You wrote or want to write a children’s book or a novel and now are asking, “How do I publish my book?” I have been asked this question many times and decided to write a blog with some tips to help get you started.
If you have a finished manuscript, you need to have it edited if you have not done so. You MUST hire an editor. And not a friend. A legit editor that will catch mistakes. I have a wonderful editor that I use for every book. She is quick and thorough. If looking for an editor I recommend Jen Payne. Click here to visit her site.
Again, please do not publish without having an editor review your book. Reviewers are brutal and if you have a few mistakes they will let the world know! I am not kidding.
But back to publishing… If you have written your book and are all set to go, you will need the following to publish on kdp. And if you have not started yet, please make a note of what you will need.
*** a pdf file of your manuscript (edited!)
*** a pdf file of your cover
*** a blurb for your book
*** an isbn
If you have not written your book yet, no worries! The first thing I suggest you do is determine a book size. I suggest logging into kdp.com with your amazon login info, and choosing a book size.
If you have your files, and are ready to continue, please click here for help setting up on KDP.
I recommend going with a standard book size as it is easier to ship and print as well. And never forget you can send your books by media mail! Such savings when you ship a box of heavy books! Trust me on that…
To choose a book size please visit here: Set Trim Size, Bleed, and Margins (amazon.com)
KDP fortunately has a lengthy help section, which is pretty useful. If you need help please click here Self Publishing | Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
Since you are in the process of learning, here are a few helpful tips:
Pagination—–The order of your book pages is called “Pagination” and if they are incorrect, you may have to add a blank page to correct them. It your pagination is incorrect you will see pages out of order during your “book preview.”
Pricing—- research books similar to yours in page length and size. Price your book accordingly. If it is too expensive people may not buy it. Especially being an unknown author.
Blurb—– a few paragraphs written about your book to entice a reader to buy your book!
PDF—- A file format you will use to create your books. You can export from word to a pdf.
In Review to start creating your book:
- Pick book size
- Write a good blurb- look online for tips and read other blurbs.
- If only publishing on Amazon, use their ISBN. If publishing other places, purchase one from Bowker.
- Create your book in word, to export as a pdf.
- Set a price- research other similar books to yours.
Of course, there will be hiccups in the publishing process. That is where Facebook author groups come in handy! The internet is so helpful to those who choose to self-publish! And I can help as well too!
But whatever you do, don’t give up! As with anything the first try can be difficult. Just ask for some help, do some research and keep going! Sometimes it helps to take a break as well. I can’t tell you how many times I took a break, went back to what I was doing and found the answer. It seems like we get bogged down figuring things out and miss the answer even when it is right in front of us. So take a break when frustrated!
Good luck, and don’t forget the most important thing… Don’t give up!
More blogs to help you self-publish!
1-Do you need help beginning to self publish? Click here!
2-A publisher has contacted you? Are they a Vanity publisher? Click here to learn more!
3-Ready to start your files? Here is a blog that will help you set them up! Click here!
4-Need tips for finding an illustrator for your book? Click here!
5-What is a blurb? Click here for help creating one!
6-Feeling overwhelmed? This post will get you moving… Click here to get started!
7-Your book is done! Do you need an author page in your book? Yes you do! Click here to see the reasons why.
7a- How to upload your book to KDP… the actual platform that you publish from! Click here to visit!
8- Your masterpiece is complete! How do you get printed copies of your book? Click here for some ideas!
9- If you have published on amazon you need to advertise! Click here for tips!
10- Want to submit your book to a literary agent? Click here for info!
Need an illustrator? I have illustrated many books of my own and other authors. Please visit my website by clicking here, to contact me or see examples of my work.
If I have helped you and you feel inclined to purchase a book of mine, please click here to visit amazon. Thank you!
I am also available for hire to help you publish! If interested, please contact me at artistmarnie@yahoo.com.
Art and Musings by Marnie 