Self-publishing tips and unresolved questions
- C.W. Mills
- Dec 17, 2025
- 3 min read
These days, self-publishing a book is more accessible than ever, but finishing your manuscript is just the beginning. Based on my experience publishing "The Last Drop" on Amazon KDP and other platforms, here are some tips and unresolved questions:
Writing the Manuscript
Crafting a manuscript takes dedication and patience. Expect bursts of productivity interspersed with slower periods - this is normal, so try not to get discouraged. Consistent daily writing usually works better than cramming on weekends.
Decide on your paperback size before starting to write and download a suitable Word template from Amazon KDP. Even for eBooks, using a template from the start helps avoid extra work or errors when converting a manuscript for publishing.
Use the chosen template to build a Table of Contents, which will help a lot during proofreading.
Proofreading is vital - many changes happen at this stage, including edits, chapter rearrangement and deletions. Printing your manuscript may help you make notes more easily than editing on a screen.
Editing is crucial: get someone who isn’t close to the project, like a professional Copy Editor if possible, to review your book for tone, messaging and flow. If hiring an editor isn’t feasible, ask a trusted friend or family member rather than relying solely on AI tools.
Professional cover design is ideal, but can be costly. I created mine with images from Shutterstock and tools like Canva or Book Bolt, which offer templates to simplify the process.
Preparing to Publish
International Standard Book Number (ISBN): This 13-digit identifier is used worldwide by publishers, retailers, and libraries. Many online publishers (like Amazon) provide free ISBNs, but these may limit your distribution options. I bought mine from NielsenIQ BookData in the UK; search for your country’s agency.
Register your ISBN with your local agency, supplying details like genre, main platform and book dimensions. You’ll also add Publisher information, which can be your title or a custom name.
Sign up with an online publisher (e.g., Amazon KDP) and follow their steps to upload your manuscript and cover(s). Enter your purchased ISBN or accept a free one if offered.
Start by publishing one format. I released an eBook, paperback and hardcover editions simultaneously, but managing updates across all versions was challenging. Publishing one format first, making sure it's perfect, before adapting to other types will save time.
Marketing
Channels: A major hurdle is promoting your book without a publisher’s support. Establish a social media page at a minimum, and consider creating a website with providers like Wix, GoDaddy or Squarespace.
Website: My site, Pendulum of Change, lets me share additional content about my book, such as articles, blog posts, a free 7-day alcohol abstinence challenge and my personal story.
Social Media Communities: Engage with groups related to your book’s topic or genre to raise awareness, though building traction will take time.
Amazon Reviews: Encourage family and friends to review your book online - personal recommendations and ratings help boost visibility.
Unresolved Questions
Paid Advertising: Online adverts for self-publishers seem expensive and meaningful results may require running campaigns for at least a week. Is investing in online advertising worthwhile with a small budget?
Distribution: Getting your book into more stores and libraries might involve services like Ingram Spark. Are these distribution options beneficial?
Final Thoughts
Self-publishing has been a rewarding journey - from idea to manuscript, to publication and launching a web presence, I’ve learned a tremendous amount. If you have realistic expectations for sales and are eager to develop new skills, I encourage anyone wanting to write a book to give it a try.
