10 Self-Publishing Tips Every New Author Needs to Know

The rise of print-on-demand (POD) services such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital has made it possible for anyone to publish a book without the backing of a traditional publishing house. In fact, according to Bowker (the official ISBN agency), over 2.3 million self-published titles were released in the U.S. in 2022 alone.

But while self-publishing offers freedom and creative control, it also means you’re responsible for every step — from editing to cover design to marketing. If you’re a first-time author, the process can feel overwhelming. Here are 10 self-publishing tips to help you succeed.

1. Define Your Target Audience Early

Before you hit publish, ask yourself: Who is this book for? Identifying your target audience will shape your marketing strategy, cover design, and even the tone of your writing. For example, a YA fantasy novel has a vastly different readership than a business leadership guide. Successful self-published authors often credit niche targeting as the key to their sales.

2. Understand the Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing

Self-publishing gives you full control over your manuscript, pricing, royalties, and release schedule. On Amazon KDP, authors can earn up to 70% royalties on eBooks, compared to the 10–15% typically offered by traditional publishers. The downside: you’re also your own editor, designer, and marketer — unless you hire professionals. Knowing both sides prepares you for the workload ahead.

3. Budget Realistically for the Process

Self-publishing isn’t free. While POD cuts printing costs, you still need to budget for essentials like:

• Editing ($500–$2,000 depending on length and depth)
• Cover design ($200–$800 for professional quality)
• Marketing/ads ($100–$1,000+ depending on reach)

Treat your book like a small business. A professional-looking book has a much higher chance of success than a cheaply produced one.

4. Start Marketing Before You Publish

Marketing begins months before your book launch. Build anticipation with cover reveals, email lists, teaser chapters, and beta reader feedback. According to Reedsy, books that launch with pre-orders and an engaged audience sell significantly better in the first 90 days. Don’t wait until after release — start planting the seeds early.

5. Hire Publishing Professionals Where Needed

Even the best writers need editors. Consider hiring:

• Developmental editors for structure and flow
• Copy editors/proofreaders for grammar and clarity
• Cover designers (since readers do judge a book by its cover)

Think of this as an investment. A polished manuscript and eye-catching design can be the difference between 50 copies sold and 5,000.

6. Build an Author Platform Online

An author platform isn’t optional anymore. At minimum, create:

• A website or blog (your digital home base)
• An email newsletter (your most reliable audience connection)
• A presence on at least one social media platform

Your platform becomes the foundation for your book marketing and helps you establish credibility beyond a single title.

7. Choose the Right Format: Print, eBook, or Audiobook

Decide whether to release your book as:

• Print (POD paperback or hardcover) — still the most popular choice
• eBook — a low-cost format with global reach via Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo
• Audiobook — a fast-growing market; in 2023, audiobook sales surpassed $2 billion in the U.S.

Many successful authors “go wide” and release across all three formats for maximum reach.

8. Engage with Writing Communities

Join writing groups, critique circles, or online communities like Scribophile, Reddit’s r/selfpublish, or local book clubs. These communities offer support, feedback, and built-in word-of-mouth marketing. Networking with other authors can also lead to cross-promotion opportunities.

9. Leverage Social Media for Visibility

Social media platforms are powerful tools for author visibility:

• Facebook & Instagram for ads and communities
• X (Twitter) for networking and short-form updates
• TikTok (BookTok) for viral book promotion — many indie authors have hit bestseller lists thanks to TikTok trends

In 2022, BookTok was credited with driving billions of book sales worldwide. Ignoring it could mean missing a huge audience.

10. Be Patient and Persistent

Self-publishing success rarely happens overnight. Most indie authors see results after multiple books, not just one. Focus on building a backlist, improving your craft, and learning the business side of publishing. Remember: every bestseller once started with zero readers. Consistency, patience, and persistence pay off.

Conclusion

Self-publishing offers both freedom and responsibility. By defining your audience, investing wisely in editing and design, and leveraging modern marketing tools, you can dramatically improve your chances of success as a first-time author. The journey isn’t easy, but with the right approach, your book can find its readers — and maybe even build you a lasting career.