How to Become a Self-Published Author

What is a Published Author?

A published author is a person who writes and publishes books, novels, or other written works that are made available to the public through traditional publishing houses, self-publishing platforms, or online distribution channels.

Who is it Best For?

Becoming a published author is best for anyone with a passion for writing, storytelling, or creative expression and wants to write a book.

Side Hustle Potential

While not every author becomes a bestseller, writing offers the potential to earn income through book sales, royalties, speaking engagements, and other monetization avenues.

How to Make Money as an Author

There are several ways to monetize as an author:

1. Book Sales: Earn royalties from book sales through traditional publishing contracts, self-publishing platforms, or online marketplaces like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Apple Books.
2. eBook Sales: Publish and sell eBooks through online platforms, reaching a global audience of readers who prefer digital formats.
3. Print-on-Demand: Utilize print-on-demand services to sell physical copies of your books. Print and fulfill orders as they are received without the need for inventory storage or upfront costs.
4. Audio Books: Produce and sell audiobook versions of your books, catering to listeners who prefer audiobook formats for convenience and accessibility.
5. Speaking Engagements: Get speaking engagements, host workshops, or author events based on your book’s content.
6. Merchandise and Ancillary Products: Create and sell merchandise, branded products, or ancillary materials related to your books, such as bookmarks, posters, or study guides.
7. Licensing and Adaptations: License your book’s rights for adaptations into other media formats, such as film, television, theater, or merchandise.

Writing Topics

1. Fiction Genres: Write novels, short stories, or novellas in popular fiction genres such as romance, mystery, thriller, science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, or young adult fiction.
2. Non-Fiction Books: Author non-fiction books on topics like self-help, personal development, business, entrepreneurship, health, wellness, memoirs, biography, or how-to guides based on your expertise or experiences.
3. Poetry and Prose: Create poetry collections, prose, or literary works exploring themes of love, nature, identity, social justice, or the human experience, expressing emotions and ideas.
4. Children’s Books: Write and illustrate children’s books, picture books, or early reader books for young audiences.

Steps to Become a Self-published Author

Follow these steps to start your journey as a published author.

Step 1: Write Your Manuscript

Start by writing your manuscript. Choose a genre or topic that you’re passionate about and resonates with your target audience. Set aside dedicated time each day to write and stay disciplined to make progress. Consider joining a writing group or finding a mentor for support and feedback. Don’t be too concerned about pages and word count. Write the book you want to write.

Step 2: Edit and Revise Your Work

Once you’ve completed your manuscript, edit and revise it thoroughly. Consider hiring a professional editor or enlisting beta readers to provide plot, character development, pacing, and grammar feedback. Revise your manuscript based on their suggestions to ensure it’s polished and ready for publication.

Step 3: Design Your Book Cover and Formatting

Invest in a professional book cover design that captures the essence of your book and appeals to your target audience. Ensure your book’s formatting is clean and professional for print and digital versions. You can use tools like Canva or hire a professional designer for this task.

Step 4: Choose Your Publishing Platform

Select a publishing platform to distribute your book. Popular options for self-publishing include Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Apple Books, Barnes & Noble Press, and Smashwords. Research each platform’s terms, royalties, and distribution options to determine the best fit for your book.

Read our Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing review.

Step 5: Publish Your Book

Upload your manuscript and book cover to your chosen publishing platform. Follow the platform’s guidelines for formatting and metadata to optimize your book’s visibility. Choose pricing strategies and distribution options that align with your goals and target audience.

Step 6: Market Your Book

Promote your book through various marketing channels to reach potential readers. Utilize social media platforms, author websites or blogs, email newsletters, book launch events, and online advertising to generate buzz and attract readers. Engage with your audience and seek reviews to boost visibility and credibility.

Step 7: Monitor Sales and Adapt Your Marketing Strategy

Monitor your book’s sales and performance metrics regularly to assess its success and identify areas for improvement. Adjust your marketing strategy based on reader feedback, sales data, and market trends to maximize your book’s reach and revenue potential.

Step 8: Explore Additional Revenue Streams

Beyond book sales, explore additional revenue streams to monetize your writing career. Consider offering related products or services such as online courses, workshops, merchandise, or speaking engagements. Leverage your expertise to create multiple income streams and expand your author platform.

Tools You’ll Need

1. Draft, organize, and edit your manuscript efficiently using writing software or word processing tools like Microsoft Word, Scrivener, or Google Docs.
2. Utilize editing and proofreading tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to improve grammar, style, and readability and polish your manuscript before publication.
3. Create eye-catching book cover designs using graphic design software like Canva or Adobe Photoshop, or hire a professional cover designer to create a custom cover for your book.
4. Choose publishing platforms or services like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) to self-publish your book in eBook.
5. Have an author website or blog using website builders like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace to showcase your books, author bio, and events.