The independent author's guide

1Choose your publishing route

There are two main routes to publication. Traditional publishing usually means finding a literary agent, who then submits your book to publishers. The publisher pays for editing, design and printing, and you receive an advance and royalties. It can take a long time and most submissions are declined.

Independent publishing, often called self-publishing, means you control the process and pay for professional services yourself. You keep control of timing, design and pricing, and you can publish in months rather than years.

Neither route is better for every book. Consider how fast you want to publish, how much control you want, and whether your book suits a niche readership or a broad market.

2Finish and prepare the manuscript

Before anything else, the manuscript needs to be complete. Put it aside for a few weeks, then read it as a reader would. Note where you lost interest, where things were unclear and where the story or argument needed more.

Beta readers, people who read your genre but do not know you well, can give honest feedback. Ask them specific questions: where did they stop reading, what confused them, what did they love?

• Fiction: check plot holes, character consistency and pacing.
• Non-fiction: check that every chapter keeps the book's promise to the reader.
• Everyone: use consistent names, spellings and formatting.

3Understand the levels of editing

Editing happens in layers, and the order matters.

1. Developmental editing looks at structure, plot, pacing, character and argument.
2. Line editing works sentence by sentence on clarity, rhythm and voice.
3. Copy editing fixes grammar, punctuation and consistency.
4. Proofreading is the final check of the formatted book for remaining errors.

If you are unsure where to start, a manuscript assessment will tell you which level your book needs.

4Cover, interior and formats

Your cover has two jobs: to tell readers what kind of book it is, and to stand out as a small thumbnail. Look at the bestselling books in your genre and notice their type, colour and imagery.

The interior matters too. Print books need a trim size, margins, typefaces and chapter openings that are comfortable to read. Ebooks need to reflow cleanly on every screen. These are separate files.

Decide which formats you want: ebook, paperback, hardback and audiobook. Each needs its own files, and print formats need a cover sized to the page count.

5ISBNs, copyright and legal basics

An ISBN identifies a specific edition and format of your book. Each format, such as paperback, hardback and ebook, normally has its own ISBN. In the UK, ISBNs are issued by Nielsen; in the US, by Bowker. Some retail platforms offer free ISBNs, which may list the platform as publisher.

In the UK and the US, copyright belongs to the author automatically when the work is created. A copyright page states this and includes the edition, ISBN and any credits.

In the UK, publishers are expected to send a copy of each new print book to the British Library under legal deposit rules. Check the current requirements for your book.

This section is general information, not legal advice.

6Distribution: reaching readers

Most independent authors sell through major online retailers, ebook stores and print-on-demand distribution, which makes print books available to order without holding stock.

Bookshops and libraries usually order through wholesale distributors. If you want your book in shops, choose distribution that reaches them and set a trade discount they can work with.

For events and signed copies, a short print run gives you books in hand.

7Launch and long-term marketing

Marketing starts before launch. A few months ahead, plan a cover reveal, collect email sign-ups and line up early readers for reviews.

• Write a strong book description and author bio for retail pages.
• Choose accurate categories and keywords.
• Build an author website and mailing list you control.
• Plan social media around your readers, not around every platform.
• Keep going after launch: most books find readers over months, not days.

8A simple publishing checklist

1. Finish the manuscript and gather feedback.
2. Get the right level of editing.
3. Commission a cover and interior design.
4. Arrange ISBNs and write the copyright page.
5. Prepare print and ebook files.
6. Write the description, choose categories and keywords.
7. Set up retail listings and order a proof.
8. Plan the launch and your marketing.