Do YOU Want to Self-Publish a Book?

This post isn’t for everyone, but for those who have ever wondered how to start self-publishing, I’m breaking it all down here. I’ll share how I began this journey, the steps I took, what I might do differently, and some key recommendations.

It feels cliché to call this process a “journey,” but that’s exactly what it’s been—an ongoing adventure full of learning curves, small wins, and plenty of moments where I’ve had to step out of my comfort zone.

At the core of it all, my goal has always been simple: I want to bring joy to readers. I want to foster a love for books in a world where technology often takes center stage—an age where screens are not only incredibly accessible but highly addictive.

Of course, I’d like to turn this into a profitable endeavor as well, but let’s be real—self-publishing is no walk in the park. It’s a tricky business with steep learning curves. Still, I’m here, figuring it out day by day, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned.

If you’ve ever dreamed of publishing your own book, let this post be the gentle nudge (or the firm kick in the pants) you need to take the first step.

Step 1: Write Something

This might sound obvious, but you can’t publish a book if you don’t have words on a page. Get the ideas out of your head and into a draft.

The Steps I Took to Self-Publish My First Book

1. Write the Stories
   I started with the ideas and wrote the stories I wanted to share.

2. Hire an Illustrator/Formatter
   Using the platform Upwork, I posted a job listing to hire an illustrator who could also format the books.

3. Create a Storyboard
   Once the illustrator was hired, I created a rough storyboard. This included splitting the text across pages and sketching how I envisioned the illustrations to look.

4. Research
   I read countless blogs (like this one!) and used Pinterest to find personal experiences and tips about self-publishing children’s books.

5. Build a Website
   Before I even had a tangible book, I created a website using Squarespace to establish my online presence.

6. Set Up a Business
   I registered an LLC, opened a business bank account, and applied for a “fictitious name” in my state (Missouri). Check your local government’s website for specific requirements in your area.

7. Purchase an ISBN
   I bought my ISBNs through Bowker. You’ll need these to sell books in stores or add them to libraries. They cost around $25.00 each.

8. Print and Publish
   I used BookBaby for my first printing and publishing because of their global network for selling wholesale and collecting royalties. It was kind of expensive. I also used IngramSpark for additional book uploads and printing. Right now, they don’t have setup fees, which is a huge plus!

9. Promote Locally
   Once I had a physical copy of my book, I contacted children’s boutiques, schools, and bookstores in my area. This often involved cold emailing or, even better, going in person to introduce myself and my book.

10. Pre-Sale and Social Media
    I launched a pre-sale through my website and promoted it on social media. This step is crucial—don’t stockpile copies before you know how many you can sell!

11. Keep Going
    After releasing my first book, I began focusing on growing my audience, experimenting with new marketing strategies, and even querying literary agents.

What I’ve Learned

Self-publishing isn’t a “one size fits all” process. What worked for me might not work for someone else, but the key takeaway is this: take action. There are so many talented writers out there with incredible stories to tell, but none of that matters if those stories never leave the draft stage.

What’s Next for Me?

Right now, I’m sending out query letters to literary agents. While it’s not necessary to have an agent to sell your books, it’s an exciting goal to work toward.

I sincerely hope these tips help you or someone you know get started on their own publishing adventure. If you have questions or need advice, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.

Like I said, I’m no expert. I’m still trying, still learning, and still growing.

Happy reading,
Katie Marie

Feel free to share this post with anyone who’s expressed an interest in publishing their own books. And remember, the first step is always the hardest, but it’s the one that matters most!