So, you’ve finished your manuscript.
Congratulations! You’ve made it a lot further than many authors who aspire to publish their books.
Now what?
It’s time to publish your book, but you’re not quite ready to go to print (or ebook) just yet. You’ll need to format the manuscript, edit and proofread it, choose a publishing method, design the cover and format the contents, create your book (either digitally or in print), then market and sell it.
This guide will take you through each step of how to publish your first book.
Every author needs an editor. A good editor can help you make sure your story and characters are consistent, your message is conveyed clearly, your writing is grammatically correct, and that there are no typos.
Once you’ve polished your manuscript as much as you can and have asked a friend or family member to read it, it’s time to contact an editor. Before you do, make sure you’ve formatted your manuscript for easy reading.
Standard manuscript formatting includes:
Once you’ve formatted your document, it’s time to find an editor. There are three levels of editing. Your book may need all three or just one.
Some editors will do all three, others will specialize in just one. Keep this in mind as you’re looking for an editor.
Need help finding an editor? Check out our guides:
There are two ways to publish your book:
Here’s a look at a few pros and cons of each method:
| Self-publishing | Publishing house |
| -No need to work through an agent -Shorter time to publish -Author has to foot the bill for printing costs -Author is in charge of their own marketing -Author is in charge of their own publicity and has more control in the process -Author keeps a larger share of the profits -Author has more say in the editing process | -Author has to work through an agent -Longer time to publish -Publisher foots the bill for printing costs -Marketing support comes from the publisher -Publisher supports publicity for the book, the author has less control over the process -Author keeps a smaller share of the profits -Author has less say in the editing process |
| Self-publishing | Publishing house |
| -Format your manuscript -Edit and polish your manuscript -Hire an editor and/or proofreader to do another pass -Choose a self-publishing partner –Choose a distribution partner –Hire a designer to design your book and its cover or take a stab at it yourself –Design your marketing and publicity plan -Send your book to print and/or create your ebook and/or audiobook files -Begin executing your marketing and publicity plan -Start selling your book -Continue your marketing and publicity campaign | -Edit and polish your manuscript -Pitch to literary agents -Your agent pitches to publishing houses -Your agent negotiates a deal with the editor who bought your manuscript -You and your editor edit the manuscript again -The publishing house designs the book and its cover with the author’s input -The publishing house designs a marketing and publicity strategy with the author’s input -The publisher sends the book to print -The publisher and author begin executing the marketing and publicity plan -The book is released and lands on bookstore shelves -The marketing and publicity campaigns continue |
| Estimated time to publish: 1–6 months | Estimated time to publish: 1–3 years |
Because the process of publishing a book through a traditional press can be long and tedious, we specialize in helping self-published authors. For those who choose to self-publish their book, the next step is to find a publishing partner.
There is no shortage of platforms where you can self-publish your book in print, in ebook format, or as an audiobook.
No matter what method you choose, you’ll need to consider: book design and artwork, your cut of the profits, how you’ll pay taxes on your earnings, how you’ll promote your book, and where you’ll sell it.
If you choose to print your book, consider the cost of printing and shipping, the quantity you’ll order (or if you’ll print on demand), paperback vs. hardback, book materials and design, distribution, and stocking it in local book stores.
For help on printing your own book, consult our guides:
Self-publishing an ebook is a faster, less expensive way to publish your book, and you won’t have to bother with distributing physical books. There are plenty of places to create an ebook.
Here are just a few:
Like ebooks, audiobooks are a quicker way to get your book into the market. You can read and record the audiobook yourself, or you can hire a professional reader to do it.
Here are some guides and tips on how to get it done:
After you’ve chosen your publishing method, it’s time to create beautiful artwork to support your book. Even if you choose the ebook or audiobook formats, you’ll need cover art to market the finished product. And depending on the type of manuscript you’ve written, you may also need interior artwork or illustrations.
If you choose to publish ebooks or print books, you’ll need to design the book interior. Nearly all self-publishing platforms will help you do this, but if you have a very specific design in mind that the platform doesn’t support, you can do it yourself using a program like Photoshop, InDesign, or Canva, or hire a book designer through a site like Reedsy, Fiverr, or Upwork.
Designing your own book? Check out our tips: How to Create a Best-Selling Cover
You’ve made it to the most exciting part of being a published author: promoting and selling your book.
As a self-published author, you’re in charge of promoting your book. The good news is, the process can be easy (and fun!) and you’ll have total control over your campaign.
A basic book marketing plan might include:
More guides and tips for marketing your book:
Do your research on the store you’re pitching to. Not all stores sell children’s books, others sell nothing but. Some stores specialize in specific genres, like The Ripped Bodice in Culver City, CA, which stocks only romance novels. Before you call, email, or show up with book in hand, make sure you know what they carry and who their customers are.
Note that some book stores will sell ebooks and audiobooks too!
Most independent bookstores have a section for local authors and love to support the local literary community. Starting with local bookstores is a great way to build your list of stockists, which you can use to sell your book in the broader market.
Don’t limit your local search to stores only in your city, reach out to independent book sellers in your state—that’s local too.
Email, call, or show up in the store and ask to speak to a manager or buyer about selling your book. You should provide:
Give them time to consider your book—about two weeks—then follow up. Offer to provide more information or meet with them about stocking and promoting the book.
Local bookstores need foot traffic and customers, and you can help them bring it in. Offer to give a reading or host a book signing event in their store or online. To make it worth your while—and theirs—lend a hand in promoting the event. This is where your handy marketing plan comes in. If you’re a new author with little or no readership, team up with other authors to give a reading.
Don’t stop at bookstores. Reach out to your local branch as well: How to Get Your Self-Published Book into Libraries
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There is so much to do. Thank you for the helpful hints. Becoming a first time author is exciting and nerve wracking at the same time.