What are the steps I took to become a self-published author?

Hi Friends, 

Here are the steps I took to become a self-punished author. I hope this information helps you!

1. Write your book! 

2. Hire an editor to edit the book. Choose an editor in your budget and who is trustworthy. Pray and ask God to lead you to the right book editor for you. Personally, my book editor was not a traditionally trained book editor, but someone who God led me to who was a member of my church. 

3. Hire a book cover designer. I found my book cover designer on Instagram. I also prayed and asked God to lead me to the right book cover designer. Choose a book cover designer within your budget.

4. Please choose how you want to print your book and who you want to print it. I chose Kindle Direct Publishing through Amazon. Barnes and Noble Press is also a way to print and distribute your book. Personally, I found Amazon to be easier to navigate for me. Do your research, weigh the pros and cons, pray about it, and make your decision.

5. For your book editor to edit your book, you will need to have the cover finished and the book printed and order a proof copy (also known as an Author Copy on Amazon) to give to your editor for them to edit the book for you. 

6. For my book editor and book cover designer, I do believe in having confidentiality contracts that ensure that everything about the book is confidential before it is published and made known to the public. We also have the fees for their services in the contract.

7. You also want to start your own business to self-publish. Personally, I choose the LLC route. I found this easier to navigate and run my book business. Online, I found simplified guides on starting an LLC in your state and starting an LLC as a self-published author. I recommend looking those things up to do that. It’s an easier process than you think. Just take it one step at a time.

8. Don’t forget to name your Company before you start your LLC. You can look at the online database to ensure that the name you want has not been taken. Then, you can go through the process of starting your LLC.

9. You also want to trademark your company name and pen name. I waited to do this due to the higher lawyer fees, but if you have the funds, please do so as soon as possible.

10. Also, before you give your proof book to your editor or publish it, copyright your work on the copyright website and your book cover design image to protect your work. 

11. Once your editor edits your book, make the changes that they recommend if you agree. Use discernment and wisdom with this. Ask God to lead you on what to put in your book, what to leave out, and what edits to make and what edits not to make.

    
    

    I hope this helps you! 💕

XO,

Dr. Rich 💋