100 Self-Publishing Tips for Aspiring Authors

Self-publishing is one of the most empowering, but also most daunting paths an author can embark on. With various complex aspects such as writing, editing, cover design, distribution, and marketing, there are countless moving parts that one has to juggle in order to create a successful book, and it can be difficult to navigate on your own. The good news is that you don’t have to! To set you up for success, we’ve put together 100 essential tips that every author should know when choosing to self-publish. This list is designed to give you the tools and confidence you need to jumpstart your self-publishing journey!

Writing & Drafting

Clearly, the most important aspect of self-publishing is writing a quality book that someone, or preferably lots of people, will want to read. At this stage, the hardest part can just be finishing it. However, once it’s complete, the next issue becomes — is it good enough?

          1. Write every day, even if only a paragraph.
          2. Set word count goals, not just time goals.
          3. Outline your book before drafting.
          4. Keep a “cut file” so you don’t fear deleting text.
          5. Read widely in your genre.
          6. Read outside your genre to expand style.
          7. Use beta readers early, rather than waiting for the book to be perfect.
          8. Write the book you want to read.
          9. Hold off on editing until you’ve completed your draft.
        10. Try dictation tools if typing slows you down.
        11. Track your writing progress. Various planners exist for this, including this one for
                nonfiction writing.
        12. Set deadlines to finish drafts.
        13. Avoid perfectionism in the first draft.
        14. Save multiple backups of your manuscript.
        15. Join a writing accountability group such as our Authorpreneur Community.  

Writing & Drafting

Clearly, the most important aspect of self-publishing is writing a quality book that someone, or preferably lots of people, will want to read. At this stage, the hardest part can just be finishing it. However, once it’s complete, the next issue becomes — is it good enough?

        16. Give yourself time away from the draft before revising.
        17. Read your work out loud.
        18. Print your manuscript to catch errors.
        19. Proofread more than once.
        20. Be open to constructive feedback.
        21. Watch for overused words or crutch phrases.
        22. Understand the difference between developmental, line, and copyediting.
        23. Run your manuscript through grammar software before sending it to an editor
        24. Be sure to give your stories the treatment they deserve and have the book
                professionally edited.
        25. Hire a proofreader separate from your editor.

Book Design & Formatting

A great story deserves a great presentation. From cover design that grabs attention to interior formatting that makes reading seamless, design choices shape how readers experience your book. Professional design ensures your work looks polished, credible, and inviting, which are crucial for books on the shelf and on the screen. Here are a few tips for creating a book that looks as good as it reads.

26. Unless you have real design experience, we suggest having your cover made by a 
        professional.
27. Study bestselling covers in your genre.
28. Make sure your cover reflects your genre so readers know what kind of book it is. 
29. Understand the difference between ebook, paperback, and hardcover format                        requirements.
30. Use tools like Vellum, Atticus, or Draft2Digital for formatting assistance.
31. Make sure your title is legible in thumbnail size.
32. Use proper trim sizes for your genre.
33. Learn about margins and bleed in print books.
34. Choose fonts carefully (serif for print, sans-serif for digital).
35. Keep formatting consistent across chapters.
36. Add a clickable table of contents in ebooks.
37. Use a professional author photo.
38. Include an “Also by this Author” page if you have already published.
39. Add a call-to-action (newsletter signup, website link, social media accounts).
40. Test your ebook on multiple devices.

Publishing & Distribution

With your book edited and designed, it’s time to share it with the world. Choosing the right publishing platform, setting up distribution channels, and making your book available in multiple formats are key steps to reaching readers. A smart publishing and distribution plan ensures your book is accessible, discoverable, and ready to sell. Here are a few tips for getting your book into your reader’s hands.

41. Decide if you’ll use KDP Select (Amazon) or go wide (distributing on multiple           
        platforms).
42. Research print-on-demand options (KDP, IngramSpark, etc).
43. Apply for your own ISBNs if you want publisher control.
44. Learn metadata basics (keywords and categories).
45. Choose categories strategically for visibility.
46. Optimize your keywords (describe themes, audience, genre, and content).
47. Publish in multiple formats (ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audio).
48. Consider large-print editions.
49. Upload to multiple distributors (Draft2Digital, Smashwords, etc.).
50. Set realistic prices by browsing others in your genre.
51. Test different price points. 
52. Understand royalty rates before publishing.
53. Keep rights to your work — don’t sign them away easily.
54. Order proof copies before launch.
55. Check your formatting on both Kindle and Nook.

Marketing & Promotion

A well-written, beautifully designed book won’t sell itself. Effective marketing helps readers discover your work and gives your book the attention it deserves. Whether it’s reaching out to local media, engaging with readers online, or planning creative launch strategies, promotion builds excitement and drives sales. Here are the tips for spreading the word and growing your audience.

        56. Build an author website that is engaging and direct. 
        57. Start an email newsletter early.
        58. Use social media to connect, not just sell.
        59. Share your writing journey, not just your book.
        60. Network with other authors in your genre.
        61. Announce and collect preorders before publishing to create excitement.
        62. Offer preorder bonuses.
        63. Create a launch team of early supporters.
        64. Offer ARCs (Advance Review/Reader Copies).
        65. Reach out to book bloggers and author communities (Our Authorpreneur
                Community).
        66. Submit your book to review sites.
        67. Steer away from buying fake reviews.
        68. Schedule a launch party.
        69. Create appealing graphics with Canva.
        70. Use videos (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube).
        71. Connect with indie bookstores.
        72. Attend book fairs and conventions.
        73. Pitch yourself for podcasts and interviews.
        74. Write guest blogs or articles.
        75. Run Amazon ads strategically.
        76. Test Facebook or BookBub ads.
        77. Apply for a BookBub Featured Deal.
        78. Bundle books together for promotions.
        79. Use BookFunnel or StoryOrigin for giveaways.
        80. Keep marketing even after launch.

Business & Professionalism

Being an author also means running a business. From managing finances and contracts to setting boundaries and communicating professionally, how you handle the business side shapes your reputation and opportunities. Treating your writing like a business builds trust with readers, collaborators, and industry partners. While it’s always best to meet with finance and taxation professionals, here are some tips for staying professional and organized as an author.

        81. To succeed, consider your writing to be a business rather than a pleasure. 
        82. Understand your target reader.
        83. Celebrate your unique path as an author rather than comparing yourself and your
                work.
        84. Protect your writing time.
        85. Track your expenses for taxes.
        86. Separate personal and author finances.
        87. Keep contracts and publishing documents organized.
        88. Register your copyright.
        89. Learn about fair use before quoting.
        90. Avoid vanity presses that charge high fees.
        91. Budget realistically for editing and cover design.
        92. Create a business plan for your author career.
        93. Reinvest book profits back into your business.
        94. Focus on building a backlist (multiple books).
        95. Stay informed on industry changes.
        96. Be patient — publishing takes time.
        97. Focus on steady growth rather than overnight success.
        98. Celebrate small wins.
        99. Keep learning and improving.
      100. Remember why you started writing in the first place.

These 100 tips are just the beginning. If you’d like extra guidance, resources, or one-on-one support, Wildebeest Publishing is here to help. Visit us at www.wildebeestpublishing.com and schedule a personalized consultation today. We specialize in working with authors to confidently put their stories out into the world, and would love to help you succeed!

 Lia is a lifelong reader and writer who is currently a student at Siena College pursuing a degree in English. Her passion for English merges with her commitment to supporting and educating others, which is why one day she hopes to find her place either in the world of publishing or in early childhood education.