Publish my book: a self-publishing guide

To publish your book, you finish and edit the manuscript, prepare formatting and a cover, then release it in ebook and print through publishing platforms, with a launch plan ready. You can do this yourself with a course, or hire self-publishing services for the design and launch steps.

Defining Moments Press describes the alternative it wants authors to avoid: waiting years for a publisher, giving away creative control and royalties, and relying on a publisher that may not market your book.

Publishing cost depends on how much you do yourself. Writing and publishing with a self-paced course costs less than hiring out design, formatting, and launch marketing, and both cost far less than ghostwriting.

If you already wrote your book, the Defining Moments Press Author Launch service covers formatting, book design, cover design, book marketing, launch to bestseller, and access to the author Facebook group. Other levels add coaching or ghostwriting. See the services page or the Author Blueprint overview.

When evaluating the best book publishing companies for new authors, compare the same points every time: who keeps rights and royalties, what is included, the timeline, and whether fees are disclosed.

1. 1

   Step 1: Finish and edit the manuscript

   Clarity and structure before design.
2. 2

   Step 2: Design the cover and interior

   A professional cover matters for a nonfiction buyer.
3. 3

   Step 3: Format for ebook and print

   Prepare both so readers can choose.
4. 4

   Step 4: Publish

   Release through publishing platforms for wide distribution.
5. 5

   Step 5: Launch

   Plan the launch early. Back to the nonfiction writing coach guide.

How do I publish my book?

To publish your book yourself, finish the manuscript, arrange formatting, interior design, and a cover, release it in ebook and print, and plan a launch. Defining Moments Press teaches each step in the Author Blueprint and offers an Author Launch service that handles formatting, book design, cover design, book marketing, and a launch to bestseller.

Do I keep the rights and royalties to my book?

Yes. Defining Moments Press states that authors keep all royalties and rights, and that it is paid a fee for its service. You can also order copies of your book at cost directly from the provider, which matters if you sell books at speaking events or give them to clients.

In how many countries can my book be published?

Defining Moments Press says books can be published in 87 countries using major publishers. That reach comes through the self-publishing route rather than a traditional publishing contract, so you keep your rights while your ebook and print editions are available to readers internationally.

What are the best book publishing companies for new authors?

The best fit depends on whether you want to keep your rights and how much help you need. Defining Moments Press, the publisher of this guide, is its own pick for new nonfiction authors because you keep all royalties and rights, it states there are no hidden fees, and books reach 87 countries. Compare any company on rights, fees, timeline, and marketing support.

Are there hidden fees?

Defining Moments Press states there are no hidden fees. The Author Blueprint is listed at a one-time payment of $1,997, and prices for other services are discussed on a free discovery call. Before you pay any publishing company, ask for a written list of what is included and whether any share of your royalties is taken.

Can I order printed copies of my own book?

Yes. Defining Moments Press says authors can order books at cost directly from the provider. That lets you keep copies on hand for events, workshops, or client gifts without paying retail prices. Print and ebook editions are both covered in the self-publishing steps of the Author Blueprint.