From Dead Broke to Bestselling: How to Make Money Online Self-Publishing Books

Are you an aspiring author dreaming of launching a book but put off by the prospect of traditional publishing? Self-publishing has exploded in popularity in recent years as a viable path for writers. Thanks to print-on-demand technology and online retail platforms, you can now publish your book with little upfront investment and make it broadly available to readers worldwide.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the entire process of self-publishing and selling your book online, from writing to publication and marketing. You’ll learn insider tips to maximize sales, engage readers in the digital age, and turn your passion into profits. Even if you start with nothing but a great idea and perseverance, you can become your own publisher and achieve bestselling status.

Crafting Your Book and Getting It Ready for Publication

Before diving into the business side of self-publishing, let’s cover the basics of preparing your book for print and digital formats. Follow these key steps:

Choose Your Niche and Develop an Idea

The most critical decision is selecting your book’s topic. To maximize appeal and profits, it helps to focus on evergreen niches and underserved audiences. Brainstorm ideas based on your interests and expertise. Research competing titles to find “gaps” your book could fill.

Research Thoroughly and Outline Your Book

Once you’ve settled on an idea, dive in deep with extensive research. Interview experts, gather data, read source material. Then create a detailed outline, with chapters and subsections. Organize related topics and themes cohesively.

Write Your Manuscript

With your outline as a guide, start writing! Shoot for 50,000+ words. Employ tips like writing 500 words per day to maintain steady progress. Enlist beta readers and editors to provide feedback on drafts. Revise and polish until you have a manuscript ready for publication.

Format and Design Your Book Interiors and Cover

Either do your own interior formatting and cover design, or outsource these tasks. Use standard fonts, styles and margins. Create your cover to look professional and attract readers.

Convert Your Manuscript into Print and Digital Files

You’ll need properly formatted files for print and ebook publishing. Learn to convert Word documents into PDF (print), MOBI (Kindle), EPUB (other ereaders), etc. Use online tools or hire formatters.

Choosing the Best Platforms for Self-Publishing

Today’s authors enjoy a range of excellent self-publishing platforms and services. Choosing the right options can impact your book’s distribution, profits and success. Weigh these top players in the field:

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing

• Reach the world’s largest bookstore and reader base
• Keep up to 70% royalties on ebook sales
• Distribute paperbacks via CreateSpace merge
• Access promotional tools like Free Days and Kindle Countdown deals

IngramSpark

• Wide distribution to 39,000 retailers and libraries
• Global print-on-demand availability
• Integrated with KDP Print for easy setup
• Retain 55% royalties on print sales

Draft2Digital

• Distribute to Kobo, Barnes and Noble, Apple Books and more
• Simplified publishing process across formats
• Accepts PayPal payments and pays royalties promptly
• Free conversion from Word to ebook files

Lulu

• Focuses on print-on-demand books
• Make hardcovers, color books and other options
• Retail via online store and expanded distribution
• Keep 80-90% of your book’s list price

This lineup covers every base, but start with Kindle Direct Publishing to tap Amazon’s massive share of the market.

Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Publishing Your Book Successfully

Now let’s walk through the nuts and bolts of getting your book self-published and ready for sale online. Follow these steps in order:

Set Up Your KDP Author Central Account

Claim your Author Central page to manage books, track sales, connect with readers and promote your work across Amazon sites worldwide. This free tool is invaluable.

Publish Your eBook on KDP

Use the KDP dashboard to upload your finished ebook files, enter information like title, description and keywords, set pricing and publish! Appears on Amazon in 24-72 hours.

Enable Expanded Distribution

Opt into KDP Select to make your ebook available in Kindle Unlimited and expand to audiobooks. This increases discoverability and royalties.

Publish Your Paperback via KDP Print

Upload print files and information just like the ebook process. Books are printed on-demand and sold on Amazon. You keep a healthy royalty on each sale.

Set Up Your IngramSpark Account

Open your free IngramSpark account and repeat the print book upload process to gain access to wider bookstore distribution.

Release Your eBook on Other Platforms

Use aggregators like Draft2Digital and Smashwords to publish on Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Scribd and more. Wider reach = higher sales!

Create Your Author Website with Built-In Book Sales

Your own website is key for connecting with readers and selling books independently. Choose user-friendly platforms like Wix or WordPress.

Develop Additional Products Like Audiobooks

ACX connects authors with narrators to produce audiobooks. Publish these through Audible, Amazon and iTunes for passive income streams.

Exhale…congratulations, your book is now published and available for purchase worldwide! Time to focus on promotion and sales.

