Before diving right in, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the Self-Publishing Wizard portal and learn how to use it to your benefit.

With the Wizard, you will be able to keep on track with your book project and learn how to do each of the steps listed via an article or video. You can also add your own tasks to your list, remove any that are not needed, make notes, upload documents, and invite others to your portal.

When you self-publish a book, you are responsible for all aspects of getting your book published. That includes writing, editing, design, printing, distribution, and marketing. You will obtain your own ISBNs, set up a business, create accounts with printers and distributors, have your book edited and formatted, get a cover designed, submit everything to the printer, and then release it for publication. You will also be responsible for marketing and promotion. Unlike working with a traditional or subsidy publisher, you have complete control over the entire process, and you …

IngramSpark and Amazon KDP are leading self-publishing platforms catering to authors seeking to self-publish and distribute their books worldwide. They offer print-on-demand and distribution services, allowing authors to produce both print and eBooks without the need for large upfront investments or inventory. Together, they …

Print Books, eBooks,...

Audiobooks have become a rapidly growing segment in the publishing industry. With the rise of digital media, audiobooks offer a convenient way for readers to consume content while multitasking. According to recent statistics, the audiobook market has seen significant growth, with millions of listeners worldwide. As an author, making your book available in audiobook format …

One of the decisions you’ll need to make as a self-publisher is choosing a business structure. While there are many different types of businesses you can choose from, most authors operate as a sole proprietor or form a limited liability company (LLC).

Operating your self-publishing business as a sole proprietor is …

When you decide to self-publish your book, it’s important to choose a name for your publishing company. Your publishing company’s name should be unique, memorable, and professional. It’s essential to take the time to brainstorm and come up with a name that accurately represents both you and your work.

First, consider …

Navigating the legal aspects of registering a business for your self-publishing company can be a daunting task. Whether you’re opting for the simplicity of a sole proprietorship or the added protection of a limited liability company (LLC), this article provides a guide to …

As a self-published author, it is essential to treat your writing as a business for tax purposes. By doing so you can ensure that all your income from book sales are properly documented and reported come tax time, allowing you to maximize deductions while avoiding any potential penalties or audits down the line.

If you are…

As a self-published author, you are responsible for obtaining your own ISBN. An ISBN is a unique identifier for your book, allowing it to be easily identified in the book market.

You have two choices to obtain an ISBN. The best way is to purchase them directly through the US ISBN agency, which is Bowker. You can do that at …

Before creating your IngramSpark you should have your Business created and if doing an LLC or doing business as, have those set up. You should also have the checking account and credit card that you plan to use for publishing ready to go.

Go to: www.ingramspark.com.

Click on…

If possible, I suggest creating a separate KDP account from your personal Amazon account. This requires a unique email account that is not already in use at Amazon.

First, go to kdp.amazon.com.

If you wish to use your existing Amazon Account, click on the Sign in button at the top.

If you wish to create a new Amazon account using a unique email address to …

If you decide to do a wide distribution of your e-book instead of Amazon KDP only, I suggest using Draft 2 Digital over IngramSpark to manage your e-book distribution. Below are instructions on how to create a Draft 2 Digital account …

Registering the copyright of your book offers important advantages. First, it creates a public record that proves you are the owner and author of the book, which can be helpful in case of disputes or infringement claims. Second, copyright registration provides legal protection and strengthens your rights …

While obtaining a Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) is not required to publish your book, it is free and easy to obtain one.

You will need to own your own ISBN(s). An ISBN assigned by IngramSpark or KDP will not be accepted.

You also need to live in the United States.

Go to …

Are you ready to price your self-published book? Finding the right balance between profitability and market demand can be tricky. Here’s a method that will simplify the pricing process for your book.

Before you price your book, you need to know the page count, the binding type, the size, and if you will be printing in color or black and white. If your book is not yet formatted, you can …

Editing your self-published book is an essential part of ensuring that it meets the highest standards and reaches its full potential. It involves a thorough review of all aspects of the work, from grammar and spelling to structure and content. There are several types of editing that can be done, each with its own distinct purpose …

Writing a book is no easy task. You have to come up with the idea, the characters, and all the details that make it a captivating story. Once you have completed your draft of the book, it’s still not quite ready for publication. That’s when you turn to a developmental editor. A developmental editor is an essential part of the publishing process. A developmental editor will look for aspects such as …

As a self-publishing author, you may have heard about the benefits of working with beta readers. But what exactly are they and how can you use them? A beta-reader is someone who reads your work in progress and provides feedback on it before it is published. This feedback can be invaluable for ensuring that your book meets its full potential. Here are some tips for using beta readers …

A copy editor focuses on grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, and consistency. They ensure that the language is clear, concise, and free of errors.

