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

New! Do it Yourself Publishing Kits—Become an Author & Change Your Life!

Do it Yourself Publishing kits
Do it Yourself Publishing Kits Makes Your Dream to Publish a Book doable

Someone famous once said: Don’t Die with Your Music Still in You … Deborah S. Nelson says: “Don’t Die with Your Story Still in You!”

Your Inside Story Brings Personal Transformation

By any chance, is publishing a book on your bucket list? Well, then, the New Year is prime time to write your story–or to write a new story of your life, A new story is about the only thing that will create lasting self transformation. And, to support the concept of Self Transformation through Self-Publishing, Deborah S. Nelson, Publisher of Publishing SOLO Magazine presents her DIY Book Publishing Kits for 2020.

Self-Publishing is Confusing and Complex

self-publishing is confusing
What, Where, Who, Why, When, How-of Self-Publishing

“Digital publishing presents distinct technical challenges when preparing a book file for printing,” says Ms. Nelson, and adds—“Specialized publishing services like book cover, front & back matter, title, ISBN, bar code, and copyright issues—plus pesky details such as interior book design, sales and social media basics are daunting for the novice!” These aspects are often more time-consuming and challenging, than writing the book, itself!

Self-Publishing Kits for Writers, Entrepreneurs, & Rising Stars

Despite technicalities, Ms. Nelson cheers self-publishing benefits for writers, entrepreneurs, and rising stars. These include notoriety, expert status, and increased self-worth; along with options to speak, consult, teach, and sell books. Plus, Ms, Nelson says a priceless self-transformation occurs through the self-publishing process.

Many entrepreneurs increase their pricing 10-25% once they a published author. Also, some add consulting and speaking as another income stream. Indeed, writers, who have never been published, use their self-publishing success to land better publishing contracts than possible for “first-time” authors. Rising published YouTube stars increase their notoriety, fund-raising, and income streams from their growing online brand.

Publishing SOLO Print on Demand Tool kit for self-publishing a book yourself
The Right Information is Power.

Democracy in Publishing—A Right to Publish

Deborah S. Nelson has worked passionately and tirelessly both inside traditional publishing, plus has mastered self-publishing and book coaching during the past decade. Therefore, she understands that the digital transformation is not as easy as was initially expected. Insurmountable hurdles for the new self-publisher include achieving professional quality, overcoming technical blocks, learning author promotion, plus navigating various publishing venues such as Audible Books, Kindle, and online eBooks. These take time, expense, expertise, learning, and persistence.

Self-Publishing is Exhausting for Many Writers

Many first time writers have founded themselves over their heads and mired in the self-publishing process. They get stuck, and quit. Yet, Ms. Nelson reveres the concept of democracy in publishing. Anyone who nurtures their inspiration, has a story to tell, or specialized knowledge to share; has earned the right to publish.

Self-Publishing Made Easy—Kits by Deborah Nelson

Deborah S Nelson, creator of Self-Publishing Kits

Nelsons’ new and revolutionary “how to publish a book kits,” and formally named DIY Publishing Kits, launches in January of 2020! With five types of book publishing kits—each kit offers three levels of guidance. These kits help those who cannot afford to hire Ms. Nelson for ongoing book publishing coaching. Listed below, “how to publish a book” kits include:

  1. Text book (Finding the Author Within or Change Your Story, by Deborah S. Nelson, for example) which prepares the writer for self-publishing.
  2. Workbook, tools, and mini-courses on how to publish a book online.
  3. Book coaching for half hour-1.5 hours with Ms. Nelson to help you through stumbling blocks—especially those which prevent book completion.

Types of Book Do it Yourself Publishing Kits

Since writers publish from various motivations and inspirations, Ms. Nelson had created five types of self-publishing kits.

DIY Publishing Kits
Flash Book Writing Kits
Blastoff Self-Publishing Kits
Change Your Story Vision Kits
The Newest Secret Vision Kits

 DIY Publishing Kits

DIY BOOK Publishing kit logo

These kits are made for the writer with a completed manuscript. Learn the self-publishing process by doing it on a practice book. Once done—you’ll be able to navigate through the process. In your consulting time with Ms. Nelson, she helps you prepare a budget, hire specialists, and organize your project. Prices of DIY Publishing kits are $97, $197, and $297. Components purchased separately at the Dream to Publish Boutique, add up to twice the kit price.

Flash Book Writing Kits

Flash Book Writing Kits by Deborah S. Nelson

Flash Book Writing Kits are for those who have not yet finished writing their manuscript. These are amazing for entrepreneurs or rising stars who already know their subject material, but need it organized on paper. Many people do not realize they already have a lot of material—on their blog, YouTube channel, or company website.

