How to Self-Publish a Book in 2025: A Beginner’s Guide to Success

Learning how to self-publish a book is one of the best things you can do for yourself as a writer. Self-publishing is taking the book world by storm…so what is self-publishing exactly?

If you’re a writer researching how to self-publish a book, you’re taking the right step by weighing all of your publishing options.

Self-publishing has become a household term for writers and authors all around the world, thanks to technology.

Being a writer in today’s digital age means you have more options than ever on how to become an author—and learning how to self-publish a book is among the best for those who want full creative control over their work.

What’s the big deal, you ask? Well, until recently, writers didn’t have much of an option outside of traditional publishing if they wanted to write a book.

The problem with traditional publishing is that it’s insanely competitive, and there are a lot of hoops to jump through to even have a chance at getting your book accepted by a traditional publishing house.

But now, the game is changing, and it’s never been easier for writers to learn how to self-publish a book.

In this comprehensive beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through all the points you need to know about how to self-publish a book on your own. Of course, before you learn how to self-publish a book, let’s make sure you understand a bit about what self-publishing is.

What is self-publishing?

Self-publishing is the act of publishing media yourself without the use of a publishing house or company. Self-publishing is commonly referred to in the author and book publishing industry, but people can self-publish other works of art, such as music and visual art.

In terms of self-publishing a book, an author writes a book and completes the entire publishing process themselves, such as editing, designing, and formatting the book without the aid of a traditional publishing company.

An author who learns how to self-publish a book typically has complete creative control, higher book royalty rates, and full autonomy over the publishing process.

To self-publish, an author will publish a book at their own expense using a self-publishing platform, such as Amazon KDP, and typically maintains full rights to the book.

In short: When you learn how to self-publish a book, you will oversee the entire book writing and production process, from start to finish, at your own expense, and with full ownership of your book rights.

Here are the steps on how to self-publish a book:

• Write the book
• Self-edit the book
• Professionally edit the book
• Format the book
• Get illustrations (if you’re writing a children’s book)
• Get a book cover design
• Market the book
• Keep up with book maintenance
• Work with a self-publishing company if you so choose

You may feel a little overwhelmed looking at the steps for how to self-publish a book, but don’t worry! You don’t actually have to do all of those tasks yourself, but rather you will oversee and fund the process.

Because the entire book writing and production process is your responsibility when you learn how to self-publish a book, it’s important to make room in your publishing budget to hire professionals for the services you need, such as book editing and cover design.

The history of publishing

Now that you know what self-publishing is, it’s important to realize that authors weren’t always able to publish a book on their own.

Let’s embark on a quick journey through the history of publishing, which can help you understand how self-publishing is revolutionizing the modern author’s journey.

The printing press was created in 1440, which was a breakthrough technology in making books widely distributed. Thus, the traditional publishing industry as we know it came to be.

In the past and even still today, traditional publishers bought certain rights from the author in order to publish the work.

However, this took the power away from the storyteller, since the traditional publishers served as a “gatekeeper” – ultimately deciding which books would be widely shared, and which would not.

But along came the digital revolution. As with many aspects of our society, the internet revolutionized many industries, including publishing.

The rise of self-publishing

• Step 1.0: This phase began in the 1990s when eBooks began to be sold online. During this time, desktop publishing and print-on-demand technology came to be.
  
• Step 2.0: In 2007, Amazon launched the Kindle eReader and Apple released the iPhone. These two devices changed how people read books.
  
• Step 3.0: The industry is headed towards this third wave, which is characterized by direct sales from author to reader. We’ll cover more about this in a later section.

Self-publishing a book today

Today, writers can use powerful technology and the internet to learn how to self-publish a book and share their stories with a global readership.

Traditional publishers no longer control the storyteller’s narrative.

The only one that decides when to write and publish a story is the author themselves.

In fact, the $1 billion self-publishing market is evidence that it’s become the first choice for many authors.

With today’s growing industry, the road to being a self-published author has widened considerably.

How to self-publish a book in 10 simple steps

Successfully learning how to self-publish a book on your own can be a time-consuming process, but it’s usually a lot quicker than the traditional publishing route.

While it does require time and effort, the good news is that the self-publishing method can be pretty clear-cut.

