How to Publish a Book in 2021: Learning How to Solve the Self-Publishing Puzzle

The puzzle pieces of how to publish a book

Learn How to Publish a Book with Self Publishing Tips, Tools, and Books by Publishing SOLO Magazine

By Deborah S. Nelson, Author-Book Coach-Speaker

When learning how to publish a book–what is the largest obstacle of all? After being a self-publishing coach for the past decade, my conclusion is that self-publishing’s most serious issue, by far is … lack of knowledge. Unfortunately, both hungry and fat sharks swim about in the ocean of self-publishing. Yet, learning to recognize the wolves in sheep’s clothing, and outsmarting the predators–means getting a good education.

Publishing SOLO magazine by Deborah S Nelson

Education is the core of our work at Publishing Solo Magazine. We provide a solid and thorough education for those who want to learn how to publish a book–before you actually attempt it! Obviously, We do not want to leave you to the wolves, or the sharks! So, in this process, we offer many free and paid tools, book coaching, and other resources for those who are learning how to publish a book themselves. Stick around, and learn the truths you need to know to be a successful self-published author!

The Biggest Challenge in Book Publishing: What You Don’t Know is Costly Beyond Words

One of the first questions most writers who want to self-publish ask is–who are the best and worst self-publishing companies? Which self-publishing companies should they avoid? These questions always bring to mind the truism: You don’t know … what you don’t know! To top it off, not knowing adversely affects your self-publishing costs–another popular question in independent publishing! How much does it cost to self-publish a book?

I cannot begin to tell you how much confusion, miscommunications, time, energy, grief, and money writers spend on learning what they don’t know on the way to self-publishing a book. Without realizing it, many have embarked on becoming their own publisher! Indeed, self-publishing a book goes way beyond just printing a book!

How to Publish a Book Kits
DIY SELF PUBLISHING KITS
by Deborah S. Nelson

“How to Publish a Book” Makes for a Puzzle with a Multitude of Pieces

However, the bigger problem is not which self-publishing company is the best–or the worst, but who is the best match for your book publishing project! But, how can you know that? How do you know which self-publishing company to use in the first place? First, you need to understand the big picture; and you need to know a thing or two.

So, right off you need to understand is that printing a book is only one small piece of self-publishing a book. Many people really do think these are the same–but this could not be further from the truth! Consequently, this one issue causes a lot of untold grief. Indeed, a little education can go a very long way to prevent mistakes and keep from needlessly spending money in the wrong ways.

Tools, courses, books, and coaching for writers who want to publish a book

What is Self-Publishing Anyway? A Few Definitions

This article covers the basic overview of 2021 self-publishing options and possibilities. After a decade of digital book publishing, the dust has settled and systems have prevailed; and stars have begun to shine. Key players, are Amazon Books, Kindle, Amazon Audibles, Ibooks, and IngramSpark. There are many more players in this industry but these are the top ones, for starters.

Image of Publish a Book Kit

Before diving into any one of these venues, you are wise to learn the difference between publishing and printing, self publishing, short run printing, independent publishing and vanity publishing. A lot people companies who print books, refer to themselves and self-publishing companies and they indicate their services are free.

First of all, in reality the “self” publishing is actually produced by the person who has created “the works.” This term has been used loosely or “generically” in the past decade, and it would be wise to get a clear understanding of these terms. You may do so by reading my Dictionary of Self Publishing Terms. This will help you immensely in your quest in learning how to publish a book.

The Chronology of How to Publish a Book

The order of the phases and stages of publishing a book include a lot more steps than just printing a book. This is where a lot of misunderstandings can arise with so-called self-publishing companies. As publisher (self) you are responsible for the design of the cover, the interior layout and design, including front and back matter, and other parts of a book, plus the content editing, copy editing, and proofreading.

As publisher, you are responsible for scheduling, budgeting, hiring freelances; and of course, selecting the printer. Also, you select the distribution options, create author website, social media, and branding and marketing efforts. In summary, for more detail about what a publisher does see the article entitled: Become a Publisher in 7 Strategic Ways.

Frequently Asked Self-Publishing Questions

Frequently Asked Self-Publishing questions

In summary, it is wise to educate yourself in the brave new world of digital publishing. First of all, learn the correct terminology. Secondly, watch a history of printing and /publishing video entitled Once Upon a Book, here. Third, click on the many links within this article which go into specific subject in more depth and detail. Lastly, read my Frequently Asked Self-publishing Questions to build your knowledge and your confidence. I wish you the best and may your dream to publish a book come true!