This material simply needs to be organized. Flash Book Writing Kits are perfect for this author type. Three levels of kits are available—silver, gold, and platinum. The platinum offers the most tools, books, and book coaching with Ms. Nelson. The prices are $77, $177, and $277.

Blastoff Self-Publishing Kits

Although these kits are similar to DIY Publishing Kits, they are customized for writers who have completed their manuscript, and feel they want to move fast. You will publish an easy sample book, and learn the process to prevent mistakes on your final book!

Ms. Nelson offers three levels—Silver, Gold, and Platinum, at $197, $297 and $397. The Blastoff Kits include books, tools, mini-courses, and book coaching by Deborah S. Nelson. Notably, these may be purchased separately at the Dream to Publish Boutique for about twice the kit price.

Change Your Story Vision Kits

change your story vision kits from Do it Yourself Publishing kits by Deborah S Nelson

Stories are powerful, Therefore, tell a new story and get a new life. With the focus of Self-Transformation through Self-Publishing, these kits help change the trajectory of your life story! The books included in these kits are entitled Change Your Story, by Deborah S. Nelson. The Silver and Gold kit includes the Change Your Story Workbook which guides you to map a new story to change your life—for the better. With this kit, Ms. Nelson also offers three levels–Change Your Story Vision Kits—Silver, Gold, and Platinum, at $197, $297, and $397.

The Newest Secret Vision Kits

Do it Yourself Publishing kits- The NEwest Secret Vision kit

With the focus on Ms. Nelson’s concept of Self Transformation through Self-Publishing, this kit marries The Law of Attraction with the Power of the Pen. Indeed, you will tell your dreams within the pages of your self-published storybook. Therefore, your published vision book becomes your new life plan. The Newest Secret text and workbook, by Deborah S. Nelson is the guiding curriculum. Nelson offers three levels of The Newest Secret Vision Kits—Silver, Gold, and Platinum, at $197, $297 and $397.

Powerful Actualization When Power of the Pen and Law of Attraction Are Together

Logo for the Dream To Publish Shop with self-publishing books, course, tools, coaching.

Notably, It is a well-known fact that the 3% who write their clearly defined goals and dreams on paper, are the most successful and happy humans. Although, how much more powerful is a clearly formulated vision plan, published in storybook form? Obviously, this is the most super-charged self transformation kit by Deborah S. Nelson. Lastly, the human potential movement is missing a key for manifesting dreams—The Power of the Pen. Consequently, when combined with The Law of Attraction, lives change!

How to Write & Print a Book–What are the Steps to Make a Paperback Book?

Write and Print a book or a paperback book

How to Write and Print a Book from Home!

Write and Print a Book from your Laptop!

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

Have you ever had an idea to write and print a book? I have. And, I have actually done it. As I dream, I envision a world when one day high school students will write and print a book at school. This project may be for an English class, or even a business course. Although this idea may sound far-fetched, in the 21st Century publishing your own book is now doable!

Write and Print a Book with Digital Publishing

Developments in digital publishing now make writing and printing a book doable on a small-scale. Using print of demand publishing, we now print one book at a time! That is pretty astounding when you consider that in the history of book publishing it was necessary to print 10,000 books at a time just to make one book affordable. Now, writers with a story to tell, inspiration to share, or knowledge to teach can write and print a book on their own.

writing and printing a book at home

How to Write and Print a Book at Home

How to Write and Print a Book–The Writing

Many people believe that writing a book is more difficult than it actually is. Due to the tendency for publishing houses to publish primarily scholarly or popular writers, “ordinary people” may feel unworthy to be writers. This is a sad development, since wise and skilled writers can share wisdom in their fields. Due to the sizable investment publishing houses require to publish a book, their focus on best sellers is understandable. However, not all books need be best sellers. With affordable digital publishing, books need only serve a specific niche. The faster way to write a book is one chapter at a time. Some tips for writing your book super fast:

Step #1 of Self-Publishing ChecklistFREE BLOG

Start a free blog on WORDPRESS. Notably, this a fast way to begin writing for the public. Get used to writing for an audience by writing a daily, weekly or a monthly blog. This way, each blog can become a book chapter.

Step 2 of Self Publishing Checklist with Publishing SOLO-writing & printing a book at homeWRITE AUTHENTICALLY

When writing, write like you speak. First, formulate raw ideas, then later polish with editing, grammar, and proofreading. Resist the temptation to assume how it sounds or looks. At first, say what you need to say!

Self Publishing Checklist--Step 3- learn to write and print a book by yourself.WRITE WHAT YOU LOVE

Write on something you know and love. This is super important! Fuel your passion to write what you love by reading this article entitled: Write the Fire of Your Passion and Stay Inspired to Write!