Here are the basic steps for how to self-publish a book:

1. Write a book

There’s really no shortcut here. Before you can publish, you need a finished manuscript. That might sound obvious, but it’s easy to get caught up dreaming about cover designs and marketing before you’ve actually written “The End.” So start by focusing on the writing itself.

Find a routine that works for you. Maybe you write early in the morning with coffee, or maybe you’re a night owl who gets creative after everyone else is asleep. The key is consistency. Even a few hundred words a day adds up faster than you think.

Don’t worry about perfection in your first draft. Just get the story down. You can always revise later, but you can’t edit a blank page. Give yourself permission to write badly at first. That’s how every great book starts – messy, raw, and full of potential.

Once you’ve got that rough draft, take a break before revising. A little distance helps you see what’s working and what’s not. Then, go through your manuscript with fresh eyes. Tighten your prose, fix plot holes, and make sure your characters feel real.

Writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate small milestones along the way, like finishing a chapter, hitting your word count, or finally figuring out that tricky ending. Each step gets you closer to holding your own book in your hands.

2. Choose a title for your book

Your book’s title is the first impression readers get, so make it count. A great title grabs attention, sparks curiosity, and hints at what’s inside. Think of it as your book’s handshake. It should feel confident and memorable.

Start by brainstorming. Write down every idea that pops into your head, even the weird ones. Sometimes the best titles come out of a messy list of bad ones. Play with words, tone, and rhythm. Short titles can be punchy and powerful, while longer ones can sound mysterious or poetic.

Do some research before you fall in love with a title. Check Amazon and Goodreads to make sure it isn’t already taken or too similar to something else in your genre. You don’t want readers confusing your work with someone else’s.

Think about your audience, too. What kind of titles grab their attention? A thriller might call for something sharp and suspenseful, while a romance could lean toward something emotional or dreamy. The title should match the mood of your book and appeal to the readers you want to attract.

If you’re stuck, don’t stress. You might try a book title generator if you aren’t sure how to write book titles, or even ask friends or beta readers for their reactions to your ideas. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes will catch the one that truly stands out.

Once you’ve narrowed it down, say it out loud. Picture it on a cover. Does it feel right? Does it sound like your book? When the answer’s yes, you’ll know you’ve found your title.

3. Hire a book editor

Even the best writers need editors. When you’ve spent weeks or months living inside your story, it’s almost impossible to see it clearly anymore. You know what you meant to say, which means your brain fills in the gaps when something’s missing or unclear. A professional book editor comes in with fresh eyes and helps make your book the best version of itself.

There are different kinds of editors, so it helps to know what you need. A developmental editor looks at the big picture, such as story structure, pacing, character arcs, and overall flow. A copy editor focuses on grammar, style, and consistency. And a proofreader catches those last pesky typos before your book goes to print. Depending on your budget, you might work with one or more types of editors.

When hiring an editor, do your homework. Look for someone who has experience in your genre and who understands your writing style. Most editors will offer a sample edit, which gives you a feel for their approach and whether your personalities click. Editing is a collaboration, so you want someone who gives honest feedback while respecting your voice.

Yes, it’s an investment, but it’s worth it. A good editor won’t just fix mistakes; they’ll help you see your book from the reader’s perspective. They’ll point out plot holes you missed, tighten up your dialogue, and make sure your story shines.

And remember, editing isn’t personal. Every author, from beginners to bestsellers, goes through this stage. So take a deep breath, stay open to feedback, and know that each round of edits brings you one step closer to a polished, publish-ready book.

4. Finalize your manuscript

This is the stage where your book starts feeling real. After all those rounds of edits, you’re getting close to the finish line. But before you hit “publish,” you need to make sure your manuscript is as polished and professional as possible.

You’ll probably go through several rounds of feedback. Each pass will bring new tweaks and improvements. It can feel repetitive, but every little fix adds up to a smoother, cleaner reading experience.

Don’t rush this step. Take the time to review your editor’s notes carefully. Some changes will be easy to accept, while others might make you pause. When in doubt, read sections out loud. You’ll be surprised how often awkward phrasing or missing words jump out when you hear them instead of just seeing them.

And yes, it can be tiring. By this point, you’ve read your manuscript so many times that you might be sick of it, but hang in there. This is your last chance to catch those tiny mistakes and make sure every word feels right.