RELATED PAGE: Free Self-Publishing Toolkit

Writing Discipline-Beat Writer’s Block by Trading Discipline for Inspiration!

Once Upon a Time Inspiration for your Book. But how to motivate writing

How to Overcome Writer’s Block & Finish Writing Your Book. Get Beyond, “Once Upon a Time!”

Need Writing Discipline to Conquer Writer’s Block?

By Deborah S. Nelson, Author-Book Coach-Speaker

As a writer, and in the role of writing coach, I am often asked,  “Do you have certain place and time that you make yourself sit down and write?” My answer is NO.

It is rare that I make myself write or struggle with “writer’s block”. But how can you quickly get yourself into that I love to write state?

Click Here for Your Free Self-Publishing Toolkit by Deborah S. Nelson from Publishing Solo

Many writers wrestle with feeling they need to make themselves write. They may even create a writing discipline, such as writing at a certain time and place. Yet, the pressure is often too much and they fight to get something written. This may spark early symptons of writer’s block. Next, comes a struggle with the ensuing guilt for not being able to write. Go easy on yourself–writing should be fun!

Disciplined or Inspired Writing? Don’t Force it!

Definition of Inspiration. Instead of using Discipline to write, use inspiration! Publishing SOLO

Inspiration Goes a Long Way for Conquering Writer’s Block!

This method makes take a little more time upfront, but will ultimately have you passionately searching for 15 minutes segments to write. This is what I call inspired writing. I am an inspired writer, and I never “make” myself sit down and write. In fact, I often need to make myself stop to take a stretch, food, or bathroom break! My writing projects seem never-ending and my biggest challenge is completing one project, so I can tackle the next. How can you do this? Prepare and nurture the creative soil of your heart and soul. The best writing comes from deep inside, and if you have not prepared the depths, you might find yourself sitting at a desk with all the nice tools with nothing to say–and serious case of writer’s block.

Making a Book Cover-Ste[ 7 Self-Publishing a Book an 7 Tips for Eliminating Writer's BlockDeborah S. Nelson’s Top 7 Inspired Writing Secrets to Stave off and Completely Eliminate Writer’s Block

  1. Never force yourself to write against your will unless you are in a job and have a deadline and your paycheck an livlihood depends on it.
  2. Nurture your creative spirit with daily meditation, walks, prayer, and quiet time. Breathe in and breathe out. Contemplation is what feeds your writing.
  3. Make a book cover first. When writing a book, formulate your concept, find a compelling image, and use Createspace Cover Creator to make a free book cover.
  4. When an idea comes to you, grab a laptop, a journal, or a paper and pencil and write it down immediately. These inspirations will fuel inspired writing.
  5. Banish guilt. Replace feelings of guilt with ideas to inspire. Guilt is a negative motivator, and the best writing comes from inspiration. Guilt can work, but for a limited time.
  6. Fire the Critic: Get the real passion and real story on paper/in computer. Later, hire an editor or proofreader, or even do that yourself; but keep the writing critic away from your writing process. The critic stifles free flowing creativity.
  7. Read this Psychology Today Article: Five Ways to Get Yourself Writing Today

Experience the exhilaration of BOOK COACHING during a trial session with Deborah S. Nelson. Click to schedule a complimentary half-hour—available Tuesdays & Thursdays from 12p.m.-6p.m. EST.

COMPLIMENTARY BOOK COACHING

Replace Writing Discipline with Inspired Writing

There are those who advocate creating writing discipline by organizing the perfect writing area, and these make sense, too. If you are writing for a living, these strategies may not immediately apply. You may have a deadline and turning your article or story in is key to keeping your job. However, if you adopt these strategies gently over time, you may find that you are writing that article or book project before it is actually due, because you are inspired and not forcing yourself to write. Internal inspiration can take your writing much further than motivating yourself with negative consequences. Give yourself time and be gentle when implementing some of these strategies. I write thousands of words almost every day, because I am inspired, and can’t wait to get them on “paper.”


writing tips by Deborah S. Nelson. First, Make an Intent to Publish Agreement with Yourse.f!

Sign an Intent to Self-Publish Agreement with Yourself

Intent to Publish Agreement

Are you ready to get started? Are you ready to take a leap of faith and make that commitment to publish your book? Then sign an Intent to Publish Agreement with yourself. Once you do that, or if even you aren’t quite ready … continue reading this article to get going; as this website also covers all the frequently asked self-publishing questions and more! 

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