Self-Publishing for Geniuses
I’m not here to sell you anything (except my books 😜 Get Haunted House Flippers for FREE through October 12th! https://linktr.ee/author.k.l.brooks). I just want to share what I’ve learned about self-publishing—because the internet helped me, and now it’s my turn to pay it forward. These are the tools, resources, and steps I took to go from blank page to published.
Step 1: Write
I think it goes without saying, but just in case, the most important thing you can do is WRITE! Build a routine that has you looking forward to your time.
Tools That Helped Me Build a Routine
Free online editor with distraction-free mode and built-in formatting
Pro: Clean interface.
Con: Can lag with longer manuscripts
Bonus! If you’re just getting started check out this
Web-based Pomodoro timer to break writing into focused sprints.
Pro: Keeps me motivated
Con: Sometimes resets… which accidentally helped me write more? 😅
, your favorite coffee, and some creamer to sweeten up your life 😉
Resources
Write Your First Novel | Coursera — great for beginners!
Step 2: Edit
My Favorite Editing Resources:
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
Helped me structure my story in a way that finally clicked!
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Dave King and Renni Brown
Hands-on exercises that made me better at editing myself.
Gentle Writing Advice: How to Be a Writer Without Destroying Yourself by Chuck Wendig
For when you need tips and emotional support.
Taught me the basics I didn’t know that I didn’t know.
Note: As I wrote this I realized how personal all these recommendations were. Every one of us is at a different stage in our craft so if these don’t work for you—tell me what did! I’d love to expound upon this list.
Step 3: Research!
This is likely what you’ve all been waiting for, but don’t discount steps 1 & 2! Getting those under your belt before you dive into self-publishing is going to make the difference. If your product isn’t ready for market no amount of research, execution, or marketing will make it ready.
Alright, here we go!
Book Covers!
Affordable, fast, lost of variety.
Tip: Write your back cover blurb before you request designs.
Reedsy Marketplace
Higher end, vetted pros from traditional publishing
Book Formatting Software
Atticus
One-time purchase, great if you’re not on Mac
Vellum
Mac-only, but beauiful output
Reedsy
Free and solid for beginners
Copyright & Trademark
Check out this podcast! 🎙️https://jenndepaula.com/podcast/90
Key Takeaway: Registration costs $65 and protects your work more than the default “automatic copyright.”
Distribution!
Here’s a blog post from Reedsy that really breaks it all down for ebooks: https://blog.reedsy.com/guide/ebook/ebook-distribution/
Amazon KDP and IngramSpark — I used both.
Amazon: 72-hour cutoff for changes before launch.
Ingram: Lets you order pre-launch proof copies without the “Proof Copy” label.
⚠️ Kindle Select Note:Requires 90-day exclusivity if you want to be on Kindle Unlimited. Auto-renews unless you turn it off manually.
Setting Up Your Author Accounts
This part took way longer than I expected.
Amazon KDP & IngramSpark - Banking/Tax info, book setup.
Goodreads - You’ll need to claim your author page after your book is live.
Amazon Author Central - Mine took 3-4 weeks to post a photo + bio.
ISBNS
In the U.S., ISBNs are bought through Bowker and are expensive ($125+ per ISBN).
Tip: I used the free ISBNs from Amazon and Ingram. Bookstores really just want a barcode.
Marketing and Advertising
Free(ish) Marketing
Substack – Great for newsletters + community.
Instagram & Pinterest – Choose platforms that energize you.
Check out this BookBub post on Pinterest
ARC Teams – I had mixed results; still learning here.
Google Sites – My author site is super simple and cost me $11/year for a domain.
Canva – Your best friend for consistent, easy visuals.
Linktree – One link to rule them all (books, socials, etc.).
Where the $$$ Comes in
My current book is a lead magnet. I’m playing the long game by building my reader base, so I didn’t do much paid advertising.
Book Promo Sites: BookBub
Step 4: Decision Time
You’ll have to decide what to pay for, what to DIY, and what to skip.
Set a budget.
Make a pro/con list.
Accept that not every decision will be perfect—but that’s okay!
You’re doing the work of an entire publishing team. Be kind to yourself.
You can’t do everything. You just have to do enough. Your book doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be finished and findable.
Happy publishing, genius! 🚀
