Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Self-publishing their books online and side-stepping the traditional publishing route is a way that many authors make their publishing dreams come true. But just how do you go about publishing your book online? What can you expect from the process and what will be expected of you in return? This comprehensive guide will teach you how to craft your manuscript, publish your book, and market it effectively.

1. How to kickstart your online publishing journey

Before you begin writing, take some time to brainstorm. Consider your topic, target audience, and the main plot points you want to hit or information you need to include. A well-thought-out plan makes your writing process smoother and more enjoyable. Some things to consider are as follows.

1.1 Define your genre and audience

Understanding your genre and target audience is crucial for effective writing. Whether you’re crafting a fantasy world for young adults or writing a self-help book for professionals, knowing who you’re writing for can significantly enhance your focus. Creating targeted content that appeals to specific reader demographics ensures your work resonates with this readership and stands out among the competitive market.

1.2 Create an outline

An outline is your roadmap to writing success. Break down your book into chapters, sections, or major plot points to stay organised and maintain a logical flow. This method helps to structure your story or content, enhancing readability and keeping your audience engaged.

1.3 Set achievable goals

Writing a book can feel overwhelming. To make the process easier, set small, manageable goals such as writing one chapter a week. Celebrate each milestone to stay motivated and keep your writing momentum going.

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2. Crafting your manuscript for online success

Now that you have a plan, all that’s left at this stage is to start writing your book! Crafting a great manuscript is crucial, so focus on quality content to engage readers and boost your chances of success.

• Write regularly: Consistency is crucial for success in writing. Schedule dedicated time daily or weekly to focus on your writing. Treat it as an unmissable appointment.
• Focus on quality: Focus on your writing style, grammar, and structure to improve readability. High-quality work is crucial, especially in self-publishing where you set your content’s standards.
• Seek feedback: Share your writing with trusted friends or join a writers’ group for constructive criticism. Feedback can significantly improve your manuscript before publication.

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3. Designing a book that stands out online

A captivating book cover can significantly boost your book’s appeal, but there is a crucial thing you as the author needs to do:

Cut your book designer loose.

After briefing the book designer of your needs and the style you’re looking for, don’t try to manage the process. Instead, let your designer do what they do best and design you a great book cover and effective typography. They will have ideas and industry insight that you may not, so their expertise is invaluable.

At Green Hill, our experienced book designers design professional book covers to ensure your book stands out and holds up to the standards of traditional published books in the market.

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4. Editing your book

Editing is a crucial step in the book publishing process and should never be overlooked. A well-edited book has improved readability, a clearer storyline and structure, enhances the reader’s experience, and ensures your content remains professional and polished.

4.1 Self-editing tips

Begin by reading your manuscript aloud to catch errors and awkward phrasing. Use tools like Grammarly to enhance your proofreading for grammar and spelling checks. Improve your writing with these editing tips for authors. Check out our post about drafting your own work for a little extra assistance.

4.2 Hire a professional editor

Hiring a professional editor for your book will give you a comprehensive review help you to enhance your book even further. Editors provide valuable insights and help polish your manuscript, ensuring it stays well-written and engaging. For more about what is involved in editing a book, read our post on book editing for self-publishing.

4.3 Proofreading

After completing the editing process, it’s important to review the changes and proofread your manuscript multiple times. This is to check for any remaining errors or inconsistencies or introduced errors from the track changes process. Doing these reviews ensures a polished and professional final product and minimal errors. Thorough proofreading can significantly improve the quality of your writing.

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5. Printing your book

If you love holding a physical copy of a book over an eBook, printing your book would be the route for you. There are many book printing services to choose from, but the main differences are whether they are Print-on-demand or a Bulk (trade) printer.

• Print-on-demand: Print-on-Demand (POD) services offer a cost-effective solution for self-published authors by printing copies only when ordered. This method reduces costs and manages inventory efficiently, making it popular among independent writers looking to publish their books.
• Bulk printing: If you expect high demand, consider bulk printing. Bulk printing lowers the cost per copy and saves money, but requires an at time substantial upfront investment. Be sure to research and compare printers based on services, prices, and reviews and check that they provide the quality and features your project requires.

