How to Self-Publish Your Nonfiction Book: A Complete Guide

1. Refine Your Manuscript: Nonfiction readers want clear, well-researched, and engaging content, so you will want your manuscript to be fully polished prior to publishing To achieve this:

• Outline Your Content: Create a detailed outline so your content flows logically and covers your topic comprehensively. Know who your target readers are and make sure you are addressing their needs.
• Write a First Draft: Attempt to write a first draft without stopping to edit. Give yourself creative freedom and turn off your inner critic.
• Revise and Self-Edit: Put your first draft aside for a few weeks so that you can start the revision process with fresh eyes. Self-edit to the best of your abilities, allowing your writing style and voice to shine.
• Utilize Beta Readers: Reach out to individuals in your network to see if they are willing to read your manuscript and provide feedback. This can include clients, coworkers, fellow writers, and followers.
• Hire a Professional Editor: Experienced book editors have an advantage because they understand editing standards, genre expectations, and industry trends. There are four different levels of editing that professionals can offer: developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Be sure you understand what level of editing your manuscript needs. If you are using an assisted self-publishing company, they may have in-house editors you can hire.

2. Design an Eye-Catching Cover: Your book cover is the first impression potential readers will have. A professional cover should:

• Reflect Your Content: The design should match your book’s subject and tone.
• Stand Out: Use interesting visuals and a compelling title and subtitle typography to grab attention.
• Be Legible: Make sure your typefaces, font sizes, and colors are easy to read.
• Entice Readers to Want More: Your back cover blurb should hook the reader, make it clear whom the book is intended for, and highlight the benefits to the reader.
• Let Readers Know About You: Your “About the Author” is your calling card and is your chance to let readers know a little bit about you and any relevant information or credentials that support your ability to write the book they are considering purchasing.

If you are using an assisted self-publishing company, they may have in-house designers that can assist.

3. Format Your Book for Different Platforms: The more formats your book is available in, the more readers you can reach. Each format has certain industry requirements, so it’s important to understand the specifications for each and what the various distribution platforms may require. With print formatting, you need to know if it’s paperback or hardcover, the trim size, and interior formatting standards such as margins, fonts, and page layout. With eBook formatting, you need to understand digital formatting requirements and how to create Use EPUB or MOBI files. If you are using an assisted self-publishing company, they may be able to assist with all formatting.

4. Choose Your Publishing Path: When pursuing a self-publishing path, you will need to decide between self-publishing independently or using assisted self-publishing services. Independent or Do-it-Yourself (DIY) self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Ingram Spark allow you to publish directly; you have complete control and potentially higher royalties. You must also complete all of the tasks listed above on your own, or hire contractors to help. Assisted self-publishing services are companies like AuthorHouse, Archway Publishing, and others that offer packages that handle editing, design and distribution for a fee.

5. Develop a Marketing Plan: Marketing is key to your book’s success, and developing a plan to reach readers should ideally start before your book is released. The best marketing plans include both online and offline efforts such as:

• Building an Online Presence: Create an author website and engage with readers on at least one social media platform.
• Leveraging Content Marketing: Share articles, videos or podcasts related to your book’s topic to attract your target audience. You can do this through social media or through an email newsletter.
• Seeking Reviews: Ask readers to leave reviews to build credibility. You can also garner professional reviews from independent review outlets and book bloggers. Reviews and endorsements provide social proof for you book.
• Attending Events and Signings: Readers love meeting authors in-person, and events are a great way to form deeper connections with your fans. Check your local libraries and bookstores for opportunities, and attend relevant festivals and conventions.

6. Optimize Your Book’s Metadata: Metadata is any information that helps readers find your book. This can include book categories, keywords, and book descriptions. Categories are your book’s genre and subgenres you assign that tell book buyers and retailers where your book should be shelved. Keywords are the words or phrases potential readers might use to search for your book on the internet. You’ll want to make sure your book description is not only compelling, but also keyword-rich.

7. Prepare for Launch Day: You’ll want to build up to your release date by planning a fun launch event and letting your network know when your book will be available for sale. You can host a book signing, themed party, or even an online event. Venues like bookstores, libraries, cafes, pubs, and event halls can be great spaces to hold your event. If you don’t have the budget for an in-person event, you can organize an online book blog tour. This virtual effort involves collaborating with online bloggers or groups to help promote your book.

8. Have Fun and Enjoy Your Achievement: Congratulations! You should be incredibly proud of your accomplishment, as many people have amazing book ideas but never get to the finish. Take some time to celebrate your book, then get back to marketing — it is an ongoing effort that will require your attention and nurturing as long as the book is available for sale. If you have more book ideas, get started on the next one!

Choosing to self-publish your nonfiction book is a rewarding journey that gives you creative control, the potential for greater income, and the ability to connect directly with your audience. By following these steps and staying committed throughout the process, you’ll get your work out to the world so that it can benefit others. Remember, research, and planning, and persistence are your keys to success in publishing a book.