Steo 4 of the Self Publishing Checklist by Deborah S. Nelson-Write and print a book online.YOUR AUTHOR EGO

Do not worry about what people say. Keep in mind, many people are too busy to read, and those who do read are appreciative of good information. Keep your EGO out of it. Write from your heart and not to impress.

Step five of the Self Publishing Checklist.CONSISTENT WRITING

Write consistently. Find a place, a schedule and  flow. If  you write  daily, a weekly, or a monthly, be consistent and make writing a habit. Surprisingly, this habit will help you complete a book in what seems to be no time!Flash Book Writing Kits by Deborah S. Nelson

Authors, Share Your Book with Millions of Readers

Steps to Write & Print a Book at Home-The Printing

Once you are finished with the writing process, it is time to think about printing your book. This seems complex, but absolutely doable, and once you learn how, you may publish books again and again. The way to print your book at home is to make an account with an online printing company. Many of these refer to themselves as self-publishing companies.

Some of the top print on demand companies are CreateSpace and LuLu, and Blurb. Print on demand companies will accept your completed book file and literally print one book at a time. I have now published or helped writers publish over 100 books and here is a list of the basic steps how to get your paperback printed from you home computer:

Step #1 of Self-Publishing Checklist: How to Write and Print a book YourselfWORD MANUSCRIPT

First, bring your manuscript into Word. Next, run spell and grammar check. Also, if you want your book to come across as professional, send your WORD document to a content editor, who will (if professional) edit using the “track changes” feature. That way, you can see what they changed, and you can accept or reject their editorial changes.

Step 2 of Self Publishing Checklist with Publishing SOLO-write and print a book using print on demandPRINT ON DEMAND

In my experience, CreateSpace offers the easiest and most advanced print on demand structure. Additionally, their customer service is thorough and mostly human. Start a Print on Demand account for free with CreateSpace. Though there are many other print on demand companies, I can only help my clients with the venue that I know.

Self Publishing Checklist--Step 3, Details of writing and printing a book on  your own.ISBN NUMBER

If you select the free ISBN number in the CreateSpace account, CreateSpace will be shown as the publisher. However, if you want a custom ISBN number, you will need to become an independent publisher through Bowker. Then, select the option in CreateSpace to pay extra for your own ISBN number, which will list you as the publisher.

Steo 4 of the Self Publishing Checklist by Deborah S. NelsonFRONT & BACK MATTER

Once you have written the central content of your book,  next you need to create front matter. This includes pages such as title page, copyright page, table of contents, dedication, preface, and other informational pages. For step-by-step help, see my Book Blueprint available for sale on DreamtoPublish.com to get a thorough understanding of these options and their chronological order. Complete these and add to your WORD document. You may try to upload your raw WORD document to CreateSpace but I suggest you hire a professional graphic designer to create the book interior and produce a print ready PDF digital file for uploading. Learn the parts of a book with this Publish a Book Blueprint workbook-journal which helps you to plan the structure of your book.

Step five of the Self Publishing Checklist.-How to write and print a book  yourself.CREATE YOUR BOOK COVER

You may use the free CreateSpace book cover template or hire an artist to custom design your own cover. For help with book cover and other publishing services, see theDream to Publish Boutique Publishing Services. Since you can’t do it all, hire a pro where it counts!

The Self-Publishing Checklist by Deborah S Nelson of Publishing SOLOBOOK PROOF

First, upload book  cover and interior. Once approved, order a book proof before publishing to the public. This is a must! Indeed, you will find other issues when with a 3-D copy in your hands.

Step 7 of the Self-Publishing Steps to Self-Publishing a Book--How to write and print a book onlineFINAL PRINTING

Once you make final corrections, submit your files for final review. Next, when the files are approved for print, you may make available for sale on AMAZON.com. Lastly, select various distribution channels available and write a description, and include an Author Bio.

Step 8 of Self Publishing Check list by Deborah S Nelson of Pubishing SOLOMARKETING

Finally, basic marketing steps include creating an Amazon Central Author Profile and create a Twitter and GoodReads account. These are basics, but necessary to get a good start. Also, building an author website is important as well, in order to sell books, and to prepare for getting interviews to promote your book.

See Articles: CreateSpace Publishing Cost, Become an Author with The Book BluePrint, How to Use the CreateSpace Cover Template, What Are the Steps to Publishing A Book, Steps to Marketing Your Book, Self Publishing Coaching | PublishingSOLO


Those who have completed Ms. Nelson’s Courses are raving fans. I do want to write and print a book. See Videos Reviews & Author Library.
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