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A guide to publishing your book online

A guide to publishing your book online

clock - estimated reading time  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.

Contents

1. How to kickstart your online publishing journey
2. Crafting your manuscript for online success
3. Designing a book that stands out online
4. Editing your book
5. Printing your book
6. Online distribution platforms for your book
7. Promoting your book in the digital age
8. Understanding royalties and pricing your book online
9. What to do after you’ve hit ‘publish’
10. FAQs

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:

Let 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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The Little Book of
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In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

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Writing your author bio to enhance your brand

Writing your author bio to enhance your brand

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Crafting your author bio can seem overwhelming, but it’s essential for engaging readers and boosting your author brand. Your bio serves as more than a summary of your life—it’s a key marketing tool as a strong author bio significantly impacts your success. 

Contents

1. The importance of an author bio for your author brand
2. Highlight your relevant credentials
3. Tailor your author bio to your book’s theme
4. Choose an appropriate tone for your audience
5. Keep it concise
6. Keep your author bio updated
7. Add personal touches

1. The importance of an author bio for your author brand

Your author bio often serves as the first thing readers see when they discover your work, acting as your literary handshake. It provides a snapshot of who you are, your writing credentials, and what readers can expect from your books. A well-crafted bio builds credibility and connects you with your audience on a personal level, encouraging them to invest in your book and your author brand.

In the competitive world of self-publishing, a compelling author bio sets you apart from other writers. It doesn’t just list your achievements; it tells a story that aligns with your brand. Your bio should reflect your personality and writing style, giving potential readers a taste of what they will experience in your book.

Remember, your author bio also functions as a powerful book marketing tool. Use it on your book’s back cover, your website, social media profiles, and even in press releases. Crafting a bio that resonates with your target audience is crucial for effective book marketing and building a loyal readership.

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2. Highlight your relevant credentials

When crafting your author bio, highlight your relevant credentials, including your education, writing awards, recognitions, and publishing history. Mention any experience directly related to your book’s theme. For example, if you’re a writer with a background in forensic science and have authored a crime thriller, this detail adds authenticity to your work.

Avoid overwhelming readers with too much information. Focus on the most relevant aspects of your writing career and the book you’re promoting. Instead of listing every award from primary school, choose the highlights that best showcase your expertise and credibility as an author.

If you’re a self-published author, consider mentioning it. Self-publishing shows your dedication and passion for writing. Including this detail can also resonate with aspiring authors, inspiring them with your journey.

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3. Tailor your author bio to your book’s theme

Just like your writing style varies with the genre, your author bio should match the theme of your book. For a light-hearted romance novel, use a warm and friendly tone in your bio. If you’re writing a gripping thriller, a serious and intriguing tone works better.

Tailoring your author bio to your book’s theme creates a cohesive brand image. It gives readers an idea of what to expect, making your bio an extension of your storytelling. Think about the emotions and themes your book explores and capture that essence in your bio.

For example, if your book delves into historical fiction set in medieval Europe, mention your extensive research or passion for history. This strategy not only builds credibility but also aligns your bio with the book’s theme, creating a seamless connection for your readers.

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4. Choose an appropriate tone for your audience

Match your author bio’s tone to your target audience’s expectations. For young adult readers, a casual and relatable tone works best. For academic non-fiction, a formal and professional tone suits better.

Think about who your readers are and what tone will engage them. Imagine yourself in their shoes and consider what would pique their interest in an author. The right tone can make your author bio more appealing and relatable, encouraging readers to explore your work.

Using humour can make your author bio engaging. A light-hearted joke or witty remark can add personality but use it sparingly. Ensure it fits your brand and writing tone. Aim to make your author bio memorable and enjoyable without overshadowing your credentials.

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5. Keep it concise

While it’s tempting to include every detail of your life, remember that brevity is key for an effective author bio. A concise and focused author bio will hold your reader’s attention better and boost your SEO ranking. Aim for around 100-150 words to intrigue your readers without overwhelming them.

Focus on important details like your education, significant achievements, and unique aspects of your writing career. This information not only defines you as an author but also helps with search engine optimisation. If your bio runs too long, readers might lose interest and miss the key points you want to convey.

