You don’t need a big publisher to put your book in people’s hands. You need a plan, and the discipline to follow it. Here’s the exact path I follow, from first draft to first sale. here is the general idea of getting your book self-published.
1. Finish the writing
Get the full draft done before you worry about anything else. Covers, prices and marketing can wait. Write one chapter at a time, and keep each chapter focused on one main idea. Use microsoft and then a PDF format like Acrobat.
2. Get it edited
Have someone else check it. A friend can catch spelling slips, but a paid editor makes it read like a real book. This is the step most people skip, and it’s what separates a professional book from a homemade one. Some AI applications like Claude, ChatGPT, and Grammarly can assit you in editing pay a little money and get your book done.
3. Lay out the pages
This is called formatting: page size, fonts, margins and where each chapter starts. Free tools like Reedsy Studio or Atticus can do it, or you can pay a formatter. You’ll need two versions: a print file (PDF) and an ebook file (EPUB).
4. Make the cover
People do judge a book by its cover, so make it count. Keep it clean, bold and true to your brand. You need a front cover for the ebook and a full wrap (front, spine and back) for print. Your printer will give you the exact size once you know your page count. Some AI like ChatGPT and Claude can create a book cover for you.
5. Get an ISBN
An ISBN is your book’s ID number, used by bookstores and libraries. Many print services give you one free, but then they’re listed as the publisher. If you want your own name or company listed as the publisher, buy your own ISBN from Bowker (myidentifiers.com in the US). If you’re building a brand, own it. A lot of self-publishing companies Like Amazon and Lulu will provide a free ISBN number before publishing.
6. Upload and order a proof
Upload your print file and cover to a print-on-demand service like Lulu or Amazon KDP. Choose your size, paper and binding. Then order one proof copy and hold it in your hands before you sell a single book. Fix anything that looks off.
7. Choose where to sell
- Your own website: you keep the most profit and own the customer relationship. Print-on-demand services can print and ship each order for you.
- Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other stores: more people can find you, but you make less per copy.
- Ebook: sell a digital copy alongside the print version. No printing, no shipping.
8. Launch it
A book doesn’t sell itself. Tell your story on social media, email your list, write about it, and get in front of people at events. Selling copies in person is one of the fastest ways to build momentum.
The bottom line
Two things make you look like a real publisher fast: a proof copy before you sell, and your own ISBN. Don’t skip editing. Do the work in order, and your book will stand next to anything a big publisher puts out.
Turning what you know into a book is one of the best ways to turn your skills into income. If you want help taking that step, reach out at contact@tonymccabe.com.
— Tony McCabe