Your 2025 Self Publishing Checklist: 12 Key Steps
As an emerging or established writer, self-publishing offers many opportunities to take control of your narrative literally. It allows you to navigate your literary journey in your style, traversing the publishing process without surrendering your rights or the majority of your royalties to a traditional publishing house.
However, self-publishing is not a path laden with roses; it comes with unique complexities that may seem daunting, especially to first-time authors. This comprehensive blog thus aims to dispel such apprehensions by providing an exhaustive self-publishing checklist.
By the end of this blog, you should be well-equipped to tackle all the challenges of self-publishing and emerge successfully as a published author.
What Is the Self-Publishing Checklist?
We have crafted a meticulous checklist outlining a step-by-step roadmap to self-publishing success to ease your self-publishing journey. In the following sections, we will talk about the same.
1. Refine your book manuscript (DIY vs Professional help)
Using tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid, you can refine your manuscript yourself. This gives you control over the process, though catching errors and improving your writing may take longer.
Meanwhile, a professional editor enhances your manuscript by improving flow and consistency. While more costly, their expertise ensures your work is polished. If on a budget, consider feedback from a trusted friend before opting for professional help.
2. Craft your author bio
An author bio is essential for self-published authors, as it helps build credibility and fosters a connection with readers. Write your bio in the third person, highlighting your qualifications, achievements, and expertise related to the book's topic.
To make it more engaging, you can also add personal touches, such as where you're from, your hobbies, or interesting facts about yourself. Keep it professional yet approachable, and remember, your bio can be used not only in your book but also on your website, social media, and other platforms to introduce yourself to a broader audience.
3. Include a personal dedication
Dedications add a personal and heartfelt touch to your book, usually placed after the copyright page. This is your chance to express gratitude to someone who provided support, motivation, or inspiration during your writing journey—whether it's a family member, friend, mentor, or even a public figure who inspired you.
Though optional, dedications make your book feel more personal and relatable. Whether it's an emotional tribute or a playful shoutout, dedications create a connection with readers, offering a glimpse into your world and making the book feel truly yours.
4. Compiling your book acknowledgments
After the dedication page, the acknowledgments allow you to express gratitude to those who contributed to your book's creation. Unlike brief dedications, acknowledgments allow you to mention everyone who played a part—editors, designers, family, friends, early readers, and anyone who provided support or feedback.
Be specific and sincere about how each person helped. Thoughtful and genuine acknowledgments can foster a connection with readers and highlight your appreciation for those who made your book possible.
5. Pen a Perfect Back Cover Blurb
Seasoned author Stephen King once quipped, "You can't judge a book by its cover," but in the self-publishing world, most readers do! Hence, crafting a compelling book title and description, or blurb, is integral to engaging potential readers. Typically found on the back cover or in your print edition ebook description, your blurb acts as a mini-sales pitch, highlighting the most important things about your book.
A strong blurb grabs attention, offers a brief synopsis without giving too much away, and leaves readers eager to know more. Keep it between 100-200 words, starting with a captivating sentence and highlighting high-stakes conflicts. Include relevant keywords for SEO and target your ideal audience to create an effective marketing tool.
6. Create your copyright page
A copyright page is crucial in self-publishing as it establishes your ownership of the book's content, including your book description. Located after the title page, typically after your table of contents, it includes your ISBN, copyright notice ("Copyright © [year] by [Author Name]"), and legal statements like "All rights reserved."
You can also add publisher contact info, credits for the production team, and any necessary disclaimers. While it may seem small, a well-detailed copyright page is an important legal and professional step regarding copyright law.
7. Stand Out with a Professional Headshot
A headshot is essential for connecting with your readers, offering a personal touch that complements your Author Bio and gives a face to your name. It adds credibility and is typically featured on your professional book cover or website. While DIY shots with a high-resolution camera can work, a professional photographer can capture the right tone, emotion, and personality.
Whether a close-up or full-length portrait, ensure your headshot reflects your true self. It should be more than just a picture—it's a glimpse into your world as an author and your unique journey.
8. Choose your book's typography
Typography is crucial in enhancing the reading experience by improving readability. The right typeface draws readers in and makes reading easier, while poor choices can turn them away. Professionals often recommend simple, readable serif fonts like Caslon, Garamond, Jenson, Minion, and Palatino, known for their smooth, flowing lines.
However, matching the font to your book's mood and genre is essential. For example, a horror novel may benefit from a suspenseful serif, while a children's book might need a playful, fun font. Choose a typeface that best complements your content.
9. Edit your book's layout
A well-designed book layout boosts readability and professionalism. Avoid widows, orphans, and runts for a cleaner appearance. In non-fiction, columns and tables improve data comprehension. For example:
| Chapter Name | Page Number |
| Introduction | 1 |
| Design | 11 |
| Production | 33 |
| Marketing | 47 |
| Conclusion | 65 |
Ensure images are properly placed to maintain a neat and professional look.
10. Design your book's cover and spine
Designing your book's cover, including the back cover design and spine, is crucial in self-publishing, as it's often the first impression a reader has of your work. A visually striking book design can set your book apart in a crowded market, while a professional designer's design reflects the quality of your content. Ensure the cover aligns with your book's genre and tone, capturing the essence of your story or message.
Conversely, the spine should include your book title and author name for easy identification on bookshelves or digital libraries. Whether you hire a designer or create it yourself, ensure it's eye-catching, clear, and reflective of your book's core theme.
11. Get an ISBN
Acquiring an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is essential for self-publishing, giving your book a unique identity in the market. It's essential if you plan to sell in bookstores, libraries, or on retail platforms.
