The rise of self-publishing platforms has made it easier than ever before for people to write a book. Writers can bypass traditional gatekeepers and bring their stories directly to readers.
You might be thinking of the costs associated with publishing—editing, design, marketing, the list goes on—but those costs don’t have to be a barrier to your writing career. This guide will walk you through the process of getting your book published with minimal overhead, addressing common questions and concerns along the way.
A Quick Primer on Self-Publishing
Self-publishing is the process of publishing a book without the involvement of an established publishing house. As a self-published author, you retain complete control over your work, from content and design to pricing and distribution. While traditional publishing has advantages, such as professional editing and established distribution channels, self-publishing provides greater creative freedom, higher royalty rates, and a faster path to market.
4 Simple Steps to Publish a Book Without a Publisher
1. Writing and Editing
The foundation of any successful book is a well-crafted manuscript. Start by completing your first draft, then go through the self-editing process. Read your work aloud, use free grammar-checking tools like Grammarly, and consider joining a writing group for feedback.
Writing doesn’t require a ton of tools—just creativity and determination. For example, one author wrote a short essay using a found pen and a blank side of a receipt.
Most people carry a convenient writing tool in their pockets: their smartphones. One writer composed an entire short story while waiting in line at Disney World, using just their iPhone and a writing app, Scrivener.
While professional editing can be costly, it’s highly recommended. If professional editing isn’t in your budget, there are affordable alternatives:
- Exchange manuscripts with other writers for peer reviews
- Use beta readers to get early feedback
- Consider hiring a freelance editor for a single chapter to learn common issues in your writing
2. Formatting and Design
Proper formatting ensures your book looks professional in digital and print formats. For ebooks, you can use free tools like Calibre or simply upload a Word and let Draft2Digital’s free design templates handle the formatting for you. For print books, consider learning the basics of InDesign. Draft2Digital also offers free design templates for POD books.
While professional designers can create stunning book cover designs, there are budget-friendly options:
- Use Canva for simple, template-based designs
- Learn basic graphic design skills through free online courses
- Barter with artist friends or find new designers offering portfolio-building discounts
- Visit BookCovers.com for professional, pre-made book cover designs
3. Choosing a Publishing Platform
Several platforms allow you to publish your book for free. Draft2Digital distributes your ebook to its global retail and library network with no upfront cost, offering free ebook conversion, formatting tools, and distribution services. Draft2Digital will also convert your ebook into a print-on-demand (POD) PDF file for free.
4. Setting Up Your Book
Once you’ve chosen a platform, the process typically involves:
- Creating an account
- Uploading your manuscript and book cover files
- Setting metadata (title, author name, description, price, category)
Take time to craft a compelling book description and author bio. These are essential marketing tools that can significantly impact your book’s discoverability and appeal to potential readers.
Cost Considerations
While it’s possible to publish a book with no upfront costs, investing in certain areas can improve your book’s quality and marketability:
- Editing: $600-$6,000 (depending on book length and edit depth)
- Cover Design: $50-$500
- Formatting: $50-$500
- ISBN: Free through some platforms like Draft2Digital, or $125 to own a single ISBN or $295 to purchase a 10-pack through Bowker, the ISBN agency in the U.S.
Remember, these are optional expenses. Many successful authors start by doing everything themselves and reinvest their earnings into professional services for future books.
A key philosophy to embrace is “Use what ya got.” Before investing in new tools or software, look around and see what resources you already have at your disposal. Many authors have built successful careers using nothing but free and cheap tools they had on hand.
For writing and editing, consider free alternatives to paid software:
- Microsoft Word: A comprehensive office suite that many writers enjoy
- Google Docs: Offers free, cloud-based writing tools with collaboration features
- Built-in apps: Most computers and smartphones come with basic writing applications
Publishing Without an Agent or Publisher
Literary agents traditionally serve as intermediaries between authors and publishers. However, you can approach traditional publishers directly or choose the self-publishing route without an agent. Benefits of going agent-free include:
- Retaining a larger portion of royalties
- Maintaining complete creative control
- Faster time to market
If you decide to take your book directly to publishers, research submission guidelines carefully and prepare a professional query letter and book proposal.
How You Can Self-Publish Your Book With Draft2Digital
With a Draft2Digital account, you get free conversion of your DOC, DOCX, or RTF file into EPUB format, the ebook format used by every online retailer. Draft2Digital also has a free template tool with automated conversion to give your book a professional layout that fits your style. If you want to turn your ebook into a physical paperback, Draft2Digital will convert your ebook file into a PDF for print-on-demand and will automatically convert your ebook cover image into a full wrap-around cover for your print book, all for free.
And of course, D2D offers free ebook and POD file distribution to major retailers and library aggregators, worldwide. You set your price, choose where you want to sell, and control everything. We take 10% of your royalties, and that’s it. No contracts or hidden fees, no one looking at you and wagging a finger, urging you to hand over your wallet.
Anyone with a story to tell can become a published author. Don’t let a lack of experience deter you. Many resources are available to help you develop these skills, including online courses, writing communities, and countless blogs dedicated to the craft and business of writing and publishing.
Remember, the most expensive tool isn’t always the best. Many successful authors have written bestsellers using nothing more than a basic word processor or even pen and paper. Whether you’re writing fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, the world of self-publishing offers an exciting opportunity to share your voice with the world.