Publishing a book is a dream for many writers.
Whether you’ve written a novel, a non-fiction guide, a children’s book, or even poetry, getting it out into the world is a big step.
But how do you go from a finished manuscript to a published book? Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it might seem. With the right steps, anyone can do it.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to publish a book in a simple way. We’ll cover everything from preparing your manuscript to choosing the right publishing path.
And at the end, we’ll talk about Amazon publishing and the importance of book cover design.
1. Finish and Edit Your Manuscript
Before you even think about publishing, make sure your book is finished and fully edited. This is the most important step. A good book starts with good content.
Once your first draft is done, take time to revise it. Then, get feedback from beta readers or writing groups.
After that, consider hiring a professional editor to polish your work. This may include developmental editing (big-picture changes), copyediting (grammar and flow), and proofreading (final polish).
2. Decide How You Want to Publish
There are two main types of publishing: traditional publishing and self-publishing.
Traditional Publishing:
You submit your manuscript to a publisher or literary agent. If they accept it, they handle the editing, design, printing, and distribution. This path can take longer and is often more competitive, but it offers more support.
Self-Publishing:
You take control of the entire publishing process yourself. You choose your book’s design, upload it to online platforms, and sell it directly to readers. Self-publishing is faster, gives you more creative freedom, and you keep more of the profits.
Both options have their pros and cons. Choose the one that fits your goals, timeline, and budget.
3. Format Your Book
Whether you're self-publishing or going traditional, your manuscript needs to be properly formatted.
For print books, format your pages to fit standard trim sizes (like 5”x8” or 6”x9”) and set proper margins, spacing, and fonts. For ebooks, make sure your text flows smoothly on digital devices.
If this feels overwhelming, you can use free tools like Reedsy, or hire a professional formatter to handle it for you.
4. Design Your Book Cover
First impressions matter. Your book cover is the first thing readers see, and it can make or break their decision to read your book.
A great book cover should reflect the tone and genre of your book, be visually appealing, and include your title and author name clearly. You can use tools like Canva for DIY covers or hire a professional designer for a polished look.
Don’t forget the back cover and spine if you're publishing a print version. These parts often include a blurb, author bio, and barcode.
5. Choose a Publishing Platform
If you're self-publishing, you’ll need to upload your book to an online platform. Some popular choices include:
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
- IngramSpark
- Barnes & Noble Press
- Draft2Digital
These platforms let you publish both ebooks and paperbacks. Amazon KDP is one of the most popular because of its wide reach and easy process. You can also publish your book as an ebook first, then add a print version later.
6. Set a Price and Royalties
When publishing, you’ll need to choose a price for your book. Consider your genre, book length, and the prices of similar books. Most platforms allow you to keep a portion of the royalties—often around 60-70% of each sale for ebooks.
For print books, royalties depend on printing costs and distribution. Make sure to calculate this carefully so you still make a profit.
7. Promote Your Book
Publishing is only the beginning—now it’s time to let the world know your book exists. Here are a few ways to market your book:
- Create an author website or blog
- Share on social media
- Run book giveaways
- Ask for reviews
- Join author communities online
- Use email newsletters to reach readers
Promotion doesn’t have to cost a lot, but it does take time and consistency.
Final Thoughts: Amazon Publishing and Book Cover Design
If you're just starting out, Amazon publishing is a fantastic option. Through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you can upload your manuscript, choose your pricing, and publish your book globally in just a few clicks.
It’s beginner-friendly and gives you access to millions of readers.
But even on Amazon, competition is tough. That’s why book cover design plays such a huge role.
A well-designed cover can make your book stand out, look professional, and build trust with readers. Don’t rush this step. Invest time (or money) into getting it right. After all, even the best-written book needs a strong cover to get noticed.
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