When you finally reach that moment where you can’t find anything else to fix, celebrate. That means your book is done. You’ve built something from the ground up, and now it’s ready to go out into the world.

5. Hire a book cover designer

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but let’s be honest, everyone does. Your cover is the first thing readers see, and it can make or break their decision to click “buy.” A professionally designed cover signals quality and gives your book the best possible chance to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

If you’re not a designer yourself, it’s worth hiring someone who knows what they’re doing. A great book cover designer understands color theory, typography, and visual storytelling. They’ll know how to capture the mood of your story and appeal to readers in your genre. A thriller cover needs to feel intense and bold, while a romance cover should evoke warmth and emotion.

Start by gathering ideas. Browse Amazon or your favorite bookstore and note which covers grab your attention. What colors, fonts, and layouts do you see repeated in your genre? Share this research with your designer so they have a clear sense of what you like.

When choosing a designer, look for someone with experience creating covers in your genre. Check out their portfolio, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about their process. Many designers offer multiple concepts and revisions, so you can fine-tune the look until it feels just right.

Your cover should look great both as a full-size print and as a small thumbnail on a website. Most readers will first see it online, so it needs to pop even at a glance. Strong, readable text and a clear visual focal point can make all the difference.

Investing in a professional cover might feel like a splurge, but it’s one of the smartest moves you can make. A striking, well-designed cover gives your book instant credibility and helps it stand out from the rest. After all, your story deserves a cover that does it justice.

6. Decide where to self-publish your book

Now that your book is ready to go, it’s time to decide where you want to publish it. There are several great self-publishing platforms out there, and each one comes with its own perks and royalty setup. Picking the right one depends on your goals, budget, and how widely you want your book distributed.

The most popular choice is Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). It’s user-friendly, free to use, and gives you access to the largest online bookstore in the world. You can publish both eBooks and paperbacks through KDP, and your book can reach readers across multiple countries with just a few clicks. It’s hard to beat that kind of visibility.

If you want to branch out beyond Amazon, you’ve got other solid options like Apple Books, Kobo Writing Life, and Barnes & Noble Press. These platforms are especially useful if you’re targeting international readers or readers who prefer non-Amazon retailers. Some authors even use an aggregator like Draft2Digital or Smashwords, which distributes your book to multiple stores at once, saving you time and hassle.

This is also a good time to learn how to copyright a book if you haven’t already. In most places, your work is automatically protected the moment you write it, but registering your copyright adds an extra layer of legal protection and makes it easier to defend your rights if someone tries to use your material without permission.

Take some time to compare your options before uploading. Think about factors like royalties, distribution reach, ease of use, and whether you want your book available as both an eBook and a print edition.

7. Format & publish your book on the platform

Formatting is one of those behind-the-scenes steps that can make a huge difference in how professional your book looks. Imagine reading a story with uneven margins, inconsistent spacing, or a font that strains your eyes. It can be distracting and take readers out of the story. That’s why proper formatting is a must before hitting “publish.”

Start by choosing the right font and size. Most novels use simple, readable fonts like Times New Roman, Garamond, or Georgia in 11–12 point. Chapter headings should stand out but stay consistent throughout the book. Pay attention to line spacing, indentation, and paragraph breaks, so your pages feel comfortable to read.

There is plenty of book formatting software that you can use before letting a professional formatter take a pass at your manuscript. Programs like Vellum, Scrivener, or even Microsoft Word let you set up your manuscript for eBook and print formats. They can handle page breaks, headers, footers, and even generate a clickable table of contents for digital editions.

If that sounds overwhelming, you can always hire a professional formatter to give your manuscript a polished, ready-for-sale look.

Once your manuscript is formatted correctly, it’s time to upload it to your self-publishing platform. Most platforms have step-by-step guides to walk you through this. You’ll upload your manuscript, add your book cover, set pricing, and choose distribution options. Take your time here. Preview your book on multiple devices if possible to make sure it looks perfect on tablets, phones, and eReaders.

8. Plan and launch your book marketing campaign

Publishing your book is just the beginning. If you want people to actually read it, you need a marketing plan. The good news is that marketing can be fun! Think of it as sharing your story with the world rather than just selling a product.

