Choose a Release Date NOTE: Dates used below are strictly an example. Pick a release date that suits you best and adjust accordingly. Timing: Aim for mid-November 2025 (e.g., November 15) to capitalize on pre-holiday shopping, a peak season for eBook and print sales. Avoid major holidays (e.g., Thanksgiving, November 27) to avoid competition. [...]
Choose Amazon KDP, Smashwords, or Draft2Digital, and review their terms and royalty rates. Below is a list of platforms to consider, including their royalty rates based on available information. Always check the latest terms on each platform’s website, as rates and conditions can change. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Royalty Rates: 70% on eBooks [...]
Register with the U.S. Copyright Office ($45–$65) or note it in your book for legal protection. Registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office ($45–$65) isn’t strictly necessary for legal protection. Your work is automatically copyrighted once it’s fixed in a tangible form (like written down or saved digitally), and you can include a [...]
Getting an ISBN is crucial for self-publishing because it provides your book with a unique ID, ensuring it’s cataloged worldwide by libraries, bookstores, and online retailers like Amazon. This increases visibility and credibility, making it easier for readers to find and purchase your book, especially in print, where it’s often necessary. While not mandatory [...]
Tools and Software Vellum: A premium tool ($199–$249) for Mac users, ideal for creating polished EPUB and print-ready PDFs with customizable templates. Suitable for both beginners and professionals. Calibre: Free, open-source software for eBook conversion (EPUB, MOBI) across platforms. Requires more manual tweaking but is cost-effective. Adobe InDesign: Professional-grade ($20.99/month) for creating print PDFs with [...]
Hire a designer or use tools like Canva to craft an eye-catching cover that suits your genre (expect $100–$500). Creating a compelling cover is essential for self-publishing success. Understand Your Genre: You should reflect your story’s theme, but there are also key elements to aim for in cover design based on your genre. Here's [...]
If you have followed the course, you should have already written your blurb while refining your manuscript. That’s the best time to give it an initial try when you're actually working with the material. Now it’s had time to marinate, and you’ve shifted from the writer/editor phase to the publisher/marketer phase. Put on your [...]
Where to Go Freelance platforms like Upwork offer a wide range of editors, allowing you to filter by experience, hourly rates ($20–$50), and reviews. Post a job with your manuscript details (e.g., 80,000 words, romance genre). Writing organizations like the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA): Directory of professional editors with rates ($35–$60/hour) and specialties. Or [...]
Read through your manuscript multiple times to catch typos, inconsistencies, and plot holes. Focus on pacing, character development, and overall flow. Self-editing is a crucial step in refining your manuscript before seeking professional help or submitting it. It's best done in layers after a break from the draft. Techniques Set Aside and Read Fresh: [...]
Through Writers Club of America, you are eligible for a free ISBN when using our cover design services. No restrictions apply if we assign your ISBN. You can also get an ISBN through Amazon, but some restrictions apply. As of September 03, 2025, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) still offers a free ISBN for [...]
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