Self-publishing your first book is an exciting mix of courage, creativity, and a whole lot of figuring-it-out-as-you-go. I know because I’ve been there. Whether you’ve written a memoir, a novel, or a how-to guide, hitting “publish” on your story can be one of the most empowering moments of your life—but it also comes with plenty of “What now?” questions.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to self-publishing your book that breaks it down to help you navigate the self-publishing process, without feeling overwhelmed.
TLDR? Download my step-by-step guide to self-publishing your first book here.
Step 1: Finish Your Manuscript
I know, this sounds obvious—but it’s worth stating: your book needs to be complete before you move on to anything else. And I don’t mean just written. I mean revised, reread, possibly workshopped, and at a place where you’re proud of it. Even if it still needs editing (and it will), get it as polished as you can before bringing in outside help.
Step 2: Invest in Editing
No one can edit their own book perfectly—we’re all too close to our words. Depending on your budget, you may choose a professional editor for developmental edits, copy editing, or proofreading—or a combination of all three. At the very least, get a second (and third) pair of eyes on your manuscript. Tools like Grammarly and AutoCrit can help, but nothing replaces a human editor’s touch.
Step 3: Format for Ebook and Print
This step tripped me up more than once. Formatting your book for Kindle, other ebook platforms, and print-on-demand services like Amazon KDP or Barnes & Noble Press requires a little technical know-how. Fortunately, tools like Kindle Create make ebook formatting much easier, and Word templates or professional layout tools can help with print formatting.
Make sure your layout looks good across devices and print sizes—nothing pulls a reader out of the experience faster than awkward page breaks or weird fonts.
Step 4: Design Your Cover
People do judge books by their covers—especially on digital shelves. Your cover should not only look professional but also match your genre and speak to your audience. For my memoir, I combined visual inspiration from other memoirs, worked with a local designer, and shared personal touches like family photos and font choices to bring it all together.
Canva can be helpful for mockups or early drafts, but a professional designer is worth every penny if you want your book to stand out.
Step 5: Choose the Right Print-on-Demand Platform … For You
Amazon KDP is the easiest and most accessible platform for first-time indie authors, but it’s not your only option. IngramSpark offers wider distribution to bookstores and libraries, while Barnes & Noble Press is a solid secondary platform.
Be cautious with extended distribution and returns policies (especially with Ingram). And make sure you understand how ISBNs work before assigning one to your book—trust me on this one.
👉 Related blog post: How to Choose the Right Print-on-Demand Platform
Step 6: Upload Your Files and Set Up Metadata
Once your files are ready, you’ll upload your manuscript and cover to your chosen platform(s). You’ll also need to enter your book’s metadata—things like your author bio, book description, keywords, pricing, and categories. These details help your book get discovered and categorized properly.
Take your time here. Don’t rush through it. Strong metadata = better discoverability.
Step 7: Plan Your Launch Strategy
Publishing your book is only half the journey—the other half is getting people to read it. Start building your launch plan early. This might include:
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Collecting emails via a waitlist or freebie
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Creating social media content around your book
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Connecting with bloggers or bookstagrammers
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Setting up preorders (if your platform allows)
Even a simple plan makes a big difference. And remember—launching isn’t just one day. Think of it as a season.
Step 8: Celebrate & Keep Going
You did it! Your book is out in the world. But the journey doesn’t stop here. Now’s the time to keep sharing, keep marketing, and keep writing the next one. Every book builds momentum for the next.
And if this first one was messy, complicated, emotional, and thrilling—that means you did it right.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
At Mount Cooper Publishing, I help first-time authors self-publish with confidence. Whether you need help formatting your manuscript, designing a professional cover, setting up your KDP or IngramSpark account, or just figuring out your next step—I’ve got you. I’ve walked this road myself (missteps and all), and I want to make it smoother for you.
Download my free guide to Self-Publishing Checklist to keep your book on track from draft to launch!