How to Self Publish a Book in 2025: A Step-By-Step Guide

So, you've written a book—congratulations! Now comes the crucial question: How to self-publish a book? In 2025, self-publishing a book has never been more accessible or diverse. Whether you're publishing fiction, nonfiction, or a fabulous photography art book, self-publishing a book can help you reach readers without waiting for a traditional publisher's approval. The landscape is ever-changing, and while self-publishing a book opens doors for authors, it can also be daunting. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to self-publish a book in 2025, from the writing and editing process to publishing, printing, marketing, and professional book design. Ok, let's dive in!

Here is a Quick Overview of How to Self-Publish a Book

Self-publishing offers you complete control over your book, but with that freedom comes responsibility. Below, we'll break down how to self-publish a book into 7 steps that cover everything you'll need to do, from the early drafts to the final launch.

1. Write the book, take photographs, or make art; it seems simple enough, but we all know it's not!

2. Edit the Manuscript/Images

3. Design the Book (Interior & Cover)

4. Choose a Self-Publishing Platform

5. Get an ISBN & BISAC Codes

6. Publish & Distribute

7. Market Your Book

Each step includes vital decisions affecting how your book looks, feels, costs, and ultimately performs. Let's explore how to self-publish a book step by step in more detail to ensure your self-publishing journey is successful.

Common Methods of Self-Publishing a book

When self-publishing a book, you have several approaches available:

1. Self-Publishing Service/Company

Many authors turn to self-publishing companies that handle all the details, from editing to design and distribution. Companies like Lulu and IngramSpark provide comprehensive services. However, be cautious—some services may charge hefty fees without delivering high-quality results. Always research before committing.

2. 100% DIY Self-Publishing

The DIY route is by far the most affordable and flexible. You retain complete control over every aspect of your self-published book—from editing to formatting and marketing to dictating how you want the design to feel. This requires more effort but offers more profits and satisfaction in the long run. Self-publishing platforms such as Amazon KDP and Draft2Digital allow you to manage your publishing process from start to finish.

3. Hybrid Publishers

Hybrid publishers offer a mix of self-publishing and traditional publishing services. You retain some control but rely on them for certain professional services, such as marketing or distribution. Keep in mind that hybrid publishers typically require an upfront investment.

How To Self-Publish Your Book in 8 Steps

1. Writing Your Book / Assembling Your Photographs or Artwork

Before diving into how to self-publish a book, you need a completed manuscript or, in the case of photography and art books, a carefully curated collection of your work. No matter what book genre you will publish, the content is the first and most critical step.

For photographers and artists, this means selecting and organizing your best work in a way that tells a cohesive visual story or presents a compelling theme. Don't rush this process—focus on the narrative or visual structure, ensuring that your photos or artwork are sequenced effectively and that each piece contributes to the overall message you want to convey.

Whether you're working with text, images, or a combination of both, this foundational stage sets the tone for the rest of your self-publishing journey. And don't forget about white space; it is so important!

2. Editing

Once you have written and organized your book, editing is essential. Here are a few tips:

Hire a professional editor: This ensures an extra set of eyes can catch errors and inconsistencies and can improve clarity.

Self-edit in stages: Focus on one type of issue per pass—grammar on one round, structure on another.

Beta readers are so essential: Feedback from real readers can be invaluable when making the necessary adjustments before the final edit of your self-published book. In fact, having a beta reader review is a crucial step to publishing a book successfully, ensuring your manuscript is polished and reader-ready before publication.

3. Interior & Exterior Book Design - Whoo Hoo, my favorite part : )

Book Cover Design: is a Critical Step in How to Self-Publish a Book Your book cover is the first thing potential readers see, and it can make or break your book's success. Think of it as the curb appeal of your book—a striking, professional cover can draw readers in, while a poorly designed one may turn them away or, worse yet, go unnoticed altogether. While tools like Canva can be helpful for DIY cover design, hiring a professional designer ensures your cover stands out in a competitive market. Sure, DIY might save money upfront, but it could cost you valuable time and add unnecessary stress to an already complex process of publishing a book successfully.

It's also important to know what you don't know. Should you use embossing or a die-cut for the title? A linen cover might be elegant, but it's also common—are there more unique options that would better captivate your audience and support your narrative? These fine details of how to self-publish a book can elevate your book from just another release to a standout piece. After all the hard work you've put into creating your book, do you really want to risk its success on a free design app?

