If you've ever asked yourself that question, you're in the right place. Learn how to become a self-published author with the best free resources from Lulu.

How to
Self-Publish

To self-publish, start with a finished manuscript. Once your book is edited, you'll need to create a PDF formatted for printing and a cover file. Finally, you'll need to gather your book's information to correctly publish the book and make it available for sale.

4 Step Publishing Formula

How Do I
Self-Publish My Book?

Writing
& Editing

Formatting & Design

Gathering Metadata

Publishing

Marketing My Book

What Can I Self-Publish?

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Self-Publishing Options

Book Format Options

Distribution Costs and Royalties

Who Self-Publishes?

6 Tips for Editing Your Work

Before you can publish, you'll need to finish the book! That includes writing the entire book and editing it thoroughly. It's important that you finish all the editing before you start laying out the book; otherwise you'll be repeating layout and design work as you make corrections and changes to the manuscript!

Types of Editing & How to Get Them Done

Look for professional editors to review the book before you publish. That might include line editing, developmental editing, and other kinds of reviews. Make sure you're hiring the right kinds of editors for your book.

Formatting Tips for
Print Books

The finished and edited manuscript must be formatted to look good and meet printer requirements. Generally, this means creating a print-ready PDF to self-publish your book.

Design Basics for Creating A Book Cover

You'll also need to create a cover. Some self-publishing companies offer DIY cover creation, but most book-makers create their own cover as a unique PDF, sized to fit the publishing platform's requirements and featuring unique cover art.

Lulu File Tutorials

You'll also need to create a cover. Some self-publishing companies offer DIY cover creation, but most book-makers create their own cover as a unique PDF, sized to fit the publishing platform's requirements and featuring unique cover art.

What the Hell is Metadata?

Metadata is the information that describes your book. Publishers and retailers use this information to create a listing in their bookstore and ultimately sell your book!

Is A Publisher Right for You?

Self-publishing companies act as your distribution platform. That means we provide a place for readers to purchase your book. When an order is placed, the book is printed and shipped or delivered electronically.

Compare Self-Publishing Options

Self-Publishing for Intermediate Users

Selling your book is a nonstop process of networking and producing content. To stand out, you'll need to develop a unique author brand. That may take the form of a blog, YouTube series, TikTok videos, a regular email newsletter, or any of countless other mediums. Successful booksellers know what kinds of content their readers like and find ways to create that kind of content.

SEM for Authors

If you want to successfully self-publish and sell your book, you'll need to have a marketing plan and budget in place and running well before your publication date.

How to Self-Publish

Writing & Editing

Formatting
& Design

What Should I Publish?

You can create any kind of book you can imagine. Self-publishing is perfect for creating educational texts, workbooks, cookbooks, journals, and magazines. Books are the perfect way to create something tangible from your ideas or expertise to share with the world.

10 Ideas Using Content You Already Have