Self-Publishing

PLEASE NOTE: This is not the only way to self-publish, nor is it a full-proof method. There are several online lists out there about how other indie authors have chosen to self publish. I'm sure the paths we have all taken are not completely the same. I can promise you there are also people who have done it better than me. But I'll still share my experience. Maybe it’ll speak to someone. Perhaps you’ll even learn a thing or two from it.

The process I took with A Bond of Blood and Lavender was long, time-consuming, a money guzzler, and not the most efficient. I’ve learned a lot from that journey, so I don’t regret it. But I will be doing things differently going forward, and have started doing things differently already with my next three novels I am soon to be publishing. Below are the steps I took to publish that first novel along with my reflections on what I learned. The steps I did not repeat on my subsequent works, I made note of and explained why. 

To help, I’m adding a price range to each point, if applicable. For editors, it depends on word count. For this example, we’re going to use a 100,000-word story.

Now Let’s Get Down to Business!

The first thing you need to do is finish your novel. I’m not just talking about that first draft. This book should be squeaky clean to the best of your ability. Once you think you have it perfect, you are ready for the next step toward self-publishing.

 Beta Readers (2-3). Price range = (Free)

• It is super nice to have friends, other writers, or family read your book and tell you what they think. This can be tough to do, though. If you choose this path, it is usually free. But that means it can take a while to get your feedback. Also, make sure you have a beta reader who reads in your genre, this includes family and friends as well. If they don’t read in your genre, they might not catch the things you’re hoping for.

• If you skip this step, I’d recommend developmentally editing your book at least once.

• In my upcoming works, I most likely will skip this step, because I will have them developmentally edited instead.  I’ll also get two developmental editors at different points. If you’re looking for editors, visit my editors used tab.

Make all corrections that you deem relevant from Beta Readers.

Reread your novel (Make sure it’s perfect again)

I usually reread the book at least two times after making the changes. In total, that means I’ll probably read the book at least three more times before moving to the next step.

Developmental editor. Price range = ($450-$3500)

This is a step I’d never take for granted. I probably wouldn’t publish a book without a professional developmental editor seeing my work. Here, they can find my plot holes, things that lose interest, and what needs further development. Back in 2023, I had completed seven novels (two will never see the light of day). I thought they were perfect. I didn’t understand why agents didn’t like them. Then I sent my first work to my developmental editor. I finally understood. I told stories. And I was a good storyteller, but I didn’t need to tell you a story; I needed to make you live a story. I needed to put you inside the character’s mind. I would’ve never understood that or seen that without developmental edits. All my works have improved because of that! I continue to use developmental editors for all works because, with me being so close to my novel or short story, I won’t see those “boring” things or the parts that need more depth. That’s where they help.

Reread your novel (Make sure it’s perfect again)

Developmental editor. Price range = ($450-$3500)

If you did no beta readers, and can afford it, get a second check. Even if you do beta readers, I still recommend a second developmental editor. It really helps you see if you’re still missing something or if you messed something up with the changes from the first developmental edits.

If you do the above, reread your novel (Make sure it’s perfect again)

Now this next section is the tricky part. How much money do you have? How much time do you have? How good of a writer/editor are you?

For my first novel, I did the next three editors. I will not do this going forward, not unless I make loads of money or am no longer self-publishing. If you can only afford 1 of the three editors, I’d recommend you do the one that works on the part that you’re the least comfortable in.

I would at least do 1 of these: copy editor, line editor, or proof editor/reader.

Copy editor (If I had limited funds, this is probably the first one I’d get rid of). Price range = ($450-$3500)

The copy editor is someone who can help with your sentence structure. They can also recognize when you use the same type of sentence in a row. If you start a paragraph the same way, they’ll catch that. Some copy editors will recommend ways to change the sentence up. In this stage, they will also catch that on page fifteen, Tiffany has orange hair, but on page one-hundred, she has purple hair, and it was never mentioned that it was dyed or that she magically did it. They’ll also catch if at one point the character is sitting in the living room, but now suddenly lying on a bed.

If you feel comfortable in these parts of your writing, then you don’t need a copy editor.

Reread your novel

I will always recommend fixing the changes anyone suggests, then rereading the novel twice.

Line editor. Price range = ($450-$3500)

This one I’d most likely keep if I could only choose one. The line editor helps with grammar, punctuation, spelling, and minor things in sentences. Sometimes you could luck out and have a phenomenal line editor who will also do everything a copy editor does. I lucked out! With both the extensive path I took and the smaller path I took to develop my books, I was blessed to have amazing line editors. Now, this might not be the one you need to keep. For me, I’m bad at spelling and grammar. For the longest time, instead of saying the Pacific Ocean, I pronounced it Specific Ocean. I pronounce words wrong, so I spell them wrong often. I need this person who’ll make sure I’m using the correct ‘bored’ and word choices. I also suck at punctuation. However, I am getting a lot better.

Reread your novel

Again, don’t shy away from doing this.