To keep your bio concise, start by writing a longer version and then edit it down. Remove redundant information and focus on what truly matters. A well-edited, keyword-rich bio will create a stronger impact and leave a lasting impression on your readers while improving your online visibility.

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6. Keep your author bio updated

An outdated author bio can suggest that you’re not actively engaged in your writing career. Regularly update your author bio to reflect your latest achievements and projects. This practice informs your readers and demonstrates your growth as a writer.

When you publish a new book, win an award, or reach a significant milestone, update your author bio accordingly. Keeping your bio current enhances your book marketing efforts and provides fresh content for your readers. An updated and dynamic author bio serves as a valuable tool in promoting your latest work and engaging with your audience.

Additionally, regularly updating your author bio ensures it stays relevant to your target audience. As your writing career evolves, so might your audience and the themes in your books. Keeping your bio up to date reflects your growth and connects your readers to your journey as an author. Regular updates also improve your search engine visibility, making it easier for new readers to discover your work.

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7. Add personal touches

Highlighting your professional credentials in your bio is crucial, but don’t forget to add personal touches. Share your hobbies, interests, or personal background to make yourself more relatable to readers and create a deeper connection.

For instance, if you’re passionate about travel and it influences your writing, mention it in your bio. If you have a quirky pet that keeps you company while you write, share a fun fact about them. These personal details make your author bio more engaging and memorable.

However, balance is key. Personal touches should add warmth to your bio without overshadowing your professional achievements. The goal is to create a well-rounded author profile that blends both your professional and personal sides.

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Interested in publishing your book but unsure where to start or what is even involved? Tell us about your project and we will post you a copy of our:

 

The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

 

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

submit your project details

What is involved in editing a book?

What is involved in editing a book?

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Editing is one of the most important things when it comes to publishing your book. You need to be confident in the work that is being put out into the world, and the work needs to be polished and final before being released. But what is involved in editing a book? There can be some myths and uncertainties around the process, so if you’re unsure about what to expect, this article is for you!

Contents

1. What is editing for self-publishing books in Australia?
2. Different types of editing
3. What is good editing?
4. Should a self-published author self-edit their own book?
5. When should a self-published author start to self-edit their book?

1. What is editing for self-published books in Australia?

Editing is the procedure of revising and/or correcting written content (like your manuscript) to improve the quality, accuracy, and readability of the text. This can include grammar and punctuation, structure of the content, and fact-checking.

Editing a book can take place at various stages in the publishing process, including before submission to a publisher or after the manuscript has been accepted. However, editing needs to be completed before any final amendments have been made to files and before printing is organised. 

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2. Different types of editing

When we talk about editing a book, the common assumption that people make is to jump directly to fixing typos, grammar, and punctuation. But there is a lot more to editing than that. There are actually three distinct types of book editing and an editor can specialise in one or more of these areas.

2.1 Structural/development editing

Structural editing focuses on the overall structure and organisation of the manuscript. It’s an in-depth form of editing as it involves looking at the bigger picture of the story and making recommendations on how to improve the overall flow, pacing, and coherence of the story.

A structural editor will examine whole manuscript and address things like:

  • The overall plot and the development of the manuscript.
  • Character development and how the characters are perceived and portrayed.
  • Pacing and how well the story flows.
  • Themes and how they are explored.
  • Style and the tone of the manuscript.
  • Dialogue and how it is written.

Based on the observations that the editor has made, suggestions such as cutting out unnecessary scenes and dialogue, moving parts of the story around, and adding new scenes, will be made.

2.2 Copyediting

Copyediting focuses on the technical aspects of a manuscript such as grammar, punctuation, spelling, and consistency. The editor’s goal of copyediting is to ensure that the manuscript is error free and easy for a reader to follow.

A copyeditor will:

  • Check the manuscript for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
  • Check for consistency in style and formatting.
  • Verify that the manuscript adheres to specific style guidelines or publisher guidelines.
  • Check for inconsistences throughout the story.
  • Check the manuscript for logical fallacies and factual issues.

Copyediting is completed after the manuscript has been developed and structured, and before it has been typeset and printed by the publisher. It helps to ensure that the manuscript is polished before it gets into the hands of readers. The editor will work with the author to make sure the manuscript is clear, concise, and error free.

