Self-Publishing

Also known as: Independent Publishing, Indie Publishing, Author Publishing
Publishing intermediate
Reading time: 4 minutes

Self-publishing allows authors to independently publish their work, maintaining creative control and higher royalties.

Why It Matters

Self-publishing empowers authors to bring their work to market without traditional gatekeepers. For Tenwrite users, it offers flexibility and ownership.

Key Platforms

  • Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): For e-books and print-on-demand.
  • IngramSpark: For wide distribution and print options.
  • Draft2Digital: Simplifies multi-platform publishing.

How It’s Done

  1. Write and edit your manuscript thoroughly.
  2. Design a professional cover and format the content.
  3. Publish on chosen platforms and promote your book.

Best Practices

  • Invest in professional editing and design.
  • Build an author platform for marketing.
  • Research platform-specific requirements.

Self-publishing is a dynamic option for authors seeking creative freedom and direct audience connection.

Examples

  • Publishing an e-book through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
  • Using CreateSpace or IngramSpark for print-on-demand paperbacks
  • Distributing audiobooks through ACX and Audible
  • Publishing directly to multiple platforms using services like Draft2Digital

Use Cases

  • Maintain complete creative control over your book content and design
  • Keep higher royalty percentages compared to traditional publishing
  • Publish on your own timeline without waiting for publisher approval
  • Test market demand for niche topics or experimental formats

Pro Tips

Invest in professional editing and cover design for better market reception

Learn about book marketing and building an author platform early

Research your target audience and optimize metadata for discoverability

Consider both e-book and print formats to maximize reach

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing to publish without proper editing and proofreading

Underestimating the time and effort required for marketing

Creating poor-quality covers that don't appeal to the target audience

Not understanding platform-specific requirements and optimization

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does self-publishing cost?
Costs vary widely from free (DIY approach) to several thousand dollars for professional editing, design, and marketing. A typical quality self-published book might cost $500-2000 in professional services.
Can self-published books be successful?
Yes, many self-published books achieve significant commercial and critical success. Success depends on quality content, professional presentation, effective marketing, and understanding your target audience.