If you plan to release a new novel this year, then the question of how to self-publish a book in 2025 is especially relevant for you. Actually, we have a guide that will answer most of your questions about self-publishing.
From editing and book cover design to effective marketing, we will tell you what steps you must take to successfully publish a book. Let’s dive in!
How to self-publish a book in 2025
We won’t sugarcoat it; the competition is rough in the self-publishing world. But don’t let the threat of some challenges discourage you.
There are a few simple yet powerful steps you can take to boost your book’s marketability and help it rise to the top of your niche. If you’ve already written a book, you’ve already proven you have the determination and focus needed to conquer the rest of the journey!
Step 1. Edit and polish your manuscript
So, you’ve finished your book – congratulations! That’s a huge milestone! Now it’s time for editing, which involves several stages.
The first step is self-editing. Along with your sharp eyes, you can take advantage of helpful tools to catch typos and fix grammatical or punctuation errors. Here are some go-to options:
Then, turn to beta readers. They are people who read the first draft of your manuscript and help you find plot holes or weak points. But remember that beta readers aren’t professional editors or critics, so it’s unrealistic to expect them to catch everything. You can learn all the nuances of working with beta readers in our blog.
After self-editing and beta reading, it’s time to hire a professional editor if your budget allows it. But first, you have to find out what type of editing your book needs:
- Developmental editing focuses on the big picture, refining structure, pacing, narrative flow, and character development.
- Line editing improves sentence-level phrasing, tone, and style to enhance readability and the author’s voice.
- Copyediting ensures the manuscript is free of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting errors.
And the final step is surely proofreading. It’s similar to copyediting, as editors review the text for minor spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors. But it can be one more verification that everything is perfect before publication.
Step 2. Formatting and interior design
You can format your book yourself or hire professionals to make it pleasant and easy to read. Here are detailed instructions from Amazon KDP on ebook formatting.
Beyond basic formatting, you can elevate your book into a true masterpiece by incorporating chapter openers or breakers. These decorative touches not only enhance the book’s visual appeal but also set the perfect tone for your genre, drawing readers deeper into the experience.
Interior book cover design by Miblart
Step 3. Get a marketable book cover design
Your book might be brilliant, but if readers pass it by in a bookstore, they’ll never know. To avoid this, you need a marketable and eye-catching cover. What does that look like?
- Professional quality – a polished design ensures your book stands out and avoids the impression of amateurism.
- Genre-appropriate – it aligns with genre standards and meets the expectations of your target audience.
- Intriguing teaser – it hints at the story within without giving too much away, keeping readers curious.
To ensure your cover hits the mark in today’s market, keep an eye on the latest book cover trends for 2025. They’re not set-in-stone rules, but they can definitely give you some cool ideas to work with.
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Book cover design by Miblart
Step 4. Choose your book format
Choosing the right formats for your book is essential to reaching as many readers as possible. In today’s market, offering multiple options can make a huge difference.
Ebooks are a must-have for their affordability and global accessibility. Paperbacks remain a favorite for those who love the feel of a physical book and are great for selling at events or through bookstores.
If you want to go the extra mile, consider hardcovers. They offer a premium option that adds value and professionalism to your book. And don’t forget audiobooks! With their growing popularity, they’re perfect for multitaskers and readers who enjoy listening on the go.
But also, why choose one format? You can try all of them. This way, you will cater to different preferences and ensure no reader gets left out.
Step 5. Prepare your book’s technical details and metadata
Your book’s details and metadata are crucial for making it visible, searchable, and appealing to readers. Here’s how to get it right.
Write a compelling book description
Your book description is your pitch to potential readers, so make it count. It should start with a strong hook and deliver engaging storytelling in as few words as possible. To boost your book’s searchability, include relevant keywords, but make sure they flow naturally within the text.
Research and choose key phrases
Amazon allows up to seven key phrases to help readers find your book, making them essential for SEO. Instead of guessing, do your homework:
- Use Amazon’s autofill function in incognito mode to see popular search terms.
- Analyze the keywords your competition is using.
- If you’re unsure, ask fans of your genre for input.
Check Amazon’s keyword guidelines for helpful tips and avoid disallowed terms to ensure your key phrases work effectively.
Pick the right categories
Amazon gives you three category slots, so choose wisely. Opt for one broad category, like Mystery and Crime, and another more specific, such as Women’s Crime Fiction. This strategy lets you compete on both general and niche levels.
Price your book strategically
Setting the right price is essential for making your book appealing and profitable. Take some time to research the pricing of similar books in your genre on Amazon. Your pricing strategy should balance accessibility for your audience with fair compensation for your work. Over time, you can adjust the price based on performance, promotions, or feedback from readers.
Step 6. Market your book
Indeed, you can’t do without marketing if you want to succeed as an indie author. It’s key to getting your book noticed and building a loyal audience. Let’s check some effective ways of promotion.
Use Amazon Ads
If you have some budget to spare, Amazon Ads can be a game-changer for your book’s visibility. A well-planned campaign can significantly boost sales. You can also try running ad campaigns on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or X to reach a wider audience.
Get more book reviews
They are crucial for building trust and credibility. Encourage your social media followers to leave honest reviews on Amazon. You can offer free copies to reviewers in exchange for feedback and include a call-to-action for reviews at the end of your book. The more sincere reviews you have, the more attractive your book will appear to potential readers.
Create lead magnets
A lead magnet, such as a special offer or giveaway, is a powerful way to grow your audience. In exchange for an email address, potential readers receive something valuable, which not only helps boost your conversion rate but also lays the foundation for future email campaigns.
Use email marketing
Email marketing is one of the most effective tools for engaging with readers, promoting your books, and building your author brand. Unlike social media platforms or online retailers, email lets you connect with your audience directly without intermediaries. This is especially valuable as online book retailers grow increasingly dominant.
Explore direct sales
It’s one of the self-publishing trends in 2025 when speaking about marketing. Direct sales offer a way to retain more profits and connect directly with readers. While many authors rely on third-party platforms like Amazon for their reach and ease, tools like Shopify and BookFunnel make direct sales accessible, especially for mid- and higher-earning authors.
Try promo sites and underrated strategies
Promo sites like Freebooksy are top tools for boosting visibility and driving sales, particularly during price promotions. Don’t overlook underrated strategies like backmatter links and multi-author promotions. Adding a sign-up link to your book’s backmatter can grow your email list, while teaming up with other authors can significantly expand your reach.
Summing Up
With this guide, self-publishing a book in 2025 might be easier, but turning it into a success still requires dedication and effort.
Let’s sum up the essential steps:
- Edit and polish your manuscript to perfection
- Format your book and design an interior that’s both beautiful and functional
- Create a marketable book cover that grabs readers’ attention
- Choose the right book formats to reach a wide audience
- Optimize your book’s metadata for visibility
- Implement effective marketing strategies to promote your book.
Remember, if you need help creating a standout book cover, we’re here to support you.
This is encouraging with helpful tips.
Thank you,
Malika