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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:

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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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.

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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.

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Crafting your blurb to hook readers and boost book sales

Crafting your blurb to hook readers and boost book sales

clock - estimated reading time  Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Crafting a compelling book blurb that grabs a potential readers’ attention is so important to your book’s success. A blurb is one of the first tools in your book marketing kit, so having a well-written one can help increase your book sales.

Contents

1. Understand the purpose of a blurb
2. Craft a compelling hook for your blurb
3. Introduce your main characters
4. Set up the conflict 
5. Build suspense within your blurb
6. Keep your blurb short and sweet
7. Use strong, active language
8. Highlight unique selling points
9. Show, don’t tell
10. Keep practicing writing a blurb

1. Understand the purpose of a blurb

Before you start writing a book blurb, you first must understand its importance. A book blurb serves as one of the first impressions for your book, after the book cover. It’s the short description on the back cover and displayed on the online listing that gives readers an idea of what your story is about, the themes, and the tone. Think of it as a sales pitch for your book; your goal is to spark curiosity and entice readers.

A well-written book blurb can mean the difference between a sale and a pass. It introduces key elements of your story while leaving enough mystery to make the reader want to buy the book to learn more. Remember, the primary aim is to provide just enough information to make the reader think, “I need to read this book!”

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2. Craft a compelling hook for your blurb

Every great book blurb starts with a captivating hook, an opening line that grabs attention and intrigues readers. Think about scrolling through countless books online—what would make you stop and take a closer look?

It’s common to begin with a question, a bold statement, or an intriguing scenario. For instance, “What if your best friend turned out to be your worst enemy?” or “In a world where magic is forbidden, one girl dares to defy the odds.” These hooks not only set the stage for your story and pique interest in the reader, but also hint at the genre of the book.

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3. Introduce your main characters

Your book blurb should introduce the main characters, giving readers a glimpse of who they’ll root for and who to be suspicious of. Focus on the protagonist and one or two key figures, not every character. We don’t want to confuse our readers with too many names to remember before they even start reading the book.

When describing your characters, be sure to keep descriptions short but impactful with strong adjectives and vivid language to bring your characters to life. For example, “Jane, a headstrong detective solving impossible cases, teams up with Mark, a charming thief with a mysterious past.”

Remember, captivating character introductions can boost your book’s appeal and attract more readers!

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4. Set up the conflict

Conflict is the heart of any story, so highlight it in your blurb. Ask yourself: what challenges or dilemmas do your characters face? What’s at stake? These elements drive the plot and keep readers engaged.

Make the conflict clear and compelling. For example, “Jane must solve the city’s most baffling murder before authorities execute an innocent man,” or “Mark’s quest for redemption leads him into a deadly game of cat and mouse.” Your blurb should layout the main conflict in a way that is intriguing to readers and makes them want to see how it unfolds.

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5. Build suspense within your blurb

To keep readers engaged, use urgency and excitement to build suspense in your book blurb. Be sure to avoid giving away your plot twists and major moments, instead only hint at them to create intrigue and stir curiosity. “As secrets unravel”, “with time running out”, or “when all seems lost” are classic examples of powerful and evocative phrases that don’t give much away but add to the suspense of your blurb.

Using these phrases in a sentence could be: “with the clock ticking, can Jane uncover the truth before it’s too late?” or “Mark must confront his darkest fears to save those he loves.”

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6. Keep your blurb short and sweet

Blurbs should be concise, the ideal length sitting around 150–200 words. This length perfectly gives potential readers a taste of your story without overwhelming them or being too squished on the back to the cover. Avoid being too wordy, as wordiness can dilute the impact and lose their interest.

Focus on the most compelling aspects of your story and make sure that every word has a purpose. Cut any sentence that doesn’t add intrigue or essential information. Remember, the blurb teases the story, not summarises it.

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7. Use strong, active language

The language you use in your blurb should be powerful and engaging, so using an active voice makes your writing more dynamic and immediate. Avoid passive constructions and weak verbs for better readability and be sure to choose words that evoke emotion and action.

For instance, instead of saying “The town is being terrorised by a mysterious figure,” say “A mysterious figure terrorises the town.” This small change makes the sentence stronger and more gripping.

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8. Highlight unique selling points

What makes your book stand out? Is it the unique setting, a subversive protagonist, or a twisty plot? Highlight these features in your book description to capture attention in a competitive market. As an example, if your novel blends historical fiction with fantasy, mention that. Or if your protagonist has a unique ability, make it clear. “In a dystopian future where memories are bought and sold, one girl’s forgotten past holds the key to humanity’s survival.”

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9. Show, don’t tell

This classic piece of writing advice applies to book blurbs, too. Rather than telling readers that your book is thrilling, show them through vivid descriptions and compelling scenarios.

For example, if you want to say, “This is a story of love and betrayal,” write instead “When Sarah discovers her fiancé’s devastating secret, she must choose between love and justice.” This approach engages readers, tells them more about the tone, characters, and themes, and gives them a taste of your storytelling style.

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10. Keep practicing writing a blurb

Like any skill, writing compelling book blurbs only improves with practice. The more you write, the better you’ll get at creating engaging summaries. To hone your skills, try writing blurbs for books you’ve read.

You can also practice summarising your works-in-progress at different stages. This helps you craft better book blurbs and can even provide new insights into your story. For the best results, focus on clear, concise, and captivating descriptions to attract readers.

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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