So you’re thinking about writing a book and self publishing it? First of all,amazing choice. Seriously.
It’s a wild, rewarding ride. And I’m here to walk you through it, not like some distant expert, but more like a friend who’s done it (and learned a lot of lessons the slightly painful way so you don’t have to).
Let’s dive right in.
1. Writing + Self Publishing: The Power Combo
A lot of people think writing and self publishing are two totally separate beasts. But honestly? They’re more like dance partners. The smoother your writing process, the easier your publishing journey becomes. And the better you understand publishing, the smarter you’ll be about how you write (and finish!) your book.
Self publishing gives you control of your story, your voice and your schedule. No gatekeepers. No endless waiting for a publisher’s nod of approval. But it also means you are the project manager, the marketer, and the CEO of your book. (Don’t worry—it's way less scary once you know what to expect.)
2. The Process: From Blank Page to Published Book
Okay, let’s get practical. Here’s the high-level roadmap:
- Brainstorm + Plan: Before you write a single word, know what you’re writing and why. Are you teaching? Inspiring? Telling a story? Who’s your reader?
- Draft: Get the messy first draft out. Resist the urge to edit as you go. (Trust me. Editing a half-finished book = frustration spiral.)
- Revise + Edit: Multiple rounds. Ideally some time off between drafts so you can see your own words with fresh eyes.
- Professional Editing: Yes, even if you’re a good writer. A fresh set of professional eyes will catch what you can’t.
- Design: Your cover absolutely matters. People do judge a book by its cover. Also, format your book properly for Kindle, print, or wherever you’re publishing.
- Publishing Platform: Most self published authors start with Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)—but there are others like IngramSpark, too.
- Launch: Announce it, celebrate it, shout about it! (And yes, marketing is a whole topic of its own, but you don’t have to do it perfectly.)
3. Expert Tips: Navigating the Common Traps
I wish someone had sat me down and shared these early on, so here’s my attempt at saving you a few headaches:
- Don’t edit while drafting. It feels productive, but it’s a sneaky trap. Write first. Edit later.
- Set micro-deadlines. "Finish chapter 3 by next Friday" works way better than "finish my book someday."
- Budget for help. Editing, cover design, formatting...these aren't “extra” costs. They’re investments in your book’s quality.
- Don’t overthink your first book. Your first book doesn’t have to be your magnum opus. It’s your starting point. (And you’ll get better with every project.)
- Build your audience early. Even if it’s just a simple newsletter or Instagram page, having readers before you publish makes a world of difference.
4. Final Thoughts: You’re Closer Than You Think
Here’s the real truth:
The hardest part isn’t the publishing platforms, or the marketing tactics, or even the editing rounds.
It’s giving yourself permission to start—and to finish.
If you’ve got a story, an idea, or a message inside you, trust me: there’s someone out there who needs it.
And if you ever feel stuck or wonder if the creative struggle is even worth it, you might love this too: Creativity Is Absurd—Do It Anyway.
So start messy. Start scared if you have to. But start.
And if you ever need a pep talk, some insider tips, or just someone who gets it, you know where to find me.
Now go write that book. You've got this.
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