plot holes and unclear sections, guiding you to improve your book and make it more enjoyable for readers.
Developmental Editing: After beta feedback, a developmental editor helps refine your book’s structure, themes, and content. They focus on the big picture, improving the story arc, character development, and pacing, especially when plot issues need deeper attention beyond beta reading.
Line Editing: Once your story’s structure is set, line editing hones in on details like sentence structure, word choice, and prose flow. Line editors refine your writing style, ensuring clarity and engagement while eliminating awkward phrasing, making your manuscript polished and professional.
Where to Find Beta Readers and Editors
- Reedsy is a good starting point for finding professional editors.
- It connects authors with experienced editors specializing in various genres and editing types.
- High-quality services come at a high price, making it far too expensive for many.
- It may be beyond the budget of authors, especially those just starting out.
- Fiverr offers a more affordable marketplace for finding editors and beta readers.
- Price points vary, allowing you to choose based on your budget.
- Quality can differ, but skilled freelancers are available to help improve your manuscript.
- Review ratings and samples from sellers to find the right fit for your needs.
Additionally, for a free option, consider visiting /r/BetaReaders on Reddit or joining writing workshops to further develop your skills and connect with other writers. Both of these can provide valuable feedback and make you fellow writer friends in the process!
Getting feedback is an essential part of the writing process. Whether you choose professional editors or rely on friends and family for feedback, taking the time to refine your manuscript will make a significant difference in the quality of your book.
Formatting Your Manuscript
Once you’ve polished your manuscript with the help of beta readers and editors, it’s time to tackle one of the most crucial yet often overlooked steps: formatting. Proper formatting ensures your book looks professional and is designed to be read in print. This step can make the difference between a book that feels polished and one that appears amateurish. Thankfully, there are several tools and platforms available to make the process very easy!
Choosing the Right Formatting Software
There are a variety of software options to help you format your manuscript, each with their own strengths and limitations. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular tools available:
- Highly regarded for its elegant and professional templates, Vellum is an excellent choice for authors who want a polished look for their eBooks and print books. It offers an intuitive interface and beautiful design options, but comes with a significant cost and is available only for Mac users.
- For Windows users, Atticus is widely regarded as the best formatting tool available. It offers a comprehensive suite of features, from formatting to word processing, with a clean and user-friendly interface. However, it’s also on the pricier side, making it a significant investment for self-published authors.
Professional Formatters on Fiverr
- If you can't be bothered to format your own book, don't fret! There are hundreds of professional formatters who would be happy to do it on freelance websites like Fiverr.
Draft2Digital or Reedsy Book Formatter
- If your book has straightforward formatting needs, both Draft2Digital and Reedsy provide free automatic formatting tools! While they don't offer many customisation options, they are very easy to use!
Formatting might seem daunting at first, but with the right tools, it can be a smooth and even enjoyable process. Investing time in proper formatting ensures that your book makes the best possible impression on your readers, no matter where or how they choose to enjoy it.
Creating a Professional Book Cover
They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but everyone does! A book cover is crucial in attracting readers and influences their decision to explore your work. It serves as a visual summary, conveying the genre, tone, and quality of your story. A professional-looking cover helps your book stand out in a crowded market, while a poorly designed one can suggest low quality. Therefore, investing in a great cover is essential for self-published authors, as it acts as a key marketing tool in the competitive self-publishing landscape.
Elements of an Effective Book Cover
A successful book cover combines several elements:
- Visual Appeal: The cover should be eye-catching and professionally designed, featuring a balanced layout and appealing color scheme without clutter.
- Genre Recognition: It must clearly indicate the book's genre through appropriate colors and typography, as readers make quick judgments based on these cues.
- Title and Author Name: The title should be prominent and easy to read, even at a small size, while the author’s name should be visible but not overpowering. Typography should reflect the book's tone and genre.
- Imagery: Images or graphics should relate to the book’s theme or characters, conveying the right mood. Avoid clichéd or generic images that lack specificity.
Hiring a Professional Cover Designer
While it may be tempting to design your own cover to save money, hiring a professional designer is usually the best option. A skilled designer understands the nuances of cover design, from selecting the right fonts and colours to creating compelling compositions that will attract readers. The following platforms are great options to find cover designers:
99designs
- Hold a design contest where multiple freelance designers submit cover concepts based on your brief.
