How do you self publish your book? Where can you self publish? How long does it take to publish? All of these questions will be answered in this blog.
Self publishing has become quite common in the writing industry. While normal publishing can be expensive (costing around 2,000$ to 5,000$ for a known publisher), self publishing is free and easy!
How does one self publish?
Self publishing can be simple and easy, depending on what platform you use. The two easiest platforms that I have used for self publishing is Barnes and Noble Press and Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. I will explain these two platforms later in the blog. So how do you self publish? There are a few ways/methods to use. The first is to plan the book, write the book/novel/etc, edit the book, revise the book, design the cover, then publish. The second is to create the book cover and title, pre-order the book, then plan, write, edit, revise, and publish. I personally would recommend the first method as it is easier to change/develop your book when a title and cover has not already been decided. Once you have finished writing and editing your manuscript, that is when you will publish.
Where can one publish?
As stated above, Barnes and Noble Press and Amazon KDP are easy and simple platforms to self publish your book. For Amazon, one begins by designing the general book (title, series, author, etc), then adding your interior and exterior. Then you publish! From my experience, it takes roughly 2-3 business days for your paperback or e-book to hit stores. What I love about Amazon KDP is one can purchase author copies of their book (just printing costs). The second platform I use and recommend is B&N Press. This platform is more involved (then Amazon KDP), however, you book can be in stores and online (whereas for Amazon it is only online). The process of publishing is similar to Amazon; however, you need to create a vendor account (which needs your SSN and bank information) and wait for this account to be approved. Overall, for first time authors, I would recommend using Amazon KDP, then, as you get more advanced use B&N Press.
How long does it take to self publish?
Depending on how you publish (Amazon or B&N) it can take from 3 days to around 3 weeks. From my experience, Amazon publishing is much quicker. B&N requires a vendor account which can add about 5 days onto the process. If you choose to pre-order, then it will take as long as it takes for you to write and edit your book. There is no specific time line regarding self publishing; however, it usually takes around 1.5 weeks to publish.
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