While services like IngramSpark offer free ISBNs, buying your own is recommended if you plan to publish in multiple formats (print, ebook, audiobook). , including on platforms like Kobo. and Kindle Direct Publishing. Besides, while eBooks on platforms like Amazon KDP and Google Play don't require an ISBN, having one enhances your book's professionalism and marketability.
For an ISBN in the UK, you should go directly to https://www.nielsenisbnstore.com/ who are the UK suppliers. On their site, you secure the ISBN, then download the barcode which can be added to your artwork.
12. Include book reviews
Crowd validation is crucial in today's market, where social proof drives success. If this is your first book, book reviews serve as testimonials, building credibility and encouraging potential readers to invest in your book. To gather early reviews, reach out to fellow authors, readers, or beta readers within your genre. You can also tap into your existing audience via emails or direct messages for support.
Another key strategy is to create a launch team of dedicated followers on Instagram who help generate buzz and write reviews on launch day. Focus on honest feedback that highlights the value of your book and build excitement around its release, aiming to get it noticed on the bestseller lists.
How to structure your book's content
Structuring your book is akin to planning a meaningful journey for your readers. A meticulously crafted structure guides your writing process and structures the structure of your story to enhance the reader's experience, making it engaging and effortless. The clarity of your structure is reflected in the simplicity with which you convey your story or ideas.
A cheat sheet can be your secret weapon in efficiently planning your content. This organized table detailing your chapters or sections, key points, and word count helps you stay focused, streamline your writing process, and ensure a logical flow of ideas in your manuscript.
How to set a realistic self-publishing budget?
Setting a self-publishing budget helps manage resources and ensures efficient production. Unlike traditional publishing, you're responsible for editing, design, marketing, and distribution costs. A realistic budget is crucial to maximize profits and avoid overspending, allowing extra time to refine your work and enhance its quality.
Editing Costs
Professional editing boosts quality. For an 80,000-word manuscript:
- Copyediting: ~$1,200
- Line editing: $1,200+
- Proofreading: $600-$800
Design Costs
A professional design attracts readers:
- Cover design: ~$800
- Interior design/formatting: ~$400
Marketing Costs
Effective marketing is key to success:
- Email marketing: ~$10/month
- Newsletter ads: $20-$100/ad
- Social media ads: From $5/day
Investing wisely in these areas can enhance your book's quality and visibility, but adjust strategies based on results.
Finding a Designer on Fiverr or PeoplePerHour
Do take a look at these pages for ideas on designers to approach on Fiverr. Or take a look at PeoplePerHour for 100's of book designers.
Of if you would prefer to work with an agency for a more tailored approach then this article will help.
How to create deadlines and meet them?
Now that you have a comprehensive roadmap, it's time to commit to some realistic deadlines to ensure smooth sailing toward your goal.
Sample deadline schedule for self-publishing a book
Creating a timeline or schedule can motivate and help you manage time effectively. Remember, every book engages a unique journey, and the timelines for each can differ significantly based on complexity.
However, here's a rough sample deadline schedule that should give you a pretty good idea:
| Task | Deadline (from the start) |
| Manuscript Editing & Proofreading | 1 month |
| Cover Design & Formatted Manuscript | 2nd month |
| Promotion Begins (Start Marketing) | 2 weeks after formatting |
| Release Date | 1 month after promotion |
Speed Up Your Self-Publishing Journey with Professional Help from ExWhyZed 🚀
While self-publishing a book can be exciting and fulfilling, it can also be time-consuming. Why not speed up the process and ensure your book stands out by seeking professional help? At ExWhyZed, we specialize in helping you publish a book that truly captures the essence of your story.
Whether you want a simple design or something more intricate and creative, our team uses expert techniques, including vibrant colors and stylish typography, to make your book look and feel professional. Let us handle your publishing needs so you can focus on what you do best—writing! Get in touch with us today to get started.
Conclusion
Walking the self-publishing road can be demanding, but it could transform into an empowering journey with the right tools and guidance. A comprehensive checklist, like the one provided in this blog, can serve as your compass, guiding you smoothly through this process and helping you find the right place in your publishing journey.
From conceptualizing your idea to finally putting your work out in the world, each stage brings moments of discovery, learning, creativity, and triumph. So, confidently embark on this incredible journey armed with all the essentials detailed in this guide.
Remember, every great author started somewhere, so take that first bold step towards shaping your literary dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the costs involved in self-publishing?
While self-publishing offers greater control over book profits, it involves upfront costs for professional book editing, cover and layout design, ISBN procurement, print copies (if opting for a print run), and marketing and promotional activities, especially for non-fiction. Costs can vary greatly based on the quality and extent of these services.
How long does it take to self-publish a book?
The duration to self-publish a book varies based on factors like the time to write the first draft, edit, format, design, and devise a marketing strategy for your book launch. At Ex Why Zed, we will aim to deliver your finished books in 1-2 weeks from when we receive print ready artwork. No messing about with 6-12 months like you will experience if going through a Publishing House.
What is the difference between traditional publishing and self-publishing?
Traditional publishing houses manage everything from editing, designing, and marketing to distributing your book while you surrender most of your royalties and creative control. Self-publishing empowers authors to retain all rights and produces higher royalties but involves more hands-on work and self-investment.
Can I publish my book in multiple formats?
Yes, self-publishing allows flexibility to publish your book in multiple formats, such as ebooks, paperback, hardcovers, and audiobooks. At Ex Why Zed, we print softback and hardback to appeal to different price points. You can decide the format(s) based on your book's genre, budget, and target audience's preferences, including options offered through Amazon KDP. and Google Play Store.
