Looking to self-publish your novel? Make your life easy with this comprehensive self-publishing resource guide!
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Let's talk about self-publishing, shall we? Almost a year into my publishing journey, I've read months worth of articles, listened to hours of podcasts and reached out to almost every possible person. (That's an exaggeration, of course.)
Whether you're a religious reader or a new friend, whether you're a seasoned writer or a blank pager, let this list help your journey. Still deciding on your publishing path? Start here first. Curious about this self-publishing whats-it-called? Learn the basics here.
Ready for your new favorite self-publishing resource list? Get excited:
Blogs/Podcasts/Information Gurus
The first step to self-publishing is knowledge. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be. Consider yourself a sponge, soaking up all the information possible. Make these resources a priority:
Blogs
The Creative Penn. Joanna Penn is a pro. I highly recommend her blog as well as her podcast. Her ebook, How to Market a Book, is a must read.
The Book Designer. Joel Friedlander provides self-publishers with amazing content as well as book design templates, which I used to format my own novel.
Jane Friedman's blog. Jane Friedman keeps writers updated on all things publishing. Check out this amazing infographic about publishing paths.
The Book Deal. Alan Rinzler is a consulting editor that gives an inside view of publishing. This post on developmental editors helped me greatly.
Hugh Howey's blog. The man, himself. His story is an incredible one and his advice to aspiring authors changed the game for me.
Ksenia Anske's blog. I have a soft spot in my heart for Ksenia Anske, the first person to really point me in the direction of self-publishing. Read this article on what she learned from a year of publishing.
Digital Book World. For all the latest digital news in the self-publishing world, this is your first stop.
For more blogs, check out this post on 52 great blogs to follow.
Podcasts
The Self-Publishing Podcast. Oh, how I love these three guys. I highly recommend this episode on how to use Amazon.
Rocking Self-Publishing. This channel is awesome. Here you'll find interviews with successful authors.
Books Business & Beyond. These ladies are wonderful. They provide practical strategies to reaching your audience. Listen to this episode about email marketing.
Sell More Books Show. Who doesn't want to learn how to sell their books? Let Jim and Bryan teach you how.
Bonus Awesomeness
Book Marketing Tools. Blog? Check. YouTube? Check. Twitter awesomeness? Oh yeah. Do yourself a visit and follow them.
The Indie Author Power Pack. Three ebooks in one? Heck yes! These three books provide you with all of the information you'll need for success. Worth every penny.
GalleyCat. This is a daily read for me, a hub for any and all publishing news.
Editors/Cover Designers
Now that you did your research and wrote your book, it's time to assemble a team. Choosing your editor and cover designer is crucial to your publishing process, so it's important to know where to look.
Freelance Editors
Editorial Freelancers Association. Choose from over 2,000 freelance professionals.
GalleyCat Freelancer Directory. Love this list! GalleyCat keeps a running list of editors and their information.
Reedsy. I've written about this site before, and it's an incredible resource for both editors and cover designers. Query your favorite editors with your project, and wait for their offers.
Freelancers Union. This website is how I found my editor, Tanya Gold. Here you'll find complete profiles of editors and their contact information.
Publishers Marketplace. For a membership fee, you can access the information of top editors in the business.
For more information on how to find a freelance editor, read this post.
Freelance Cover Designers
99 Designs. This site is a wonderful resource that allows you to pick your design in contest-style.
The Scarlett Rugers Book Design Agency. The awards speak for themselves. If you want professionalism, this is the place to go.
The Book Designer Cover Design Awards. Joel Friedlander posts monthly, awarding designers for their work. Peruse these posts to find the right designer for you.
Book Designs by Ana. Custom-made designs for writers on a budget.
Kisscut Design. Natalie Olsen was my dream designer. She created this amazing cover for me and I couldn't be happier.
For more information on how to find a book cover designer, click here.
Publishing Platforms
Almost there! Now you need to decide where you want to self-publish. Here are some options for you:
Createspace. This is Amazon's print publishing website. Highly recommend.
Kindle Direct Publishing. Amazon's ebook distribution channel. With Createspace and KDP, it will link up on the Amazon page.
Smashwords. This free platform distributes to Amazon, Kobo, Apple, B&N, etc. Does not offer print services.
Lulu. Both ebook and print services. This website offers free and paid services. They post to Amazon, Apple and B&N.
Book Baby. Book baby offers ebook services as well as design, editing and formatting. This does have costs.
And there you have it! An ultimate self-publishing resource guide that's guaranteed to kickstart your self-publishing career.
Discussion time: What is your best self-publishing resource? Do you have any additions to this list? Comment below!
