Welcome to Book Creation Self-Publish

Thanks for joining this course to help you understand the basics of writing a book and self-publishing it.

Finding out Self-Publishing Pros and Cons

I’d like to give some balance to the self-publishing argument as you read so many positive stories online.We’ll cover the pros and cons of self-publishing in regards to production, then administration, marketing & selling, and also publicity. So you can decide whether it’s worthwhile pursuing this yourself – or getting some paid or part-paid publisher support.

The Big Purpose: What’s it all for?

The purpose of writing your book.

Creating an Imprint or buy a Publishing Package?

Planning Ahead: Book Development Stages

Why Write a Book for your Career

Some motivational and practical reasons to do this big writing task.

Typical Costs of Book Production

Learn the costs of production and benefits of using freelancers

Why Plan Your Book? 5 Steps to Start Writing a Book (overview)

Brainstorming, Outlining Stage

Tips on outlining your book to save time when writing!

Mind Map Your Book

What is a Theme?

"A theme can organize and unite separate narrative strands" - Reedsy Meaning, it can help an author gather different stories to make up one theme that was perhaps not that obvious in each one. 

Choosing the Type of Book to Write (models)

Find out about the type of book models you can write.

Find a Concept and Reader Research

Finding the right concept takes some research and contemplation. Using my proven techniques, go right ahead with a day's research.

Competitive Research and Keywords

Starting to Write: The story’s purpose; Making a ‘hook’

Writing Methods and Creating a Timeline

This writing method advice is more for researched non-fiction books (How to) but could apply to some in-depth memoirs, biographies or creative books. 

Get Quick Feedback on Your Book Outline or Main Problem

Self-Editing Guidance

Funding a book - crowdsource or your own budget

There are three publishing-specific funding platforms to choose from, plus hundreds more general funding platforms: • Ink shares - they have imprints and occasionally hold contests. 750 pre-orders the minimum to win production, editing and publishing. Doesn't seem very good. • Unbound - seems to display more serious contenders - UK, US or Euro dollars. Authors page.  • Publishizer - a 'virtual' literary agent for popular book ideas. 30% cut of fundings in the pre-order stage. Once you've pitched the book idea with luck, the acquiring editor will guide through the Project posting stage. Then you start marketing and your network or readers who love the idea will jump on board and get a 'deal', like a hardback and their name in the book. The platform takes the payments, but the publisher or you fulfils the purchase.

Steps for Producing Paperback Books

Steps to producing a paperback book as a self publishing author.

Printing Specs, Artwork, Sizes

Print Book Covers

View my process for uploading a cover to KDP and remind yourself why to hire a designer.

Professional Editing Types and Costs

Find out the editing types and their typical charges

Book Layout Programs and Designer Briefing

Briefing your book designer or choosing a book layout program

Finding a Designer, Illustrator, Indexer, Editor

Common Questions about Book Production

Answers to your common book production questions.

Ready for Book Layout Stage

Compare Book Printing Charges

Compare printer vs print on demand charges with our video

Find Out Your Royalty

Working out Amazon Royalty Calculator for this: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GSQF43YAMUPFTMSPIngramSpark Paperback Royalty Breakdown Compensation Calculator is here: https://www.ingramspark.com/resources/tools An IngramSpark compensation report shows the 55:45% split in reality for a book that is priced at $23.50. You can see $10.78 is the royalty before print cost.    Note the total printing cost is $5.83 for a 150-page black & white interior book, and what is received is $4.95 per sale.

Ebook Conversion: Draft2Digital

Quick Quiz

Introduction to Amazon Kindle and Kindle Select

How to Upload to Kindle Direct (KDP)

Why Choose Kindle Select?

Kindle Select choices

Expanded Distribution

What to do when you come to the KDP box on the Pricing Page.

How to Research Categories on Amazon

Printing Your Books

A tutorial on press printing or print on demand

ISBN Explanation. MyIdentifiers Title Record

Claim the US Tax Treaty Discount

Claim a tax discount for AU & NZ

DIY ISBN Adding

How to add data to your ISBN identifying numbers.

IngramSpark Account Creation

IngramSpark Book Title Setup

Tutorial on setting up book title.

Approving the Proof

Approve the Proof

Draft2Digital Tutorial

Draft2Digital is an ebook aggregator - which means they distribute an ebook to other places, like ibooks, Scribd and Overdrive.

Copyright Issues

Legal Deposit and Pre-Publication

Types of Book Launch: Assessing Costs and Needs

Book launching tactics.

Writer Resources incl. Amazon Bestseller Guide

Find all the updated resources for press release/pitch distributing, writing a LinkedIn headline, using a tool to secure reviewers, and more.

Editorial Reviews on Amazon Author Central

Making a Book Media Sheet

Because media kits rock - they sell you and the book, not just the book.

Media Kit Making

Let's make a media kit for your interviews

Engaging an Audience and Bonus Book Buy Offers

Making it Easier to do ARCs (advance reader copies)

Writing a Compelling Book Blurb

Write your book description with these tips

Website Design for Authors