How to Self-publish a Book Online Successfully For More Sales

Everyone has a story to tell, and so do you. Don’t let the intimidating world of self-publishing deter you. We all know that the fear of the unknown can rob us of our dreams. In this article, we aim to help you conquer that fear with a comprehensive step-by-step guide.

Self-publishing marks the climax of a new author’s writing journey, bringing with it immense joy and fulfillment. It’s the exhilarating moment of having made it, of weathering the storms of doubt and frustration, and ultimately, of achieving victory against all odds. There’s a profound sense of freedom in creating your work independently, especially in a landscape where traditional publishing routes can be daunting or inaccessible. Same sentiments echoed by a South African rapper, Cassper Nyovest in his song Mama I made it. So, hopefully we can get you “to ride this wave” and “mount the horse”, so to speak.

If you are looking for a guide to publish your book of whatever genre, like novels, self-development books, recipe books, or fiction, we have you covered. In this article, I use my experience of self-publishing my first work, an entrepreneurial book titled, 68 Suffocating Entrepreneurial Mistakes to guide you on how to self-publish a book. Moreover, this article builds on previous articles on our blog, like the smart book launch ideas guide for beginners.

 How To Successfully Self-publish A Book: An Overview

Getting the Principles of Self-publishing A Book Right: The Bigger Picture

Publishing a book should ideally be a meaningful endeavor, not merely a task to check off a list. Take, for instance, Waking Up To Be Alive by Mabel Mokoto, a poignant narrative from Botswana author that tells a mother’s journey of overcoming grief. This book serves as a gift of healing for many, and it is crucial that stories like hers reach the millions grappling with similar struggles.

Although self-publishing your own book may seem like a singular event, it can either significantly contribute to your ultimate goals or hinder your progress. Imagine throwing a dart at a dartboard; the act itself does not guarantee that you will hit the bull’s-eye. If you throw with your weaker hand, for example, the dart may veer off course or even fall short of the target. Conversely, using your dominant hand and adhering to the proper techniques increases your chances of success.

Similarly, the journey to successful book publishing hinges on your ability to navigate potential pitfalls that can lead to poor sales. Consider the age-old adage: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” An unattractive cover, a mismatch between your book and the online platform, or a lack of marketing efforts can severely affect your book’s performance in the market.

The next phase often involves anticipation of high sales volumes, with dreams of retiring or indulging in a more luxurious lifestyle. Unfortunately, this dream can slip away for many authors. They may face the harsh reality of being ensnared by sales platforms that impose endless minimum balance requirements, making it difficult to access their earnings. Additionally, the lack of effective marketing strategies can stifle a book’s visibility.

Even more frustrating is the situation where authors find themselves inadvertently promoting the platforms rather than their own books. They direct potential customers to these platforms, only to discover that many are still unfamiliar within their networks. This disconnect can lead to missed opportunities and disappointment.

What you will Need to Self-publish a Book: The Requirements

Your Book in the right format, such as PDF, EPUB. When publishing on Apple Books, you can use your Pages file to publish and you will be able to convert it to the required format, such as EPUB. Besides, it is very convenient.

Recommended Retail Sales Price

To my book, you have to determine a competitive retail price for your book based on market research and similar titles in your genre.

Book Cover

Hire a professional graphic designer to create an eye-catching cover that reflects your book’s content and genre.

Book Description

Write a brief, engaging book description that summarizes the story and entices readers to purchase your book.

ISBN

Acquire a unique ISBN (International Standard Book Number) for your book. This number is crucial for distribution and cataloging in libraries.

Personal Information

Include personal information such as:

• Your tax identification number
• Physical address for official correspondence

Author’s Bank Details

Provide your bank details for receiving royalties and other payments related to your book sales.

Where to Self-publish a Book: Setting The Tone For Success

The most significant decision influencing the success of your book is selecting the right publishing platform, as not all platforms are created equal. Some have a prestigious reputation among customers, enhancing your book’s credibility but may require extensive marketing efforts to reach your audience. Others might be well-known but lack variety and inclusivity in their stock, potentially limiting your book’s exposure. Additionally, newer platforms can revolutionize the industry by connecting authors to thousands of readers in innovative ways. For maximum impact, consider listing your book on popular online bookstores like Apple Books or  BookBay, Google Books, and Takealot. 

Generally, the factors that influence the success of your self publishing book are as follows:

Selecting the right category is also important for publishing a book. Books in categories with less competition often perform better than those in highly competitive ones. For example, novels face intense competition compared to niche genres like gardening or self-help. An author is more likely to achieve bestseller status in a smaller category, allowing them to benefit from the marketing advantages of being labeled as an “award-winning” title.

Several factors contribute to a book’s visibility and appeal:

• Cover Design: A striking book cover can differentiate your work from others on the shelf. It should grab attention and reflect the essence of the book.
• Awards Recognition: Featuring an “Award Winner” badge on the cover can enhance credibility and attract readers’ attention.
• Compelling Book Description: The book description must resonate with potential readers, promising to educate, entertain, or help them overcome challenges. For instance, novel authors often describe their works as captivating, drawing on their track record of well-written books to entice readers. Meanwhile, mystery authors might tease a series, engaging readers by hinting at unresolved questions from previous installments.
• Platform Visibility: The platform used to sell the book should actively connect the title to potential customers. This includes featuring it in categories like “Best Sellers” or “Coming Soon” for new titles.

Publishing Platforms

There are numerous online platforms where you can publish your book in both hardcover and eBook formats. You can use these platforms to publish your book. For example, use Amazon kindle direct publishing. 

In order to take full advantage of each platform’s strengths, we recommend listing your book on several platforms. Key platforms include:

• Apple Books
• Bookbay
• Google Books
• Kobo Books (by Rakuten)
• Takealot

These platforms can expose your book to a broad audience, as they attract numerous customers.

Platform Requirements

Before publishing, it’s important to understand the specific requirements of each platform, as they can vary:

• Some platforms may require your sales to reach $1,000 before issuing payment for each sales cycle.
• Others, like Kobo, might ask you to allow potential buyers to read a certain percentage of the eBook before purchase.
• Platforms such as Google Books may only allow you to publish by invitation. You will need to submit your book details for review, and their team will decide whether to extend an invitation.

The Steps Required to Self-publish a  Book

Publishing your book online involves a few straightforward steps that most platforms require. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Gather Required Information

Compile all the necessary information mentioned earlier, such as book title, author name, cover design, book description, and any awards or recognition.

Step 2: Create an Account

Visit the selected bookstores and create an account. This process typically involves setting up login credentials. Links to the various platforms are provided above for your convenience.

Step 3: Navigate to Self-Publishing

Once logged in, locate the section for self-publishing your book. This may be labeled differently depending on the platform, but it generally includes options for uploading your book. If you’re publishing an eBook, you’ll need to upload your manuscript in the required formats, such as PDF or EPUB.

Step 4: Publish Your Book

Ensure all information is complete and accurate. Once everything is in order, click the “Publish” tab. Your book will then be made visible to the public on the platform. Depending on the search engine and the SEO tools used by the online bookstore, it may take anywhere from a few days to up to two months for your book to appear in search results.