Interior Book Design: Properly formatting your book's interior is key to creating a professional feel throughout your entire book. Choose a readable font, ensure proper margins, and pay attention to headings and paragraph breaks. These seemingly simple but essential decisions affect the flow of your images and writing. And don't forget about white space; it is so important. I know I've already said that, but white space can entice your reader to the next phase of your narrative.

4. Choosing a Self-Publishing Platform

Several platforms make it easy to self-publish your book. Here is a quick rundown of some of the most popular:

Amazon KDP Kindle Direct Publishing: The most popular platform for authors to distribute both e-books and paperbacks.

Draft2Digital: Offers wide distribution across multiple platforms like Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and more.

IngramSpark: Best for authors looking to distribute in both print and digital formats, with access to bookstores.

5. Getting an ISBN & BISAC Codes

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is required for any book sold to the public. You can purchase your own ISBN from Bowker at myidentifiers.com. Also, select appropriate BISAC (Book Industry Standards and Communications) codes for your book to categorize it for retailers, helping to market it correctly.

6. Print On Demand vs. Offset Printing - Also one of my favorite topics!

Print On Demand (POD): This is an excellent option for authors looking for more flexibility. Here are five key benefits of Print On Demand (POD):

1. Low Upfront Costs: With POD, you only print copies as ordered, eliminating the need for large upfront investments in printing or storage. This makes it a cost-effective option for authors, especially those just starting to learn how to self-publish a book.

2. No Inventory Management: POD eliminates the need for warehousing or managing physical stock. Your self-published books are printed and shipped directly to the customer, freeing you from the hassle and costs of storing unsold copies.

3. Eco-Friendly: Since books are printed to order, there is significantly less waste compared to traditional offset printing, where unsold copies can be discarded. POD helps reduce publishing's environmental footprint.

4. Global Distribution: Many POD platforms, like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, offer seamless global distribution, allowing your book to be printed and shipped to readers worldwide without the need for complex logistics.

5. Quick Revisions: If you spot an error or want to update your self-published book, POD allows easy revisions without reprinting an entire batch. This flexibility ensures that your book remains up-to-date with minimal delay or cost.

These benefits make POD a flexible and accessible option for self-publishing authors.

Offset Printing: Here are five key benefits of Offset Printing for books, with a focus on photography and art books:

1. Superior Print Quality: Offset printing offers exceptional image and color quality for your self-published book, making it the ideal choice for photography and art books where high-resolution visuals and precise color reproduction are essential. The sharpness and clarity provided by offset printing ensure your artwork or photographs are printed with the highest dedication.

For those learning how to self-publish a book, especially one with rich visual content, choosing offset printing can be a crucial step in delivering professional, gallery-quality results.

2. Cost-Effective for Large Print Runs: While offset printing can have higher initial setup costs, it becomes more economical for larger print runs. If you anticipate printing a significant number of copies for your self-published photography or art book, offset printing will help you reduce the cost per unit and maximize your profit margins.

3. Wide Range of Paper and Finishing Options: Offset printing offers a broader variety of paper types, textures, and finishes that can enhance the tactile experience of your self-published book. When learning how to self-publish a book, especially art and photography books, selecting premium paper and special finishes like matte, gloss, or custom textures can elevate the overall presentation of your work, making it stand out and feel truly professional.

4. Specialty Printing Techniques: Offset printing gives you access to specialized techniques such as spot UV, foil stamping, embossing, debossing, and different binding methods. These techniques can add a luxurious, professional touch to your self-published book's cover and interior pages, making photography and art books feel more like collector's items.

5. Consistent Results for High-End Publications: Offset printing ensures consistency across each print run, so every copy of your self-published book meets the same high standards. This is especially important when learning how to self-publish a book, particularly for photography and art books, where maintaining color accuracy and print uniformity across every page is critical to preserving the integrity of your images.

These benefits make offset printing the go-to option for photographers, artists, and anyone seeking to create high-quality, visually striking books that showcase their work at its best.

