How to Share Your Book with the World without a Publisher

If you’re like me, you’ve been asking the same question: How the heck do you share your book with the world without a publisher?

How to Share Your Book with the World without a Publisher

Is there a formula? A simple "if X, then Y"? No, that’s too easy. What about X + Y = Z? I suppose if X equals extreme patience and Y equals years of grit, then maybe Z equals book sales. Since there is no magic formula, I'm doing what I do best: researching, writing, and staying consistent.

But before you launch your book, here are a few things to tick off your list to ensure you're in a good position for success (and yes, I've done all of these myself):

• Create a website. I use Wix (wix.com), which is incredibly user-friendly.

• Start a blog. You can easily add a blog directly to your Wix site.

• Grow a social media presence. Pick a platform and slowly build a following (I use Instagram and TikTok). For more in-depth advice on crafting your image, check out How to Build Your Author Brand and Gain Readers as a Women's Fiction Writer.

• Set up a Goodreads author account. Tip: You must actually self-publish your book before you can be approved for an official author page.

• Invest in superb editing. I use my brother, who is the absolute best. Inquire within if you'd like to see if he's a good fit for your project!

• Judge a book by its cover. I design my own, but if you don't have design skills, I highly recommend hiring a professional. Tip: Avoid the AI crap!

• Perfect your formatting. It’s tedious, but your interior pages must be clean, concise, and easy to read. I use Word. For formatting assistance, read Steps to Self-Publishing.

• Set up your distribution. Create an account with Amazon KDP or your chosen self-publishing platform (like IngramSpark or Barnes & Noble Press). If you go with Amazon, read me first!

• Support other indie authors. Build a network. They are in the same boat as you, and any shares, likes, or reviews will come back to you. Think literary karma! (Speaking of support, feel free to visit my author page.)

• Stay positive. Remind yourself every day that you are one step closer to being discovered.

At the core of it all, I write because I love to weave stories, escape to new places, and discover new things. If that someday translates into a substantial income, I'll count myself incredibly lucky.

Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day!

~Jill