Self-publishing is an adventure. It takes time, energy, persistence, and usually some financial investment. Along the way, you’ll find yourself wearing many different hats: writer, editor, project manager, marketer, salesperson, distributor, and event organiser, often all at once. You’ll also need to find the right collaborators and services to help bring your book into the world.

 

Self-Publishing Checklist

Planning and Preparation

✅ Finish the manuscript. Let it rest and revise it multiple times. 

✅ Get feedback from trusted early readers.

✅ Decide on your publishing budget and timeline.

✅ Decide whether to publish independently or partner with a small publisher.

 

Editing

✅ Find an editor.

✅ Revise the manuscript based on the editor’s feedback.

✅ Find a proofreader.

 

Rights and Publishing Information

✅ Ensure you have permission to use any copyrighted material (images, illustrations, quotations, song lyrics, etc.).

✅ Prepare the copyright page and acknowledgements.

✅ Apply for an ISBN number.

✅ Generate a barcode for the book (online). 

 

Design and Production

✅ Find a graphic designer for the book layout and cover.

✅ Write the back-cover blurb and short author biography.

✅ Obtain endorsements or testimonials if possible.

✅ Proofread the designed book.

✅ Check barcode placement and technical printing requirements.

✅ Order a printed proof copy and review it carefully.

 

Printing

✅ Find a printer.

✅ If printing abroad, find an international shipping service and understand customs fees and import requirements.

✅ Decide on:

• • Book format and size
  • Number of pages
  • Paper type and weight (interior pages and cover)
  • Colour or black-and-white printing
  • Binding type
  • Number of copies to print
  • Approve the final files and place the print order.

 

Pricing and Distribution

✅ Calculate the retail price and bookseller discounts.

✅ Find booksellers and agree on pricing, distribution terms, and transport of books to bookstores.

✅ Decide how payments, invoicing, and accounting will be handled.

 

Direct Sales

✅ Create a website or author page.

✅ Set up online sales channels.

✅ Find additional ways to sell books directly, such as markets, fairs, festivals, readings, and other events.

✅ Prepare packaging and shipping for direct orders.

 

Marketing and Publicity

✅ Create a media kit (book cover image, author photo, biography, press release, sample pages, and contact information).

✅ Schedule social media promotion before and after publication.

✅ Contact the media and send information about the book.

✅ Offer review copies to literary critics, journalists, bloggers, and influencers.

✅ Decide how many complimentary copies to provide to collaborators, media contacts, and reviewers.

 

Libraries and Institutions

✅ Contact libraries to sell or donate copies of the book.

✅ Contact relevant schools, universities, museums, associations, or cultural institutions if appropriate.

 

Launch

✅ Organise a book launch event.

✅ Invite friends, collaborators, media contacts, and readers.

✅ Promote the launch through media, newsletters, social media, and local event listings.

 

After Publication

✅ Track sales and inventory.

✅ Collect reviews and reader feedback.

✅ Follow up with bookstores, libraries, reviewers, and media contacts.

✅ Monitor stock levels and plan a second print run if needed.

 

You Task

1. Use the Self-Publishing Checklist and mark which parts of the process would be easy, moderate, or difficult for you to manage as a self-publishing author.
2. Identify which elements of the self-publishing process would require you to rely on collaborators and professional services to help bring your book into the world.
3. Draft a short timeline and budget plan for your self-publishing project.