Self-publishing requires several steps that you must complete before your book is ready for distribution. Once your book is ready to be published, you will need to format it, edit it, and create a high-quality book cover. The design of your book’s cover will be the first impression your readers have of your work. To get started, download our self publishing checklist, and begin the process of publishing your first book today. We’ll cover the essential self publishing requirements that you need to follow to create a high-quality book cover.
First, you’ll want to consider your target audience. Although most authors aim for the New York Times Bestseller List, the reality is that their dream is unlikely to come true. The number of books published every year is increasing rapidly and the competition for these bestsellers is fierce. It’s important to set realistic goals based on comparable books in your genre. Remember: publishing your book is a business, not a hobby. As long as you do it right, your book will sell well.
Second, your manuscript must be professionally edited and well-formatted. Lastly, you must have a beautiful cover to sell your book. If you’re not confident in these areas, consider hiring a professional to help you through the process. You can find professional help through B&N Press Self-Publishing Services. Ultimately, self-publishing allows you to reach a large audience with your book. This way, you’ll have the same exposure as a major publisher.
IngramSpark has tools for self-publishing, with built-in distribution features to over 40,000 libraries and retailers. Blurb provides digital software for layout and design. They also sell through Amazon, so their tools are ideal for a unique page-to-page design. Once your book is ready, you’ll need to format it. There are various services available for formatting your book. Choose the one that suits your style and budget.
Finally, you should determine how you’ll market your book. Although you’re unlikely to have the marketing expertise of a traditional publishing house, you should still consider how many people are likely to buy your book. Amazon is a popular platform for selling books, so it’s vital to test your sales channels on this platform to maximize your profits. You can also hire a graphic designer to design the book’s front and back covers. The cover is the most important part of a book, so make sure you have an attractive one.
Kindle Self-Publishing allows you to reach millions of readers on Amazon for free. By using Amazon’s print-on-demand service, you won’t have to spend money on printing, and Amazon will deduct the cost of the printing from your royalties. However, beware of blindly following the steps listed on Amazon’s website. They can result in a badly edited book. This is why it’s crucial to research self publishing requirements and publishing options before you publish your book.