Start by identifying your target audience. Who are the readers most likely to fall in love with your book? Knowing your audience will guide every decision, from social media posts to email newsletters and even your book cover design.

Create a pre-launch buzz. This can include sharing snippets of your manuscript, teaser graphics, or behind-the-scenes photos of your writing process. You can also offer advanced reader copies (ARCs) to beta readers or book bloggers. Their reviews and social media posts can build excitement leading up to your launch day.

On launch day, make it a big event. Schedule posts across social media platforms, reach out to friends, family, and followers, and consider doing a virtual book launch party. Even small gestures like hosting a giveaway or running a limited-time discount can draw attention and encourage people to buy your book.

Don’t stop after launch. Marketing is ongoing. Keep your readers engaged with newsletters, blog posts, social media updates, or even bonus content related to your book. Reviews, interviews, podcasts, and guest blog posts can also help keep your book visible long after it first goes live.

If book marketing feels intimidating, a self-publishing company or book marketing professional can guide you. They can help with strategies like email campaigns, social media planning, and advertising, making sure your book gets in front of the right eyes without overwhelming you.

9. Price your book

Now it’s time to price your book. When learning how to self-publish a book, you should think of the price based on format, genre, and publishing goals. Take a look at some similar books and how they are priced. You may also want to offer a lower price for a limited time during pre-sale or launch to get some early reviews.

10. Continue to promote, market, and distribute your book

Book marketing never ends. If you want to keep making sales, you should keep promoting your book! When you run out of ideas, you can always write another book or create a special edition to market.

Remember, this is a condensed process of how to self-publish a book. You’ll want to educate yourself on the best process for each step to avoid making publishing mistakes.

And you’ll notice that many of the steps involved can be tailored to your specific situation.

For example, you can hire a book cover designer, or with the right tools and skills, you can make your own.

It’s important to dive deep into each step when you are working through the process of how to self-publish a book.

If you aren’t sure how to do a lot of the steps above, that’s okay! A self-publishing company can help you.

What are self-publishing companies?

A self-publishing company helps authors learn how to self-publish a book through the use of technology, services, education, and other means.

Self-publishing companies are mostly for-profit, and depending on the type of services offered, can assist authors and writers in using a publishing platform, helping with editing and other publication services, and assistance with navigating the publishing process and industry.

These are the main types of self-publishing companies:

• Self-publishing platform: This is the actual medium that you will publish your book on, which we’ll explain more about later.
  
• Author services: These are companies that provide author services such as editing, formatting, and designing. They’re like a one-stop shop for book publishing services, such as Reedsy. It can also include tools, like Publisher Rocket. Please do your research before using these types of services since many can lack transparency and quality.
  
• Self-publishing education: These are companies that teach authors how to self-publish a book. Since successful self-publishing can be tricky to navigate, these companies exist to provide authors with learning resources and mentorship. Self-Publishing School, Self-Publishing 101, and Your First 10K Readers all offer guidance if you want to do it yourself, but need a bit of hand-holding.

Self-Publishing Company Type	Services Offered	Example
Self-Publishing Platform	Publishes & prints books	KDP, IngramSpark
Author Services	Editing, designing, formatting, etc.	Reedsy
Self-Publish Education (now with author services too)	Teach authors to self-publish	Self-Publishing School

Traditional publishing vs self-publishing

It’s important to understand the differences between self-publishing vs traditional publishing as you determine how to navigate your own author career.

In order to see the big picture and decide whether you want to learn how to self-publish a book, taking an in-depth look at what exactly each publishing type entails is crucial.

What is traditional publishing?

In traditional publishing, you first need to land an agent, which can be a very competitive and time-consuming process, with no guarantees.

Once you have an agent, you need to find a publisher to accept your manuscript, which is also a very competitive and lengthy process (and again, no guarantees).

Then, the publisher will offer you a contract that essentially buys the rights to your book.

The publisher will take care of the publishing process from editing, formatting, and designing. You earn royalties based on how many books sell.

Here are the steps to traditionally publish a book:

• Secure an agent with a query letter.
  
• Secure a publisher with your manuscript.
  
• Agree to the publishing contract (if offered).
  
• Publisher buys the rights to your book and publishes your book at no upfront expense to you (the author).

