How to Self-Publish Your Own Book: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, you are a new writer and you would like to write a book. It seems like it would be easier for you to publish the book yourself. With this article, I'll give you some tips on how to accomplish this feat.

The number one thing to decide is what type of book you want to write. Who will be your readers? Is the book one that would have a mass appeal to a wide variety of people? These are all decisions that you must first contemplate prior to even starting the self-publishing of the book itself.

1) Ok, you have decided on your genre, let us say it is a children's book. Smart goal! Children's books are one of the highest sellers. More and more children are becoming avid readers and you should be able to find a great prospect of publishing a children's' book.

2) The second thing that you have to do is actually write the book, if you have not done so already. Make sure that the book is entertaining for the age group you are marketing for the book.

3) What type of book do you want to self-publish? Do you want to do a hardcover book or a soft cover? You may even decide to write an e-book. For a first book, I would suggest a soft cover, especially if the book is going to be orientated toward children.

4) Contact a printer, who would be willing to print your book on one of their large printers. There will be a cost depending upon how many copies that you want printed of your book. They will even be able to help you with the various bindings to make your book more attractive to your audience.

5) If you are going to print the book yourself you will need a directo-press printer. This will save you time in the filming of each page of your book. When using the directo-press printer, your book will already be formatted, filmed, and transferred to a printing plate.

6) Shop around for a good printing company. Some will work with you if you are an established writer. However, it may be a good idea, since this is your first book to find one that will help you with the process of printing the book. Normally there are local printers that would be willing to work with you, for a price.

7) Go to bookstores; look at the children's books that are for sale. Look at the bindings, the pages. The layouts of the book.

8) Talk to the printer about their prices. You will spend at least $1.00 for a minimum of 1,000 books. Is this something that you can afford? You must also remember that there will be additional cost such as layout help, book cover design, editing, formatting, etc. This could be an additional $3.00 per book.

9) If you can afford it, hire a designer to design your book cover. This person will be an expert in graphic design and help to promote your book using their creative flair.

10) Make sure that you keep track of the money you have invested in your book project to self-publish. Sure, it would be easier to have a publishing house print your book; however, once you sign on the dotted line, you give up your rights of creativity. Since the publishing house is paying for the printing, they get the final say.

11) Now it is time to request the International Standard Book Number (ISBN). This standard code will identify your book at isbn.org. It will cost you $150.00 for 10 ISBNs, along with a processing fee of $75.00, minimum.

12) Here is the hard part, you are going to have to sell both yourself and your book. Go to the major bookstores. Introduce yourself to the manager. Explain that you have written a book and would like to have the books sold at their establishment. Most bookstores will take a certain number of books on consignment. If your books sell, you will get a check; however, if they don't, you will have those books to pick up and try to sell to another vendor. Remember, you are also selling yourself. When you go to these vendors, make sure that you present a professional attitude and dress to impress. This will let the manager of the bookstore that you are serious in your endeavor.

Whatever happens with your book, you will have the joy in knowing that you were able to self-publish a book that will most certainly be of interest to someone.