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6. Online distribution platforms for your book

Online book distribution is crucial for any author to reach a global audience. Major online publishing platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark simplify the process of publishing your book online, and Green Hill can help our authors distribute with both of these platforms. If these platforms aren’t for you, there are other smaller options available for authors with different needs.

6.1 Amazon KDP

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) stands out for self-published authors. This platform provides easy-to-use tools to format your book and reach millions of readers worldwide with an option for expanded distribution in the US and UK. Self-publishing with KDP expands your audience and boosts your book’s visibility.

6.2 IngramSpark

IngramSpark gives authors access to global distribution channels of over 30,000 online and brick-and-mortar bookstores, including libraries. Authors can reach a wider audience with both print-on-demand and digital publishing options available.

6.3 Barnes & Noble Press

Barnes & Noble Press offers an excellent self-publishing option for authors. This platform allows authors to easily create an account and publish their book with simplicity.

6.4 Selling on your own website

You can also self-sell your book directly from your own author website. This strategy lets you control pricing, maximise sales, and gather your customer details for marketing. Selling books online directly from your author website also helps you build a closer connection with your audience as they feel more connected to you personally, rather than going through a third-party retailer. If you’re interested to know more about author websites, check out our author website services.

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7. Promoting your book in the digital age

Marketing is essential for making your book stand out among the book market. Green Hill offers expert book marketing services as part of our Premium Package or for individual purchase to help you reach your target audience and boost book sales. Some strategy points to start with include the following:

• Social media promotion: Use social media platforms to engage with readers and increase your book’s visibility. Share behind-the-scenes content, exclusive teasers, and upcoming launch dates.
• Email newsletters: Build an email list and send regular updates to your subscribers. Provide exclusive content, special discounts, and early access to new products. Doing this helps to boost readership engagement and loyalty.
• Collaborate with influencers: Collaborate with genre-specific influencers to expand your audience reach. They can increase your book’s visibility through reviews and social media promotions.

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8. Understanding royalties and pricing your book online

Correctly pricing your book is crucial for maximising your book sales, so understanding book royalties will help you to make informed pricing decisions. Some tips to do this include:

• Do your research into other books: To determine competitive pricing, research similar books in your genre. Attract readers by offering discounts or promotions.
• Check your pricing in all markets: For global distribution, your book will be priced differently in each country based on their exchange rates. Make sure to check each market price to be sure the royalty amount you’ll receive from your sales is to your liking.
• Keep up to date on your royalty amounts: Various platforms offer different royalty structures. Understand your earnings from each sale and incorporate this into your pricing strategy. Analyse platform royalties to optimise your pricing and boost your revenue.
• Green Hill’s approach to royalties: At Green Hill, we are fee-for-service, meaning we don’t take royalties from our authors’ sales. This ensures you retain 100% ownership of your rights and profits from your sales.

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10. What to do after you’ve hit ‘publish’

Publishing your book is just the first step. To ensure your book is an ongoing success, follow these key strategies for book promotion and marketing:

10.1 Monitor sales and feedback

Track your sales and read customer feedback. Use this valuable information to enhance your future projects and get real-time insight into how your readership feels about your book. Tracking sales and analysing customer feedback with an open mind will lead to better project outcomes.

10.2 Plan future releases

Start planning your next book or series today to stay active in the writing community and give your readership something to look forward to and stay loyal for. Regular releases can help build a loyal reader base and boost your author brand.

10.3 Stay engaged with your audience

Engage with your audience through social media, email newsletters, and author events. Building a strong online community boosts long-term success, so be sure to stay connected and foster relationships with your readership for lasting results.

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11. FAQs

11.1 How long does it take to publish a book online?

The timeline for publishing a book depends on editing, formatting, and distribution factors. Typically, the process takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Understanding these steps will help you plan your book’s publishing schedule more effectively.

11.2 Do I need an ISBN for my book?

An ISBN is essential when it comes to selling physical books, eBooks, and audiobooks, too. ISBNs help catalogue, distribute, and make your book easily discoverable by readers. Some books need (such as sheet music publications and serials) require other identification numbers such as ISSNs and ISMNs.

11.3 Can I update my book after it’s published?

Yes, most online publishing platforms allow you to update your book’s content even after publication. This feature is perfect for fixing errors or adding new information.

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