Smart Self-Publishing Promotion to Boost Sales

Publishing your book is just the beginning. The real work starts with getting it into readers’ hands. An effective self-promotion strategy is essential to sales and success.

Start Early with Pre-Launch Marketing

Don’t wait until release day! Build buzz from the moment you conceive your book concept. Share your journey on social media, gather email subscribers, run Goodreads giveaways.

Launch with a Marketing Bang

Line up promotional efforts like guest posts, podcast interviews and ads to all hit as your book goes live. Coordinate for maximum exposure. Ask readers to leave reviews right away.

Take Advantage of Free Promotional Periods

Tools like KDP Free Days and Countdown Deals increase downloads, rankings and reviews during key launch periods. Don’t leave this visibility on the table.

Build an Engaged Author Platform

Share writing advice, industry insights and connect with readers via blog, email list, social accounts. Expand your reach and authority.

Collaborate with Other Authors

Cross-promote new releases, organize multi-author giveaways, share interview opportunities. Joint efforts expand your collective audience.

Prioritize High-Impact Marketing Tactics

Focus energy on proven tactics like getting book reviews, doing podcast tours, running Facebook ads and building your email list vs. low-return activities.

Think Long-Term with Backlist Optimization

Refresh book blurbs, update keywords, expand categories, try new pricing, enroll in Kindle Unlimited–continue optimizing so every title earns its keep!

With persistence and creativity, you can build enough readership to gain bestseller status and consistent sales. But this level of self-promotion does require effort and skill.

Consider Professional Assistance to Boost Success

Self-publishing has never been easier, but doing everything completely solo also has challenges. Many successful indie authors enlist help with key steps:

• Hire editors and designers. Investing in quality editing, proofreading and design pays dividends in positive reviews and higher sales. DIY has limits.
• Get coaching and courses. Publishing experts provide coaching and courses to navigate challenges like marketing. Their knowledge can catapult your success.
• Outsource time-consuming tasks. Not great at writing sales copy or promoting on social media? Delegate to freelancers. Focus your energy on writing.
• Join professional organizations. Groups like the Independent Book Publishers Association offer support, education and resources for indie authors.
• Attend self-publishing events. Connect in-person at BookExpo, Self-Publishing Advice Conference and more. The insights are invaluable.
• Purchase promotion services. Book promotion sites provide customized marketing services. Worth the fees to save time and expand reach.

Investing in your book – and yourself as an author – will pay dividends if approached strategically. Weigh options carefully and only spend on what will provide a good return.

Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Publishing Success

Still have questions? Here are answers to some FAQs from writers considering this path:

How much does it cost to self-publish a book?

• The average cost is $500 – $3000+ depending on factors like editing, design, promotion services and more. Print-on-demand means very low upfront printing costs.

How much money can you make self-publishing?

• Income varies widely, but top indie authors earn six figures or more annually. With enough books, promotions, solid reviews and backlist optimization, strong profits are achievable.

How do self-published authors get found?

• Boost visibility with keywords, categories in retailer sites, SEO, social media engagement, targeted ads, email marketing, promotions, content marketing, reviews and word-of-mouth. Patience and persistence pay off.

Is self-publishing a book worth it?

• Absolutely, if you approach it strategically and stick with it long term. The freedom, control and ability to earn 70% royalties makes it very worthwhile for serious writers.

How hard is it to self-publish a book?

• The publishing process itself is straightforward, but learning effective self-promotion and marketing is challenging. Expect a significant learning curve your first year until you get momentum.

How long does it take to self-publish a book?

• If your manuscript is complete, you can publish in as little as 1-2 weeks. But give yourself 3-6 months for revision, editing, design, pre-orders and proper launch planning. Don’t rush!

The key is managing your initial expectations, then growing your audience and list of titles over successive years. Consistency, perseverance and creativity drive self-publishing prosperity.

Conclusion and Next Steps

We’ve covered the full process from writing your manuscript to hitting “publish” and promoting your work effectively in the digital marketplace. While self-publishing does require an entrepreneurial spirit and substantial effort, it offers incredible upside for your writing career that traditional publishing simply can’t match.

Here’s a recap of actionable next steps:

• Choose your niche and start developing your book concept
• Set up your free author accounts at KDP, IngramSpark, etc.
• Research comparable titles and successful authors in your genre
• Start building your author platform and audience now
• Map out a publication timeline and assemble your publishing team
• Craft your book proposal and first draft
• Stay focused and don’t get discouraged by early challenges
• Imagine the pride and profits from achieving self-publishing success!

The world needs your unique ideas, stories and voice. Follow this guide, stick with your book for the long haul, learn as you go, and you can absolutely achieve your dreams of becoming a financially successful indie author.