Pros of traditional publishing

• Fewer upfront costs for the author. Since the publisher handles the production expenses, the author doesn’t worry about paying directly out-of-pocket so the cost to publish a book is less.
  
• Social prestige.  Having publishing connections means your book will be easier to get into major bookstores. It can also be validating for some authors.
  
• Fewer responsibilities. You write the book, and let the publisher deal with the rest (ideally).

Cons of traditional publishing

• Extremely competitive. The chances of being traditionally published are very slim, and it’s very challenging to be accepted by a publisher.
  
• Less earnings. Royalty rates are often significantly less for authors in traditional publishing.
  
• A ton of rejection. To even be considered by an agent or publisher nowadays, writers often must have a social following or fan base.
  
• Not much marketing support. The publishers handle the actual book publishing, but marketing is often left up to the author.
  
• Less creative control. Authors typically don’t have any say-so in the final product. So, your book may be edited and designed without your input.

Pros and cons of self-publishing

To recap self-publishing, it goes something like this: You learn how to write a book, you write it, and then have the book edited, formatted, and designed.

Then, you have a printer or publishing platform publish your book, while you market the book and do book maintenance.

When you learn how to self-publish a book, it can be rewarding for a number of reasons. In fact, many self-published authors chose this route simply because of its many benefits.

However, there are also some cons to publishing a book on your own, which we highlight in this section. It’s important to be mindful of the possible advantages and disadvantages as you decide whether or not to learn how to self-publish a book.

Pros to self-publishing	Cons to self-publishing
No gatekeeper	Less support
Your own timeline	No one is pushing you
Complete creative control	More upfront costs
Greater earning potential	Stigma
Higher royalty rates	More responsibilities

Pros of self-publishing

• No gatekeeper. There isn’t anyone standing in your way of getting your book published. The only person that can stop you from sharing your book with the world is YOU!
  
• Your own timeline. Authors who learn how to self-publish a book can get their book to market quicker than with the traditional publishing process.
  
• Complete creative control. You have the final say in how you want your book to be edited, formatted, and designed.
  
• Opportunity for greater earning potential. Royalty rates on publishing platforms like Amazon are significantly higher than traditional publishing rates.

For some authors, learning how to self-publish a book can have its downsides. Be sure to consider your own needs and preferences as you weigh the possible cons.

Cons of self-publishing

• Less support. It’s all in your hands, which can be very scary for some authors. Learning how to self-publish a book also be lonely without a supportive community.
  
• No one is pushing you. It’s up to you to set your own deadlines, make realistic writing goals, and get the ball rolling on your published book.
  
• More upfront costs. When learning how to self-publish a book, you may have to hire professionals for publishing services like editing and designing.
  
• Some stigma. Because traditional publishing has been the standard for so long, self-published authors are sometimes considered the underdog. But the tide is changing. We’re seeing waves of successful authors who were traditionally published switch over to self-publishing, like Michael Hyatt, Ruth Soukup, and more. They’re realizing they can invest in professional services to produce high-quality books and they can leverage their own platforms to sell more books at a higher royalty rate.

If you’re curious to know whether traditional publishing or self-publishing has greater earning potential, try using our Book Royalties Calculator! It may help you determine if you want to learn how to self-publish a book.

How much does it cost to self-publish a book?

Since the author oversees all aspects of the process, the costs to self-publish a book will vary. You can self-publish a book for as little, or as much money as you can afford.

On average, the costs to self-publish a quality book will be about $1,500 – $5,000 depending on the professional services you use during the publishing process.

Many platforms to self-publish are actually free, but where the costs accrue is during the editing, illustrating, designing, and marketing phases.

Several factors affect how much it costs to self-publish and it really depends on each author’s needs.

This means that you can determine the budget when learning how to self-publish a book. Just remember – don’t cut too many corners as this could negatively affect your book’s quality!

The actual cost to publish a book yourself is free on self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).

But at the minimum, authors need to hire a professional editor and cover designer.

For example, the table below covers the average cost of common professional services used to self-publish a book.

Professional Publishing Service	Average Cost
Book Editing	$300 to $5000 (depending on word count)
Book Formatting	$50 to $500
Book Interior Design	$100 to $1,000
Cover Design	$250 to $1,000
Marketing Promotion	$0 to $1,000

Again, it all falls back on you as the author, and what your motive is for publishing your book.

