Self-Publishing a Book: FAQs for Authors
As they say, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” But that’s OK.
As a book publishing coach who has helped dozens of American nonfiction authors get published, I’m here to help.
If you’re reading this, you can do this. If you’ve already done it before, you can do it again. The world needs your book!
Thinking of going down the self-publishing route and becoming an “indie author”? You’re probably wondering about a number of things.
Questions and answers below about
book formats
self-publishing strategy/options
book sizes
how to get copies of a self-published book to sell at author events/give to clients
book designers
whether or not you “need” to hire a proofreader
➡️(If you’re looking for FAQs on traditional publishing, you can read those here.)
⬇Self-Publishing: Definition, Pros and Cons, and the Process⬇️
First, a little about the pros and cons of being self-published. Then, the questions and answers. If you want the FAQs now, scroll down, friend.
What is self-publishing?
Self-publishing is the packaging, launching, and distributing of intellectual material in book form by or on behalf of an author or authors—usually for purchase—and in which the author receives all royalties or proceeds, minus printing or distribution costs.
Self-publishing is NOT hybrid publishing. A hybrid publisher is a company that not only charges money to help produce and distribute the book on the author’s behalf but who takes a share of royalties.
Self-published authors usually seek access to retailers and distributors such as
online ebook and audiobook retailers like Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and Google Play books, among other smaller retailers such as BajaLibros and Fnac
print book retailers and bookstores
library distributors such as OverDrive
Self-publishing has been “a thing” for years—but it was made more popular in the early 2000s with the emergence of CreateSpace (which was later acquired by Amazon and eventually merged with another self-publishing platform: Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing) and the proliferation of the ereader device and online ebook retailers in the early 2010s.
Self-published authors often sell their books on their website and at their public events.
➡️Learn More: The 5 Best Self-Publishing Platforms, Compared
What are the pros and cons of self publishing, and how long does the self publishing process take?
Self publishing pros: Being a self-published author means having the ability to set the pace and to have creative control and flexibility over the length of the book, the design of the book, the pricing, and the publication date, among other factors.
It also means that a book that might be considered too “niche” or an author that risk-averse publishing houses might pass on (often because they made a mistake!) will make it out into the marketplace where readers can buy and read it.
There is also the potential to make much higher royalties as a self-published author than you could as a traditionally published author—60 percent or more on ebook sales and several dollars or more for each print book sold, for example.
Self publishing cons: It can be overwhelming for some to navigate all the steps required to produce, publish, and distribute a book. Many self-published authors—some unwittingly—end up with poor-quality books.
It can be expensive, with most authors spending $3,000 to $5,000 or more.
It is often harder to get one’s book into libraries and bookstores as an unknown or unaffiliated author.
The self-publishing process: From proposal to publication date, it might take as much as 24 months for the traditional publishing process to play out. But for the self-directed “indie author,” it’s possible to launch a book in days.
➡️Learn More: Read my longer article, “What Is the Best Month to Publish a Book” with genre-specific recommendations on the best month to self-publish.
⬇️Questions about self publishing and getting published⬇️
Self-publishing an ebook vs. a paperback vs. a hardcover
“I am writing a parenting book. I don’t know what formats to publish my books in. Do you have any advice?” —Kendra
Most people these days publish a paperback and an ebook. I would start there. Ask yourself, though, what your readers will want/expect and deliver that.
Most books sold are paperbacks, even now. That’s a no-brainer.
An ebook costs you very little to produce, and it has a small but good profit margin. So why not? But don’t be surprised if you don’t sell a ton of these. A lot of my clients are selling 8 to 10 paperbacks for every ebook they sell!
Think about what your readers are most likely to want. If you have an older audience or a wealthier audience, if you’ve got a children’s book or a cookbook, a hardcover book is a great idea. Large-print books are also available!
Most authors don’t have the money to set up an audiobook—at least not initially. But those are gaining in popularity among readers and, with the advent of AI narration, becoming more reasonably priced. (Check out Google Play Books if you’re interested in AI narration, btw).
I tell most people this: If your book is really successful or if you have extra money, or once you’ve got a series of books going, you can go back and do the audiobook later. If you do want to do an audiobook, I still recommend hiring a human narrator and paying them 10 percent up front.
How to self-publish: What are the best retailers, and what is the best strategy?
What is the best option for self-publishing? Is there a self-publishing strategy you recommend? —Sandy
➡️In my DIY self-publishing course, which I offer on my website, this is something I lay out for people and help them decide.
It depends on your budget, your time, your readers’ expectations, and whether you want your book to (in theory) be available to libraries and bookstores.
