So you’ve written a book. Maybe it’s a novel that’s been simmering in your head for years. Or maybe it's a memoir, a how-to guide, or even a collection of poetry you’ve finally wrangled into a cohesive manuscript. Whatever your story, one thing’s clear: you’re ready to share it with the world.
But what next?
Traditional publishing can feel like knocking on locked doors with no one ever answering. Enter self-publishing — a creative revolution that’s giving power back to authors like you. And if you’re thinking of going this route, self-publishing with Book Pubs might just be the smartest move you can make.
Why Self-Publishing?
Let’s clear something up: self-publishing doesn’t mean “less than.” In fact, it means more. More control. More creative freedom. More opportunities to connect directly with your audience. You set the pace, you own the rights, and you keep a bigger chunk of the profits. Sounds good, right?
But — and it’s a big but — self-publishing isn’t a walk in the park. It's more like hiking up a mountain. Gorgeous view at the top, but only if you pack the right gear and plan your path. That’s where this guide comes in.
Step 1: Start with a Polished Manuscript
Your words matter. So before you even think about publishing, make sure your manuscript is solid. That doesn’t just mean spell-check — we’re talking structure, tone, pacing, flow. A professional editor (or three) can be your best friend here. They’ll spot what you missed and help make your story shine.
Many self-published authors skip this step. Don’t be that person. A rough manuscript can tank even the most beautiful cover.
Step 2: Design a Cover That Actually Sells
We do judge books by their covers — especially online. Your book cover needs to shout, “Pick me!” in a crowded sea of thumbnails. That means more than just slapping a title on a stock photo. It means understanding genre expectations, visual psychology, and branding.
Think of your cover as your book’s handshake. Make it firm, make it confident, and please make it professional.
Step 3: Nail the Formatting
Formatting might be the most invisible-yet-crucial step in self-publishing. If your margins are off or your Kindle version turns into a mess of broken sentences and awkward spacing, readers will notice. And they won’t be kind.
Proper formatting for both print and digital editions ensures a smooth reading experience. That’s your goal — to disappear so the story can shine.
Step 4: Choose Your Platforms
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the go-to for many authors, and for good reason. But don’t stop there. There’s IngramSpark, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble Press, and more. Each platform has its quirks, advantages, and submission requirements.
Decide where your audience is most likely to buy your book, and make it easy for them to find it there.
Step 5: Set Your Price Wisely
Pricing is both an art and a strategy. Price too high, and you scare people off. Too low, and you undervalue your work. Do some market research — what are other books in your genre and length selling for? Don’t be afraid to experiment. Many authors adjust prices over time, especially during promos or launches.
Step 6: Launch Like You Mean It
Your launch is your book’s birthday party — don’t let it go unnoticed. Build anticipation before the release. Share sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes stories, and cover reveals. Ask friends and fellow authors to help spread the word. A strong launch can give your book the momentum it needs to keep climbing the charts.
Step 7: Market (and Keep Marketing)
Here's the truth: your book won’t sell itself. You have to be its biggest cheerleader. That means building an email list, showing up on social media, running ads, and asking for reviews. It means being visible, authentic, and consistent.
Marketing isn’t just something you do once. It’s a long game. But when you believe in your book, it's worth the effort.
Step 8: Keep Learning, Keep Writing
Self-publishing isn’t just about one book. It’s a journey. The more you publish, the more you learn — and the better you get. Join writing groups, read blogs, listen to podcasts. Stay curious. Keep honing your craft.
And yes, start writing your next book. The best marketing tool for your current book? A second one.
What About Book Pubs?
Throughout this process, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where Book Pubs steps in — not with a magic wand, but with real expertise. They’ve walked this path with tons of indie authors, helping polish manuscripts, create striking covers, format like pros, and develop real marketing plans (not the “post it once on Instagram and pray” kind).
When you're self-publishing, it’s still your book, your voice, your dream. But it helps to have people in your corner who know the terrain. People who’ve turned publishing into more than a process — into an art.
Book Pubs isn’t about cookie-cutter solutions. They get what makes a book you, and they help you showcase that to the world. And hey — isn’t that what every author wants?
Self-publishing is both exciting and intense, kind of like skydiving with a parachute you packed yourself. But with the right prep, the right team, and the right mindset, it can also be one of the most empowering things you’ll ever do.
You’ve already done the hardest part: writing the book. Now go give it the launch it deserves.
And if you’re looking for a partner who knows the ropes, you know where to start.