Resources to Self-Publish your novel this year!
As a self-published author, I've found that the writing, editing, marketing, and publishing process as a whole can feel like a single-player sport. I had no idea what I was doing when I set out to publish my debut novel last year. Luckily, I had YouTube and blog posts like this one to guide me. So, if you're like me, embarking on this self-publishing journey without a clue on where to start, here are some resources for you categorized in three stages: The Writing Process, The Editing Process, The Publishing Process.
The Writing Process
Scrivener: I used the Scrivener app to draft my last three novels. I've found it to be much more organized and writer-friendly than Google Docs or Word. You can use its corkboard feature to brainstorm, sort your drafts chapter by chapter, and compile them into full book PDFs. It also tracks your writing stats and allows you to set goals, which gives you a deeper look into your writing habits. It's avaliable on Mac and Windows for a one-time payment of $59, but it's well worth it. I also have it on my iPhone and iPad, and through dropbox, the edits and changes link up so that I can work on my laptop and on the go.
YouTube: I've found many experienced authors on YouTube who provide indepth videos on writing and publishing advice. These videos taught me many things about plotting, characterization, and marketing. Anything you want to know is on YouTube. If you want some channel suggestions I really like Abbie Emmons and Bethany Atazadeh.
The Editing Process
Reedsy: This site is basically a one-stop shop for all your self-publishing needs. Here I found my editor and cover designer. They also connect you with book marketing experts, publicists, and web designers. I love this site, and it's free to use. The payment methods are secure. This site was a life saver!
Fiverr: I used Fiverr to find a book editor. But, I will warn you, the book editors on Fiverr are not vetted. The editor that I hired missed many errors, but she provided great feedback. She was very affordable, and her work reflected that. I also found a professional on Fiverr who helped me format my book cover for printing. In the future, I want to hire someone to create character art for me. This is a great site to find people who can do what you can't, but beware for potential scams!
The Publishing Process
Vellum: I used Vellum to self-format my book instead of paying someone to do it. It allowed me to produce print ready ebook and print files of my book. It gives you many options to customize your chapter headings, spacing, fonts, etc. This is a one-time payment of $250, but it will allow you to self-format all your books!
IngramSpark: I printed my hardcover book through IngramSpark. The site has mixed reviews, but every book I've received through them has excellent quality. It's easy to upload the books and print them, and the printing prices are reasonable. If you would like to offer your books through bookstores, many bookstores prefer that you use IngramSpark.
Amazon KDP: I printed and sold my paperbacks and ebooks through Amazon KDP. This is also how my books are sold online for now. The print quality is nowhere near IngramSpark's, but it's still good. The print cost is very low. You can also print author copies, at cost, in bulk for in-person events.
These resources cover the practical part of writing and publishing, but I also want to leave you with some scriptures that helped me through the publishing process.
1: Hebrews 12:1-2 (KJV)
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
2: Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
3: Philippians 1:6 (KJV)
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
4: Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
5: Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
While you may be physically alone through the writing and publishing process, you are not alone spiritually! I hope these resources help!
Jada 💟
