Writing a book is an elaborate journey that requires dedication, persistence, and a strong passion for storytelling. The idea of putting your thoughts and ideas onto paper and creating a world that your readers can immerse themselves in can be exhilarating. 

But once you have completed your manuscript, how do you share it with an audience? In the past, the only available option was opting for the service of a traditional publishing house. However, self-publishing your book could not have been easier in today’s digital age. However, if you are a first-time author, navigating the self-publishing process can be daunting. Without the proper knowledge, you might end up making mistakes that could hamper the success of your book. 

Why is self-publishing better than traditional publishing methods?

Since traditional publishing is a well-established industry, it usually requires more resources than self-publishing. The process involves multiple steps, from finding an agent you can trust to marketing and distributing your book smartly. This can cost you a lot, and you have limited control over the final product. Publishers may require changes to the manuscript, cover design, or other elements you may disagree with. It can be a lengthy process that may take months or even years, which can be frustrating. Furthermore, traditional publishers typically offer low royalty rates. This means that you may earn less money per book sold than if you were to self-publish.

With Publishing Xpress, you don’t have to worry anymore. Their online self-publishing service places the reins of the publishing process right in your hands. From preparing and submitting the initial draft to book printing, you can supervise and modify every little detail however you like. You will also be able to avoid any hidden costs associated with traditional publishing. The best part is that Publishing Xpress enables you to make your book available to the world without ever leaving the house!

On the one hand, the traditional publishing industry is highly competitive, with thousands of authors vying for a limited number of publishing contracts, making it difficult for new or unknown authors to get their foot in the door. On the other hand, with steps taken in the right direction, self-publishing allows anyone to begin their journey as an author.

Tips on Self-Publishing Your Book

Traditional publishers’ terms and conditions have become unsustainable. This is the biggest reason why many writers are switching to self-publishing methods. A 2022 report revealed that over 300 million self-published books are made available in the market each year, valued at a combined cost of $1.25 billion. This data corresponds to a 264% increase in sales from 2017 to 2022. In addition, the self-publishing market is expected to grow at 17% CAGR per year, contrary to the traditional market’s 1% CAGR per year.

Here are some tips to help you self-publish your book the right way. 

Professional Editing

For your book to be successful, it is wise to have it edited by a professional with extensive experience in the industry. They will review your script for consistency, flow, and language. They will also make appropriate suggestions and send revisions until everything looks perfect. 

Manuscript Appraisal and Critique

Once you have a rough idea and outline for your book, a developmental editor will look at it through the big-picture lens. Is this something that will sell? What is the audience that you want to target? Does the concept align well with your long-term goals? Do your arguments line up?

Once you complete your manuscript, a structural editor will assess it for the stability of your story’s foundation and the structure’s quality. 

Content Editing

A substantiative editor will look for paragraph-level corrections in your manuscript. They will also assess whether the tone appeals to the targeted audience based on age and interest. After that, a comprehensive editor will assess smaller details like sentence fragments. They help you elaborate meaning and eliminate unnecessary jargon cluttering your work. Finally, a copyeditor will take it upon themselves to look for grammatical, vocabulary, and punctuation mistakes.

Proofreading

This is the final step. A proofreader will review formatting, illustration placement, and page numbering once the rest of the mistakes are all accounted for.

Cover Design

Books are widely judged by their covers. An attractive cover design prompts a buyer to pick up a book among hundreds of others at a bookstore. Getting a cover designed that reflects your book’s genre and content is essential. On top of that, make sure that it is eye-catching and professional. You can do it yourself if you are confident in your design skills. If not, get a professional cover designer to the rescue. You can explain precisely what you envision and let them make suggestions to elevate it further.

Obtaining an ISBN

An International Standard Book Number is a one-of-a-kind identifier that helps identify books and their respective editions. It’s necessary to purchase an ISBN for your self-published book for the following reasons:

• It helps identify your book in the market, making it easier for booksellers, libraries, and readers to locate and purchase it.
• It helps provide necessary metadata about your book, such as the author, title, publisher, and publication date. This information is important for online book retailers and libraries, as it helps them categorize and index it on their platforms. 
• ISBNs are necessary for global reach, and having one makes your book available for sale internationally.

Smart Marketing Strategy

Marketing is crucial for any self-published book to reach its potential readership. Remember, marketing is an ongoing process, and you must stay active and consistent in your efforts to promote your work. Keep experimenting with different strategies, track your results, and adjust your tactics as needed.

Connect with readers

Build an author platform by establishing a social media presence, creating a website, or starting a blog to showcase your previously published and upcoming work.

Construct an email list of interested readers and send them regular updates about your book’s progress, launch events, and promotions.

Offer Discounts and Free Content 

Share free samples of your writing, such as teasers, a few chapters, a short story, or a blog post, to give readers a taste of your writing style and encourage them to buy your book.

Consider offering limited-time discounts, bundle deals, or promotions to entice readers to buy your book.

Leverage book reviews

Reach out to reviewers and book bloggers in your niche and offer them a free copy of your book in exchange for an honest review. Positive reviews help increase your book’s visibility and credibility.

You may also partner with influencers in your genre, such as podcasters and bloggers, and offer them a free copy in exchange for a shoutout or a review.

Use Amazon Advertising

Amazon Advertising is a powerful tool to reach potential readers searching for books in your genre. Consider running targeted ads to promote your book.

Reliable Distribution

It is important to ensure that your book is available through various online and offline retailers and channels. Reliable distribution can help you do just that. It helps your book reach a wider audience and makes it available for purchase as soon as it’s published by taking advantage of strong marketing windows. It also helps improve discoverability, handle logistics, and track royalties efficiently. 

It is vital that before you sign a contract with a distributor, you check their reputations and the certifications they have. Usually, the ones by Better Business Bureau (BBB) are a sound proof of reliability. 

Conclusion

Self-publishing a book can be an exciting and rewarding experience. At the same time, it may be challenging and overwhelming. However, with the right approach, anyone can turn their dream of publishing a book into a reality. Remember, the most important thing is to believe in yourself and your work and stay committed throughout the process. So, go ahead and take your first step towards self-publishing your book, and who knows, it might just be the start of a successful writing career!