16 Steps To Self Publishing A Book

Self publishing is turning out success stories left and right and you want in on the action. All you need to do is write a book, right?

1. First you need to write a book

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Be it long, short, or whatever you want. It's your book and you love it.

2. Edit your work!

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Was my grammar always this bad? Didn't this character have blonde hair? Wait this part doesn't make any sense...

3. Rewrite most of the book

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Don't worry, it's a first draft for reason. It doesn't need to be good. Nor does your second, third, or fourth draft.

4. Hire an editor once you're satisfied with your umpteenth draft

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Wait, it's going to cost HOW MUCH? Nevermind...

5. Beg a friend to edit your book

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Alcohol and food are a proper form of payment, right?

6. Make the suggested edits

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How did I miss so many mistakes?

7. Take a break from your book so you can come back to it with fresh eyes

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Why did I write a book? Why are there so many errors? I'll never write again!

8. After your break, come back to put the finishing touches on your work

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Hey, this isn't so bad after all! Good characters, smooth pacing, and I haven't spotted a mistake. Wow, this turned out better than I thought!

9. Hire an artist to make a cover

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A unique cover costs how much? Ouch!

10. Get your shiny new cover

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A proper cover is extremely important. Consider it an investment.

11. Format your book and cover for distribution

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Of course the format needed for Amazon isn't the same as Smashwords or Draft2Digital. Why would it be? Who needs simplicity, anyway?

12. Upload your book

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Just select the files, put a price on it, and write a catchy blurb.

13. Wait for the money to roll in

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It worked for E.L. James, it's bound to work for you.

14. Realize you'll need to advertise if you actually want to sell any books

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Time to tweet, reddit, facebook, and all around yell at the world that you've published a book in hopes someone wants to buy it.

15. Sell some books!

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I only get that much per book sold?

16. Get to work on your next book!

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Chances are you wont strike it rich off one book. Or two. Or fifteen. You need to keep writing and never stop if you want to make a living off of it.

Laura is a self published author from Canada. Her first book, Awake My Soul, is available on Amazon and through other ebook retailers.