How to Publish a Book Yourself

Are you a “closet writer” who dreams of learning how to publish a book yourself—but don’t have time or know-how?

Learn How to Publish a Book Yourself

The intriguing subject of how to publish a book yourself is covered in this article. Energetic self-published authors are creating bestsellers with digital publishing and earning real incomes – even millions. Publishing a book, once out of reach of ordinary people, can now be accomplished professionally and affordably with digital publishing.

When publishing a book yourself, you will embark on a challenging, transformative journey. Writing your innermost thoughts and creativity on paper for all the world to see can be an intimidating event. In this process, you must overcome personal fears and vulnerabilities.

Book Publishing Has Changed

Self-publishing, also known as independent publishing, is fast and easy–and can be professionally done. Once we overcome technological challenges and adhere to publishing protocol, independent publishing can be a dream. Yet, the learning curve can be a nightmare–perhaps one you choose to bypass.

Vanity Publishing or Independent Publishing?

Recently, self-publishing was arrogantly labeled as vanity publishing by those leading the publishing industry. The scholarly culture associated with traditional publishing took on a superior air. If they decided not to publish your book, the general attitude toward independent publishing was, “how dare you publish without going through us!” In the past, traditional publishing houses regarded those with the confidence and resources to print their own book, as inferior, or even desperate and vain — thus the term, vanity publishing.

Main Phases of Writing a Book

With digital publishing and print on demand, you no longer need to be a scholar or celebrity to publish a book. However, before you do, the first step is to write the book. Although this may seem like a daunting task, writing a book is easier than you think.
As a publishing coach, I have worked with many beginners. Most writers become stuck at some point — this is normal. Experiencing the “stuck point” does not mean you are a bad writer. However, that “stuck point” may perpetuate procrastination of publishing your book. Most often, something simple that you do not know or understand is preventing you from moving forward.
Once writers overcome the “stuck point,” they often speed through the remaining steps and publish quickly. Review the steps below to start your self-publishing journey.

The Art & Craft of Writing a Book

Consider the two phases for writing a book — the craft and the art. The craft involves editing, grammar, proofreading, and copy editing. The art is your story and how you tell it. What you have to say (the art) is more important than how you say it (the craft).

The craft: learn or hire the craft. Speak your story into a recorder, transcribe it to a Word document, and hand it to a graphic artist to design your book.
The art: tell your story unabashedly, leaving the craft behind.

Let it Flow

Forget about spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Enjoy the process, and write consistently. Again, what you have to say is more important than how you say it. Editors, proofreaders, and copy edits can be hired, but your story is original.

Be Present When Writing

To practice your writing skills daily, envision a story from your day and write it.

Play the Game

If you want to write like a pro, expect that you will need to practice, practice, and practice.

Dump Perfectionism

Finish the race. As a writer, your aim is to tell your story. Editors, proofreaders, and designers will polish the writing.

What Are the Parts of a Book?

You have written your manuscript. But suddenly realize you do not know the parts of a book and where they belong. You have edited the book; or hired a professional content editor to assure that your content is consistent, makes sense, and flows well. You have decided to skip the process of being rejected by a traditional publisher, and you are on the self-publishing path.
Great! You have created your book cover, author bio, synopsis, and sales pitch on the back cover; even included an ISBN number. You have started an account with a print-on-demand company and are ready to prepare the interior of your book for print. You are on the right track.
But wait. This is where learning how to self-publish a book yourself gets tricky. You can’t just start this book with Chapter One! What are the parts of a book? Here is a quick guide to what belongs in a standard book:

#1 FRONT MATTER

Blank page, praise page, title page, epigraph page, copyright page, half-title page, foreword, introduction, preface, dedication acknowledgments, list of illustrations, and more.

#2 BOOK BODY

The narrative part of the book, section or divider pages, headers that define each chapter, author name, name of the book, page numbers, and design elements.

#3 BACK MATTER

Includes endnotes or footnotes, index, appendix, resource section, notes, About the Author, Other Books by the Author, and a final blank page.
Remember, not all books will include all of these sections. There are no hard and fast rules, and you may want to refer to a style guide for a more accurate interior outline.

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