- Choose your favorite design from a range of options.
- Ideal for finding a unique and tailor-made cover.
Fiverr
- Offers budget-friendly freelance designers at various price points.
- Quality may vary, but skilled designers are available to create professional covers.
- Important to review portfolios and freelancer ratings before making a selection.
Distribution: Getting Your Book into Readers’ Hands
Once your manuscript is polished, formatted, and adorned with a stunning cover, it’s time to think about distribution—the process of making your book available to readers around the world. As a self-published author, you have a variety of options for distributing your book, each with their own set of advantages. Choosing the right distribution strategy can maximise your reach, boost your sales and make all the difference in your self-publishing sales.
Distribution Options and Their Advantages
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Amazon KDP is the most popular platform for self-published authors, and for good reason. It offers both eBook and print-on-demand services, meaning your book can be available in both digital and physical formats without the need for large print runs or storage. Some of the key benefits include:
- Global Reach With Amazon's vast marketplace, your book can be accessed by millions of readers worldwide.
- Royalties You can earn up to 70% royalties on eBook sales, depending on your pricing and distribution choices.
- Kindle Unlimited and KDP Select Enrolling your eBook in KDP Select allows participation in Kindle Unlimited, expanding your audience reach.
- Exclusivity Requirement Your enrollment comes with a restriction that prevents your eBook from being sold on other platforms during the enrollment period.
Draft2Digital
Draft2Digital is a versatile platform that distributes your eBook to multiple retailers, including Apple Books, Barnes & Noble and Kobo. It also offers print-on-demand services, making it a comprehensive choice for authors who want to reach readers beyond Amazon. The advantages include:
- Wide Distribution Unlike KDP Select, you can sell your eBook across multiple platforms, increasing your potential audience.
- Ease of Use Draft2Digital provides user-friendly tools for formatting and converting your manuscript into various eBook and print formats.
- Royalty Rates While not as high as Amazon’s, the royalties are still competitive, especially given the wider distribution.
If you’re looking to get your book into brick-and-mortar bookstores, IngramSpark is the best choice. This platform offers print-on-demand services for both paperback and hardcover books, as well as the possibility of distribution to a vast network of bookstores, libraries, and online retailers. The benefits include:
- Bookstore Access IngramSpark's wide distribution network makes it easier for your book to be available in physical stores.
- Print Quality They offer high-quality print options, including hardcover and colour printing, which can be an advantage or necessity for certain types of book.
- Expanded Reach By using both IngramSpark and KDP, you can maximise your book's availability in different formats and markets.
Choosing the Right Distribution Strategy
The best distribution strategy often involves using a combination of these platforms to maximise your reach. For example, many authors use Amazon KDP for their eBook and paperback distribution while also leveraging IngramSpark for wider print distribution, and Draft2Digital or Smashwords for eBook distribution beyond Amazon.
Key Considerations
Audience
Consider where your target audience is most likely to shop. If you’re targeting Kindle Unlimited readers, Amazon KDP exclusivity is a must. For a broader reach, consider Draft2Digital or IngramSpark.
Format
Decide whether you want your book available as an eBook, paperback, or hardcover. Paperbacks are cheaper to print so you’ll get more profit, but there’s no harm in having a hardback option also.
Royalties and Costs
Weigh the royalty rates and upfront costs associated with each platform. Decide whether you want to focus on profitability or building a readership.
Promotion—Making the Most of Your Distribution
No matter which distribution channels you choose, effective marketing is crucial to ensuring your book reaches its full potential and connects with the right audience. Begin by leveraging your social media presence, as the book communities on Instagram and Tiktok are usually the most powerful tools for engaging with readers and building a community around your work. Share behind-the-scenes insights, snippets of your writing process, and personal anecdotes to create a more relatable connection with your audience.
Additionally, your author website can serve as a central hub for your brand. Use it to showcase your books, share updates, and provide content such as blog posts or articles related to your writing. This not only helps establish your author brand but also enhances your visibility in search engines!
We hope you have found this guide helpful!
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