2.3 Proofreading

Proofreading is typically the final stage of the editing process and focuses on catching any errors that may remain and polishing up the manuscript ready to be published. The goal of proofreading is the ensure the manuscript is as error free as possible and that it presents well for readers.

During the proofreading process, the editor will:

  • Check for remaining spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
  • Check for consistency in style and formatting.
  • Verify that the manuscript adheres to any specific style guide or publisher’s guidelines.
  • Check for typographical errors.
  • Check the manuscript for consistency, such as numbering, headings, and cross-references.

In proofreading, the editor will review the manuscript one final time, looking for any minor errors that may have slipped through into the final manuscript. Proofreading should be done on the final manuscript, which is the version intending to be printed and published.

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3. What is good editing?

Good editing is the process of improving the overall quality and accuracy of a manuscript to ensure it is clear, cohesive, and engaging for the intended audience. It’s a collaborative process between the editor and author, where the editor provides feedback and suggestions to help the author make the manuscript as good as it can be.

Good editing can be categorised by the following aspects:

  • Attention to detail: A good editor will carefully review the manuscript and catch any errors that appear in the manuscript (such as grammar, punctuation, spelling, and consistency).
  • Clarity and coherence: A good editor will help the author make sure the manuscript is easy to understand, has a clear and consistent flow of scenes and is well organised.
  • Honesty and objectivity: A good editor will provide honest and objective feedback on the manuscript, point out areas for improvement and offer suggestions on how to make the manuscript stronger.
  • Respect for the authors voice: A good editor will improve the manuscript without changing the authors style, tone, or voice.
  • Meeting the needs of the intended audience: A good editor will meet the needs of the intended audience and make sure it is suitable for them.

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4. Should a self-published author self-edit their own book?

It’s always a good idea to self-edit your book before sending it to an editor. This way, the editor can focus their efforts on the details and issues that you’ve missed instead of trying to help you essentially rewrite your first draft.

Self-editing can be a challenging process, but it can also be rewarding, too. Below are some tips we’ve put together to help you with the editing process and to ensure you have self edited your book effectively:

  • Take a break: Put your manuscript away for a while. This will help you come back to it with fresh eyes and a clear mind.
  • Read your manuscript out loud: This can help to catch errors in grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure that may not be noticed when reading silently.
  • Check for consistency: Make sure your manuscript is consistent with style, tone, and point of view. It is also important to check that the characters are consistent throughout the book and that their actions, thoughts, and words work with their personalities.
  • Check for plot holes: Make sure the plot of your book is logical and that there are no inconsistences or plot holes.
  • Check for pacing issues: Make sure the pacing of your manuscript is appropriate. A book that is too slow can be boring but one that is too fast can leave the reader lost.
  • Cut unnecessary elements: It is okay to be ruthless in cutting unnecessary words, sentences, and scenes that do not enhance the story, plot, and characters.
  • Get feedback: Share your manuscript with friends, family, or beta readers to get some feedback on the manuscript. This can help identify areas which may need improvements that you can’t see as the author.

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5. When should a self-published author self-edit their book?

The best time to edit your book depends on a variety of factors, such as your writing process and personal preferences.

However, there are a few guidelines which can help you decide on when to begin the editing process.

  1. Wait until the first draft is complete: This means a full run- through of the manuscript can be done and allows the author to focus on getting their thoughts and ideas down without worrying about changes or revisions needing to be made.
  2. Set a deadline: Give your self a firm deadline to finish the first draft of your manuscript and schedule a specific date to start the editing.
  3. Take breaks: After you’ve been writing for a certain amount of time, you should take a break. This will give you a chance to step away from the manuscript and come back to it with fresh, clear eyes.
  4. Edit as you go: Some authors prefer to edit the manuscript as they are plodding along, making revisions and changes as they write. This can help keep the manuscript focused and on track.

Ultimately, the best time to start editing your manuscript is when you feel that you are ready. This will vary depending on each writer, but it is important to make sure you take the time to revise and edit your manuscript so it’s the best it can be. It is also important to make sure you are giving your publisher the final manuscript before any design or typesetting takes place.

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Ready to start your publishing journey?

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The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Interested in publishing your book but unsure where to start or what is even involved? Tell us about your project and we will post you a copy of our:

 

The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

 

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

submit your project details