7. Marketing and Social Media

Marketing can be the difference between your book gathering dust on a shelf or becoming a bestseller—and social media is at the heart of this effort. In today's digital landscape, social media isn't just an option; it's an essential part of how to self-publish a book. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter (now X), and Facebook allow you to connect directly with your readers, building excitement for your book even before it's released. You also must establish a visual brand identity for marketing on all media platforms. Here’s how you can harness the power of social media and other marketing strategies to enhance how to self-publish a book:

Social Media Presence: Establish a presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter (X), and Facebook. Share behind-the-scenes looks at your writing/photography process, sneak peeks of your cover design, and snippets of your book. Engage with your audience through giveaways and countdowns. Use these platforms to boost awareness of in-person events like book signings or gallery exhibitions if you're launching a photography or art book.

Advertising: Amplify your reach using targeted ads on platforms like Amazon, Facebook, and BookBub. These tools allow you to specifically target readers who are most likely to be interested in your genre or niche, ensuring that your marketing dollars are well spent.

PR Campaigns: Reach out to bloggers, journalists, and influencers in your book's niche. For photography or art books, this could mean collaborating with influencers in the art and design space to generate buzz and attract an audience that appreciates high-quality visuals. You can share each other's posts to cross-pollinate your marketing efforts.

Book Signings & Fairs: In-person events, such as book signings, fairs, or art galleries, are excellent ways to connect with readers face-to-face. When learning how to self-publish a book, these events provide a valuable opportunity to engage directly with your audience. Social media can be instrumental in promoting these events, helping you draw a crowd and extend your reach beyond your immediate network.

Partner with Local Bookstores: Develop partnerships with independent bookstores to get your book on their shelves and increase your visibility within your community. Many bookstores love to support local authors, and these relationships can lead to in-store events and additional marketing opportunities. Again, cross-pollination is a great idea here!

Leverage Your Website: When learning how to self-publish a book, a professional website is essential for selling your book directly, increasing profits, and building your author brand. You can create exclusive content or offer signed copies to entice visitors to buy directly from you.

And again, remember branding! Every marketing channel should consistently reinforce your narrative, both visually and strategically, to create a cohesive and memorable presence.

In short, social media isn't just a platform for promotion—it's a vital tool in the entire how to self-publish a book process. It helps you connect with readers, build momentum, and ultimately, drive sales.

Should You Work with a Book Designer?

While it's possible to self-publish a book entirely on your own, working with professionals—especially a book designer (hi, there!)—can help you create a book that truly stands out. Here's why:

Covers Sell Books: A professional designer can create a cover that not only attracts readers but also compels them to pick up your book, giving it a crucial edge in a crowded marketplace.

Interior Layout Matters: Proper formatting ensures your self-published book is easy to read and visually appealing, which is essential for a positive reader experience. This is a key part of how to self-publish a book successfully, as presentation can significantly impact reader satisfaction.

Your Time is Valuable: Learning how to self-publish a book is incredibly time-intensive. Working with a designer saves you valuable time by handling the intricate details of formatting and design so you can focus on other important aspects of your book launch, such as marketing and promotion.

Reduces Stress: Collaborating with a designer reduces the stress of navigating the technical and aesthetic complexities of self-publishing. Knowing these critical aspects are in expert hands; you can relax, leaving you free to enjoy the creative process.

In fact, working with an experienced book designer can save you from common pitfalls and ensure that your final product is polished and professional. Hiring a professional designer to guide you through the self-publishing process which will most likely save you money.

Is Self-Publishing Worth It?

How to self-publish a book in 2025 offers incredible opportunities for authors to share their work without the barriers of traditional publishing. However, it's essential to weigh the time, cost, and effort involved. If you're willing to take the reins of your publishing journey, the potential rewards—both creative and financial—can be substantial.

While some authors may prefer the ease of handing off their work to a publishing service, others may relish the complete control of DIY self-publishing. Regardless of your chosen path, remember self-publishing takes preparation, patience, and persistence, which are key to a successful launch. Take your time, seek professional help where needed, and give your book the best chance of success!

Ready to take the next step in your self-publishing a book journey? Whether you're just starting out or need help rounding up all your ideas, a professional book designer can elevate your project to the next level.

Don't leave the success of your book to chance—let's create something unforgettable together.

Contact me today to discuss your vision, and let's make your self-published book stand out in a crowded market!