Are you looking to build a career? Then you’ll want to invest in hiring experienced professionals that can provide the best quality, this may include investing in a self-publishing company, like Self-Publishing School, to help you do it right.

Other services you may need to budget for as you consider how to self-publish a book are marketing tools and promotional sites to promote your book.

You can use this Book Profit Calculator to determine how much you can make off your book based on your book price and royalty fees.

Where to self-publish your book

Because there are many platforms to publish your book available, it can be confusing to decide which self-publishing company to actually choose.

However, there are some self-publishing platforms that offer services that you may or not may need. Not every platform is the same, so once you have a solid understanding of the type of services you seek from your publishing company, the easier it will be to narrow down the options and decide where to publish your book.

First off, you’ll need to know the two different types of platforms: retailers and aggregators, which have some overlap in services they offer, but there are some fundamental differences as well, which we’ll cover below.

Tips on where to self-publish your book

• Decide between a retailer or aggregator company
• Determine your publishing budget
• Choose the type of book you want to publish
• Select the best publishing platform based on your region
• Figure out which markets you want to reach
• Decide your end goal for publishing
• Research company reviews
• Determine your technical skills and if you will need more assistance

Self-publishing retailers

Book retailers are platforms that host and sell your book directly. With a retailer, you will upload your book and it will sell directly to readers on the platform. Examples are Amazon’s KDP, Apple’s iBooks, and Kobo.

• Amazon’s KDP has the most retail power. It dominates the self-publishing market with over 80% of the eBook market. When considering where to self-publish, KDP is a must. You will get paid 35% or 70% royalty rates, depending on which you choose.
  
• Apple’s iBooks is steadily gaining more traction for self-publishing. It’s reported to have 10% of the market. If you use a Mac, this could be an option on where to self-publish. You will be paid 70% royalty rates.
  
• Kobo holds a small but powerful percentage of the self-publishing sphere. But it has access to an international market, so don’t pass it up! To have your book available in Canada and over 190 countries, consider Kobo when figuring out where to publish. Royalty rates depend on the price of your book.

Aggregators

Book aggregators are mediums that you submit your book to, and they send it to retailers and libraries all at once. While it may be more convenient so you don’t have to figure out where to self-publish, the cost to use these companies may be higher.

These are examples of self-publishing book aggregators:

• Smashwords
• Draft2Digital
• PublishDrive
• Lulu
• BookBaby

Decide where to self-publish your book after assessing which markets you want to reach, as well as your budget and needs. Some authors even use a combination of retailers and aggregators when learning how to self-publish a book.

Self-publishing industry trends in 2025 and beyond

All this talk about the past and the present, but what about the future?

It’s safe to say that self-publishing is not a fad – it’s here to stay as long as the internet is around, and will only continue to evolve.

In fact, the industry is now entering Self-Publishing 3.0. This phase will be direct sales from author to reader by way of subscription models, crowdsourced funding, and other income streams.

Self-publishing trends focus on the increased opportunities for authors to use technology and the internet to build sustainable businesses and writing careers.

Some forecasted industry trends for self-publishing are:

• Direct author to reader without any middleman
• The rise of the “authorpreneur” and indie authors
• Blockchain technology
• Decline of major publishers
• Expanded eBook subscriptions
• Less stigma
• Voice marketing as a new avenue for authors
• Increase in self-published books in the retail world

A clear best choice for aspiring authors

Learning how to self-publish a book allows you to publish your writing and share your stories with the world.

If you can make time for writing, execute a publishing strategy, and invest in the quality of your book, you can create a legacy from your book.

Whether you want to write a nonfiction book, write a novel, or create a children’s picture book, the options for publishing a book on your own are virtually limitless.

In fact, you don’t even have to pass through the traditional publishing gatekeeper to become an author.

Today, writers and storytellers are more empowered than they ever have been in history.

If you need help with self-publishing your book, the team at self-publishing.com is here to assist you every step of the way. With one-on-one coaching, 5 rounds of editing, professional book cover designers, a book marketing team, and more, we can help you turn your dream book idea in to a best-selling reality.