Self-Publishing Resources

Use

Prevent wasted money and confusion by setting a realistic timeline and budget early.

Resources

• Trusted GuideReedsy — How to Self-Publish a Book (Guide + Checklist)

  End-to-end roadmap with budgeting, timelines, and release prep checkpoints.

• Trusted GuideDabble Writer — Self-Publishing Guide

  Clear overview of the self-publishing process and key decisions up front.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping planning
• No release timeline
• Paying for "guaranteed sales"

Use

Reduce editing costs by improving the manuscript before hiring pros.

Resources

• Trusted GuideDavid Gaughran — Self-editing & indie craft guidance

  Practical craft advice with a focus on clean, reader-ready drafts.

• Trusted GuideJane Friedman — Checklists for writers

  Concise checklists for planning and tightening a manuscript.

• Trusted GuideJane Friedman — Book launch plan

  Launch planning guidance that forces manuscript readiness.

Common Mistakes

• Relying only on spellcheck
• No beta feedback
• Editing too late

Use

Avoid expensive bundles by choosing the right edit type for your manuscript.

Resources

• Trusted GuideDavid Gaughran — Editing stages & costs

  Breaks down edit types, what they cost, and when to hire.

• Trusted GuideDavid Gaughran — Let’s Get Digital

  Indie publishing fundamentals, including budgeting for editing.

• Trusted GuideDavid Gaughran — Starting From Zero (free course)

  Free publishing course with editing and production guidance.

Common Mistakes

• No sample edit
• Vague scope
• Bundled "full service" upsells

Use

Covers sell; genre expectations matter for discovery and conversions.

Resources

• OfficialAmazon KDP — Cover requirements

  Official specs for cover size, bleed, and file setup.

• OfficialIngramSpark — Cover template generator

  Template tool for spine width, trim size, and bleed.

• Free ToolCanva — DIY cover design

  Free design tool for mockups and early cover drafts.

• Trusted GuideThe Creative Penn — Marketing questions

  Branding questions to pressure-test cover and positioning.

Common Mistakes

• DIY without genre research
• Unreadable thumbnail typography

Use

Avoid rejections and bad reader experiences with clean, tested files.

Resources

• Trusted GuideIngramSpark — How to Self-Publish a Book

  Walkthrough of formatting and distribution basics for print and ebook files.

Common Mistakes

• Not using platform preview tools
• Margin/bleed mistakes
• Broken table of contents

Use

Avoid unnecessary purchases and keep ownership and metadata clean.

Resources

• PolicyBowker — ISBNs in the U.S.

  Official ISBN guidance and purchasing information.

• PolicyU.S. Copyright Office — Literary works

  Official registration guidance for books and manuscripts.

• PolicyLibrary of Congress — PCN program

  Official info for obtaining a Preassigned Control Number.

• PolicyAmazon KDP — Pen name guidance

  Platform rules for pen names and author attribution.

Common Mistakes

• Buying ISBNs unnecessarily
• Wrong metadata
• Confusing imprint vs pen name

Use

Decide KDP vs. wide distribution and avoid exclusivity surprises.

Resources

• Trusted GuideReedsy — How to Self-Publish a Book

  Platform overview and key distribution choices.

• Trusted GuideBookBub — 50+ Publishing Resources

  Distribution and print-on-demand options in one place.

• OfficialLulu

  Print-on-demand platform overview and distribution entry point.

Common Mistakes

• Ignoring exclusivity
• Inconsistent metadata across platforms

Use

Launches are systems; reduce chaos and earn early reviews ethically.

Resources

• Trusted GuideJane Friedman — Book launch plan

  Practical, step-by-step launch planning framework.

• Trusted GuideThe Creative Penn — Launch fundamentals

  Realistic expectations and a clear launch checklist.

• Trusted GuideDavid Gaughran — Free publishing & launch guide

  Free guide covering publishing steps and launch basics.

• OfficialAmazon KDP — Marketing options

  Official overview of KDP marketing tools and options.

Common Mistakes

• Planning too late
• No ARC process
• Weak back-of-book CTA

Use

Build a sustainable audience without relying on ad spend.

Resources

• OfficialBookBub

  Discovery platform with reader follows and promotional tools.

• OfficialGoodreads Author Program

  Claim your author page and engage readers with official author tools.

Common Mistakes

• Inconsistency
• No mailing list
• Chasing virality

Use

Ads burn money if fundamentals are not working.

Resources

• OfficialAmazon Ads Academy (Learning Console)

  Official learning hub for Amazon Ads fundamentals and certifications.

• OfficialBookBub Ads Help

  Official BookBub Ads help center with setup and targeting guidance.

Common Mistakes

• No ROI tracking
• Spending too early
• No caps or kill rules

Use

Avoid policy violations and build trust the right way.

Resources

• PolicyAmazon Community Guidelines (Customer Reviews)

  Official rules for what reviews can and cannot include on Amazon.

• PolicyGoodreads Rating and Review Guidelines

  Official review rules and disclosure expectations on Goodreads.

Common Mistakes

• Incentivized reviews
• Review swaps
• Spam outreach

Use

Audio has strict QC and acceptance is platform-dependent.

Resources

• OfficialACX — Author’s Audiobook Checklist

  Official ACX checklist for preparing audiobook projects.

• OfficialACX Help — Rights Holder Checklist

  Rights holder steps and expectations for ACX submissions.

• OfficialACX Help — Audio Submission Requirements

  Technical requirements for ACX audio submissions.

Common Mistakes

• Ignoring noise floor/levels
• Not checking requirements early
• Overpromising platform acceptance

Use

Better readability reduces returns and complaints for all readers.

Resources

• OfficialW3C — EPUB Accessibility 1.2

  Official EPUB accessibility requirements and conformance guidance.

• OfficialLulu — Learn About Accessible eBooks

  Platform guidance on accessibility declarations and reader impact.

Common Mistakes

• Broken navigation or TOC
• Unreadable fonts
• Poor audio pacing

Use

Treat publishing like a business: track spend, outcomes, and goals.

Resources

• Free ToolGoogle Sheets (Template Gallery)

  Free spreadsheet templates for budgeting and tracking costs.

Common Mistakes

• Spending before traction
• Not tracking costs
• Unclear goals