Self-Publish with these How-to-Books
Even if you’re an experienced graphic designer, understanding the specific details necessary to self-publish a book can be challenging. The following books are fantastic resources for tackling the process of selecting fonts, page layout, cover design, and formatting.
#1 Book Design Made Simple 
by Fiona Raven and Glenna Collett
Book Design Made Simple gives DIY authors, small presses, and graphic designers—novices and professionals alike—the power to design their own books. It’s the only book of its kind, explaining every step from installing Adobe® InDesign® right through to sending the files to press.
#2 The Book Blueprint
The Book Blueprint examines each part of the book, explaining its logic and structure, which in turn influences each part of the book’s design. It brings together all the writing on this subject by blogger and book designer Joel Friedlander.
Authors who want to move past selling a couple dozen books and see that their books achieve the widest possible distribution will have to start thinking like a manufacturer. The Blueprint is designed to help authors understand how print books are put together so they can satisfy the expectations of their readers while achieving higher profits from their business.
#3 Book Formatting for Self-Publishers, a Comprehensive How to Guide
In this book, you will learn simple techniques to produce a professional-looking print book or ebook. Take advantage of the author’s ten years of experience producing professional book files for satisfied clients. Her tips and tricks for mastering the technical details of publishing a book are presented in a simple, step-by-step format that anyone can understand. Dozens of accompanying illustrations make learning the steps even easier. If you own Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat Pro (version 7 or later), you can publish your book now.** With a well-written book, a good marketing plan, and this how-to manual, you can make your publishing dreams come true. What is stopping you? Get started today!
Books on How to Write and Self-Publish Your Manuscript
#4 The Influential Author: How and Why to Write, Publish, and Sell Nonfiction Books that Matter
With in-depth advice about all stages of book creation, publication, and marketing, The Influential Author takes a uniquely grounded and intellectual approach to nonfiction self-publishing. Unlike self-publishing guides that promise to teach you how to write a best-selling book quickly and easily, Diehl’s book actually walks you through the complex details of planning, writing, editing, and promoting your work at the standards of traditional publishing.
2020 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) Gold Medalist
2020 International Book Awards Finalist
2020 American Book Fest Best Book Awards 1st Place Winner
#5 Successful Self-Publishing: How to self-publish and market your book in ebook and print
by Joanna Penn
There are thousands of new books being published every day, but many self-published books quickly sink to the bottom of the pile. Many authors are frustrated because there are so many options for self-publishing, and they don’t know which one to choose or what will be best for their book.
Others spend thousands of dollars to publish and end up broken-hearted with the result. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Find out how to avoid your frustrations and failures with Joanna Penn’s Successful Self-Publishing.
Protect Your Rights When You Self-Publish
#6 Self-Publisher’s Legal Handbook: Updated Guide to Protecting Your Rights and Wallet
Building on the best-selling success of the original Self-Publisher’s Legal Handbook, Helen Sedwick wrote this expanded second edition to help writers stay out of court and at their desks. Using 30 years of legal experience, Sedwick shows writers how to:
- Set up their business
- Protect their copyright
- Avoid infringement
- Spot scams
- Save on taxes
- And more!
#7 Publishing Guides for Indie Authors 
It has never been easier to publish a book, but publishing a book is never easy.
Creative Self-Publishing is a comprehensive guide to every step in the publishing process, written by the Director of the Alliance of Independent Authors, and drawing on the experience of thousands of members, from those who are just starting out to those who are staggeringly successful.
The book takes an individual approach, beginning with you. Your ambitions, your passion, and your sense of purpose not just as a writer, but also as a publisher, and as a creative business owner.
Self-Publish a Children’s Book
#8 Self-Publishing a Children’s Book: ALLi’s Guide to Kidlit Publishing for Authors (Publishing Guides for Indie Authors)
by
Self-publishing a children’s book means not just writing a good manuscript but also producing the book in various formats, and selling it to those who purchase books for young readers. This guidebook from the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) provides the practical guidance you need.
Drawing on the expertise of ALLi’s self-publishing children’s writers, and with input from ALLi’s Children’s Advisor, the highly successful children’s author Karen Inglis, this book provides everything you need to know to publish and sell children’s books in ebook and print editions, and promote them face-to-face and online.
#9 How To Self-Publish A Children’s Book: Everything You Need To Know To Write, Illustrate, Publish, And Market Your Paperback And Ebook
By Yvonne Jones
Have you always wanted to write a children’s book, but thought you couldn’t? Or maybe it’s already written, but you don’t know where to go from here?
Are you looking for a blueprint that can guide you from story idea all the way to published book, without feeling lost and overwhelmed – even if you don’t have much time?
In How To Self-Publish A Children’s Book, Y. Eevi Jones outlines the precise path to fulfilling your dream of becoming a published children’s book author. You will find everything you need to know to write, illustrate, publish, and market your paperback and ebook.
Market Your Book
#10 You Must Market Your Book: Increase Your Impact, Sell More Books, and Make More Money (The You Must Book Business Series)
by
ONCE THE BOOK IS PUBLISHED . . . THE WORK BEGINS
Do you know how to market your book?
Honorée has sold hundreds of thousands of books in ways most authors have never considered. She’s coached authors to successful writing careers and has co-authored and managed many books (including The Miracle Morning series).
Where to begin?
New and even experienced authors often feel overwhelmed by everything they’re told they must do. It can be hard to know where one should be putting their energy. Honorée has a gift for teaching what’s important in a way that’s easy to understand and remember.
Not Ready to Self-Publish on Your Own?
Becky’s Graphic Design offers complete design and self-publishing packages to get your book from start to finish without the stress! Sign up below to receive a six-part email series on how to self-publish and receive a free checklist to get your self-publishing journey started!