Finding a copy editor for your self-published book can seem like a daunting task, but there are several ways to go about it. Here are some suggestions …

Writing a great book description (also called a blurb) for your book can make all the difference in readers discovering it. Here are some tips on how to write an engaging and effective book description:

Research similar authors and topics to get ideas for what you might include in …

An Advance Reader Copy, (ARC), is an early version of a book that is printed and sent to reviewers, bloggers, influencers, and other industry professionals before the official publication date. ARCs are often uncorrected proofs, which means they may contain errors or typos that will be fixed in the final version. Finding readers for your ARC can …

Receiving feedback on your Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) is a crucial stage in the publishing process, providing valuable insights that can elevate the quality of your book. The feedback from your ARC not only contributes to the honing of your manuscript but also serves as a litmus test for its resonance and impact. As you navigate through the …

Once you receive your printed proof copy, review it for any last-minute changes and make sure everything came out as you expected. It is common to notice something that needs to be corrected at this stage, so be prepared, and allow time to …

When you are using IngramSpark or Amazon KDP (or most print-on-demand printers), you need to set your book up to a size they support. The type of binding and color-printing option will also affect what trim sizes are available to use.

Before you have your book formatted or cover designed, it is important to …

To ensure a professional and polished result, I highly recommend hiring a book formatter (sometimes called a book designer) for this crucial step.

However, if you decide to take on the task yourself, it’s important to do your research and learn the proper formatting guidelines. This includes understanding font usage, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbering, headers, footers, and more. Starting with a template for Microsoft Word or InDesign can be helpful.

But how do you find the right book designer for your project? Firstly …

One of the most important things you will need to have done before you can publish a book (other than writing it!) is to have a cover created. For a printed book, you will need the front cover, back cover, and spine, set up to meet the printer’s specification for the trim size, binding, paper type, color type, and page count.

In addition to meeting the printer’s requirements, your book cover needs to captivate your readers and convey the heart and soul of your story. To create a truly great book cover, consider these essential elements …

Offering an e-book version of your self-published book alongside a print format can provide several important benefits. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to offer an e-book version …

Once your interior layout and cover design is 100 percent complete and approved by you, you will need the print-ready PDFs created and sent to you. These PDFs are what you will upload to the printer.

The PDFs should be created by …

Discovering your target market is essential to successfully promote and sell your book. But what exactly does it mean?

The term “target market” refers to the specific group of people or demographic that your book is intended for. In other words, it’s the audience that you believe will be most interested in and likely to purchase your book.

Identifying your target market involves …

An author platform is your ticket to reaching readers and forming connections in the industry. Building an effective platform can make or break your book’s success.

So, what exactly does an author platform consist of? Here’s a rundown …

In today’s digital age, it’s not enough to rely solely on platforms like Amazon or social media to promote your work. Creating a professional website is a crucial tool for establishing your author brand, connecting with readers, and boosting your book’s visibility. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why having your own website is essential and explore the key elements it should contain …

As you navigate the exciting world of self-publishing, it’s crucial to develop effective marketing strategies to connect with your readers and maximize your book’s success. One powerful tool that should be at the forefront of your marketing arsenal is the humble yet mighty email list. In this article, we will explore the importance of email lists, how to create one, and how to make …

Social media has emerged as a powerful tool to connect with readers, build an author platform, and promote your book effectively. In this article, I will guide you through the process of utilizing various social media platforms to reach your target audience and boost your book’s visibility. So, let’s dive in and unlock…

Reaching out to the media can be a powerful strategy to generate buzz and connect with your target audience. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of effectively reaching out to the media…

Author Networking While self-publishing gives you the freedom to control your book’s destiny, successful promotion often requires more than individual efforts. One powerful strategy to boost your book’s visibility is to network with fellow authors. In this article, I…

Getting Reviews for Your Book Reviews play a pivotal role in the success of any book, whether traditionally published or self-published. They provide valuable insights, social proof, and influence potential readers’ purchasing decisions. In today’s digital age, where…

Should You Hire Someone to Help Market Your Book? When it comes to self-publishing, writing a book is just the first step. To ensure your work reaches its target audience and achieves the success it deserves, effective book marketing is crucial. While you may be…

Connecting with Book Reviewers and Influencers for Your Self-Published Book One effective strategy to amplify your book’s reach and gain valuable exposure is by connecting with book reviewers and influencers. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of…

Using keywords correctly is crucial for book discovery, guiding potential readers to your work amidst the vast selection of books on Amazon. In this guide, we explore the importance of keyword optimization and strategies for maximizing visibility on Amazon.

IngramSpark recently introduced its Shareable Purchase Links service, a tool for authors that use IngramSpark to enable direct purchases of their book through the IngramSpark platform, eliminating the need for third-party retailers like Amazon or handling book sales and shipping on your own.

First log into your account at ingramspark.com then click on Tiles > Add a Title.

Choose if you are uploading a Print & e-book or Print Book Only. Most authors choose to…

Utilizing preorders effectively can be a game-changer for your book’s success and visibility, allowing you to build anticipation and engage with your readers even before the official launch date.

Why Consider Preorders?
Generate Buzz and Anticipation: Preorders give you the opportunity…

Before you release your book, it is important that you first get a printed proof copy. You should incorporate the time to receive a printed proof, make corrections, and resubmit your files in your publishing timeline.

Ordering a printed proof allows you to do the following…

You are almost there! It is time to click that final button and release your book for publication.

This article guides you through the final steps of publishing your book, covering the processes on two major platforms: IngramSpark and Amazon KDP. It explains how to enable distribution on IngramSpark, approve proofs, and finalize the setup on Amazon KDP.

After your book is published you will want to occasionally check the sales reports to see how well it is doing.

The article provides step-by-step instructions on how to check sales data for a published book on two different platforms: IngramSpark and KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing).