The Ultimate 7-Step Guide to Self-Publishing in the U.S.

The ultimate self-publishing guide because your book deserves more than a Word doc on your desktop.

If you’ve written a manuscript and dream of seeing it out in the world, you’re already halfway there. The next step? Publishing it. And thanks to the rise of self-publishing, you don’t need to wait for a traditional book publishing company to say “yes.”

In fact, more authors than ever are choosing to self-publish, because it gives you complete control, faster timelines, and a larger share of royalties.

If the process sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. This self-publishing guide walks you through each step, from final edits to hitting “publish”, so you can turn your finished manuscript into a professional, sellable book.

The Best 7-Step Self-Publishing Guide

Here are the 7 steps you’ll need to follow to self-publish in the U.S.:

Step 1: Finalize and Edit Your Manuscript

Before you publish anything, your manuscript needs to be as strong as it can be. That means multiple drafts and professional editing. Depending on where your book stands, you might need:

• Developmental editing to fix story structure and plot holes.
• Line editing to polish the language and flow.
• Copyediting to fix grammar and consistency issues.
• Proofreading for final error checks.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip professional editing. Readers can forgive a slow chapter, but they won’t forgive a sloppy book.

Step 2: Design a Professional Book Cover

Your book cover is the first impression and yes, people do judge books by it.

You’ll need:

• A custom front cover (for print and digital).
• A full wrap design (front, spine, and back) for print.
• A high-res eBook cover for platforms like Amazon Kindle.

If you’re not a designer, this is worth outsourcing. A high-quality cover instantly signals credibility and professionalism.

Step 3: Format Your Book

Formatting makes sure your book looks clean and readable in both print and digital formats. This includes:

• Correct page size and margins.
• Chapter headings and page breaks.
• Font and spacing that match genre standards.
• ePub or MOBI conversion for eBooks.

Software like Vellum or Adobe InDesign can be handy. Or you can hire a formatter to handle it for you.

Step 4: Choose Your Self-Publishing Platform

Here’s where you publish your book. In the U.S., the most popular self-publishing platforms include:

• Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) – for both print and eBooks.
• IngramSpark – for wider bookstore and library distribution.
• Barnes & Noble Press – another eBook + print option.
• Apple Books, Kobo, and Google Play – for expanded digital reach.

You can choose one platform or use multiple, depending on your goals.

Step 5: Get Your ISBN and Copyright Sorted

• ISBN (International Standard Book Number) identifies your book and format. You can buy them from Bowker in the U.S.
• Copyright is automatically yours when you write your book, but registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office offers legal protection and peace of mind.

Step 6: Write Your Book Description and Metadata

Your book description is your sales pitch and it matters more than you think. Keep it short, snappy, and clear.

You’ll also need to:

• Choose keywords for search visibility.
• Pick the right categories and genres.
• Add a professional author bio.

All of this helps your book get discovered and purchased.

Step 7: Launch and Market Your Book

Publishing is just the beginning. Once your book is live, you’ll want to:

• Promote it on social media and your website
• Run a launch campaign or pre-order period
• Collect reviews (especially on Amazon)
• Consider paid ads or influencer shoutouts
• Start building your email list

Marketing might sound like the scary part, but it’s also where things get exciting. You’re no longer “working on a book.” You’re a published author now.

Bonus: Work With a Book Publishing Company (Without Going Traditional)

If you want professional help without giving up your rights or royalties, a book publishing company that specializes in indie authors (like Collaborations Creative) is the sweet spot.

We help writers navigate the entire self-publishing process, from editing and design to formatting and distribution, while you stay in full control of your book and profits.

💬 Final Thoughts

Self-publishing doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, it just has to be done right. With the right guidance and a little support, your book can go from file to finished, faster than you think.

Ready to bring your story to life? Let’s make it happen together.

Start your self-publishing journey with us.