I often recommend to authors that they publish an ebook directly on Amazon. Free and easy (down the road you go). If you want that ebook to reach a larger audience outside the US or people who don’t use Kindle, you can, as I recommend, “distribute” it to other retailers and wholesalers through Draft2Digital.
I then recommend you self-publish a paperback directly to Amazon using Amazon KDP for the most control and the highest profit margin. If you want the process done for you, you can hire a company to help you, such as Blurb or Lulu. Or you can hire me for far less money to guide you through the process.
I then recommend, if you want your print book to be available more broadly, using a distributor like IngramSpark. This gives you the greatest likelihood of sales.
Again, all this is covered in my Step-by-Step Self-Publishing course, where I present the options and the pros and cons and then show you how to do each one. There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy, but there’s a one-size-fits-most. If you’re unsure of your needs, or if you need someone to walk you through the process at a very reasonable rate, consider a coaching call.
Let’s get you published.
Services for nonfiction authors based in the US:
What is the best trim size for a self-published book?
I am publishing a family history book and I don’t know what size it should be. Do you have any recommendations? —Jim (Samuel had a similar question)
See my website article, “Popular Trim Sizes for Self-Published Books.” I’ve always thought 7″ × 10″ is a great size for a family history book, but it depends on how many and what type of photos you have—as well as personal preference.
If your book is somewhat short and/or you want it to be something someone can throw in their handbag/totebag/ Hermès Birkin, motorcycle trunk, etc., 5.5″ × 8.5″ is a great option and is about as small as I would recommend.
6″ × 9″ is pretty common for most nonfiction books.
Measure the books on your bookshelf or at the library. That may help you decide.
➡️Learn More: read my article, “Popular Book Trim Sizes for Fiction and Nonfiction Self-Published Books” and see “IngramSpark Book Trim Sizes and Printing Options” too.
How to get author copies of a self-published book
Hi Daniel. I am writing a book and the title is [title withheld.]. . . . What is the best way to get printed copies of my book? I want to sell copies on my website and give them to my clients. —Don
You have several options, but in my experience and past clients’ experience, the highest quality is Barnes & Noble Press. You need not actually publish to Barnes & Noble Press in order to print author copies, by the way.
Your other options are through Amazon KDP, through IngramSpark, through a company like Blurb, Lulu, or BookBaby, or to use a local printer in your area. Whatever you do, always print a “proof copy” before officially publishing your book.
How much does hiring a book designer cost?
“How much does a book designer cost? I am seeing different figures out there.” —Samuel
Prices vary based on the type of book and its complexity. Most book interior designers cost, on average, $4 per page for a print book. This does not include the cost of a cover, which could be $200 to $800. Always shop around, and look carefully at designers’ portfolios. I have some designers I can recommend.
The more specific you can be with your preferences, the better. So gather six or eight photos or screenshots from recently-published books that you can show to the designer. Most book interior designers will do a sample chapter for you. Most cover designers will give you choices to choose from and will be open to feedback and revisions. Always ask about samples.
Hiring a professional proofreader: Do I need to?
Do I need to hire a proofreader? —Toyin (Paula had a similar question)
Remember, by definition, “proofreading” takes place AFTER the book is written and at the point where the book has been laid out, designed, and is just about to be published, no sooner. When publishing insiders say “proofreading,” we mean the very last-minute checks for typos, spacing issues, or layout-related errors or inconsistencies.
If you don’t have the time or the patience, if you’ve got a complex layout, or if you have the extra money, sure. I'm in the “every author needs a copy editor, but not every author needs to hire a proofreader” camp.
➡️If you’re a US-based author who is publishing in the US, I’ve got a helpful resource for you; you’re welcome to download my free proofreading checklist from my website whenever you need it. You do not need this checklist until you’re doing your final quality-control check on your book prior to publishing.
Ready to get published? Book a coaching call or get started with publishing coaching today.
Work with me—services for nonfiction authors based in the US
➞book publishing coaching and coaching calls
➞book editing services
Still gathering information? Check out the articles on my website, including those recommended below.
You might also like
➞5 Ways to Sell More Self-Published Books on Amazon
➞Ebooks and Authors: Tips for Self-Publishers
➞Self-Publishing Royalties (updated in Summer 2023)
➞The 5 Best Self-Publishing Platforms, Compared
➡️Click here for traditional publishing FAQs.
There is something incredibly rewarding about unboxing your books, hearing from a happy reader, or experiencing the satisfaction of a big project that has come to fruition. I want that for you.
I hope this information helps your mission, and I wish you much success with your book!