Proof editor (This is the next one I’d get rid of.). Price range = ($450-$3500)

A proofreader is like your last check. The last eyes on your work. They aren’t looking at the structure or storyline; they are looking at words, grammar, and punctuation for the most part. If you trust your line editor enough or your eyes, then you’re good. Because I didn’t do this step for my last few novels, I seriously reread my novel six times after saying it was perfectly done. I had to make sure I didn’t see any typos or punctuation mistakes.

Reread your novel

 Always.

Send to the copyright office (Optional. I recommend this.) Price range = ($45-$65)

Your next steps, Advance Reader Copies (ARCs), websites, covers, all of those things will take a long time, so while you’re doing all that, send an electronic copy of your work to the copyright office. It’s great protection.

At this point, you’re done with the novel. Now, you have other things you need to do:

Website (This is a must do). Price range = Google (Free), URL link ($14-$20)

• For some ARC websites, you are required to have your own website.

• This is also helpful for people to find you.

• This will also help with keeping everything organized.

Domain name. Price range = (Free)

When you purchase an ISBN, which you have to have for your book, it’ll require a name that it’ll be published under. You can choose your own name, which some indie authors do. I, on the other hand, have three pen names, so I couldn’t use one name. It is a lot cheaper to buy a pack of ten ISBNs than one at a time. So, I had to make a domain name that was like my publishing house name. I chose Startree Books.

ISBN & Barcode (This is a must do). Price range = ($125-$1500)

In the USA, you purchase ISBN & Barcode on Bowker. You need one for every paperback; you also need one for hardcover. If you do a special edition, you’ll need another ISBN. You can also use one for your ebook or get one from the retailer. Just know if you get it from a retailer, then it’ll show published under them.

One ISBN = $125. A bulk of 10 = $295.

Cover Artist (If you’re good at Canva or your own art, skip). Price range = ($20-$3500)

I’m not so lucky with art. However, on Facebook, you can find a lot of good cover artists. I personally don’t do the cover until the book is finished. I didn’t know if I wanted character-based cover or object-based cover. I didn’t know what to theme it on. All of the things come to my mind when I have the book finished. Also, I do the blurb after the book is finished. Again, things change constantly. My cover artist will need my blurb. And if the cover artist stops working due to life events, or gets backed up with a lot of other assignments, it might take time for them to add my blurb if I didn't send to them in the beginning. So, I’d rather not get cover art until I’m finished. When I first started, I didn’t have my stuff ready, and I felt so bad for the artist because she was waiting on me. So, I won’t do it again.

Cover artists can be pricy. But they can also be very flexible and reasonable. There are also a lot of cover artists who make premades. These usually can start around $20 on good days.

Character Art (Optional). Price range = ($40+)

This is not mandatory. I highly recommend, though. I’m sad that I didn’t have this for my first book. I think this really could have helped sales, advertisement, and my own motivation. We'll see if things change now that I’ll have character art before publishing my next works.

Subscribe/Purchase ARC sites: BookFunnel, or ARC registration list (If you don’t care about getting reviews, skip). Price range = ($50-$120 annually) 

I recommend this one. Don’t trust all your friends and family to post.

There are many ARC systems out there. I personally used BookSprout and BookSirens. Both of these companies were awesome. They keep up-to-date with your ARC readers about posting reviews. They also give you the option to look at people’s profiles before approving them to read your book. With my anxiety and not doing copyright first, I removed my books from these sites way too early. I also didn’t approve everyone who requested my book. I learned from that mistake. I thought only getting about fifteen was okay. I won’t do that again. I suggest everyone shoot in the triple digits for ARC readers. I know this might be impossible, but if you can, try to get as close to 100 as you can. If you can do more, then do more. It doesn’t hurt. But having too few can hurt.

The number of reviews you have can make or break your book.

Social Media (at least 2)

Although you might not like social media, sometimes it’s the only way you can advertise your book. I do love personal connection and word of mouth, but having socials makes things faster and easier to talk about my book. You also need Instagram and Facebook if you want to be a part of some really cool Stuff Your Kindle events held by organizations such as the Hive or Indie Author Collective.

Sales Sheet (If you want to see your book in B&N and local book stores)

This I learned from my amazing writing friend. This helps so much when going to book stores and trying to explain your book. It’s very simple to use and make.

Sales Email (Same as above)

This again helps with getting book stores to know about your book.

List of places to do book signings

Make bookmarks

These are fun and just easy to pass out.

Order proof of your book (Check to make sure it looks right). Price range = ($6-$12)

Always check your books. The spine. The cover, the layout, all of it.

Reread book (Not necessary)

Just kind of cool to do. It’s been a while since you read it by this point.

Once you have everything purchased, all your stuff created, and the novel has gone through all the edits, you’re now ready to start the path to publish.

Place the novel on Amazon and other book retailers with your pre-order date

Register for your ARC system

Do a Cover Reveal

Ask for ARC readers (keep on site 1-3 months)

Publish Book

Buy Copies

Do Book Signings

Get on podcasts

Do interviews

Advertise, Advertise, Advertise!

Well, that's a wrap. I hope you learned something from this or that at least one thing on here was helpful.

Again, remember, my path isn't the right path for everyone.