Start Here: How to Self-Publish Your Book

Start Here: How to Self-Publish Your Book

This is an introductory guide to the major self-publishing options available to authors today, and how to choose the right service for you.
turn Microsoft Word document into ebook EPUB

How to Turn a Microsoft Word Document Into an Ebook (EPUB)

Word doesn't export to EPUB, but you can still produce an editable file quickly, without buying software or using a "meatgrinder" conversion.
ebook publishing resources

How to Publish an Ebook: Resources for Authors

In this post I regularly update the best resources I know of related to learning to publish an ebook, finding the right distributors and services, and staying on top of changes in the industry.
Kindle Press

How Kindle Press Made My Novel a Bestseller

In 2015, Kindle Press published about 90 novels. By the end of 2016, it had published a total of 218 books—all chosen through the Kindle Scout program.
Pronoun ebook distribution

Q&A with Pronoun: An Increasingly Competitive Ebook Distributor

Pronoun works with independent authors to distribute their ebooks to the five major online retailers: Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Google Play. Pronoun charges authors nothing upfront, and doesn't take a cut of ebook sales either.
amazon kdp select

Is Amazon Exclusivity Right for You?

There are advantages to selling ebooks only through Amazon, and makes most sense for authors who are just starting out or who are relatively unknown.
Self Publishing Distribution to Libraries

How Self-Published Authors Can Distribute to Libraries

Journalist and consultant Porter Anderson explains the new SELF-e program from Library Journal for getting self-published ebooks into American libraries.
by Tim Pierce via Flickr

How to Self-Publish Children’s Books Successfully: Notes From the Trenches

A traditionally published children's author discusses how she's launched a successful indie publishing effort in less than two years.
Free books

The Strategic Use of Book Giveaways and How They Can Increase Earnings Potential

Giving away your work isn't a problem if you've developed a strategy around it, and know how to turn new readers into fans.
NoiseTrade Books

How to Use NoiseTrade Books as a Strategic Marketing Tool

Note from Jane: I am very grateful to Ed Cyzewski (@edcyzewski) for today's guest post, where he shares valuable insights
author platform

How Much Does Author Platform Impact Sales?

Is it possible to successfully publish and sell your e-books—without a platform—as long as you choose the right genre?
Colleen Gleason covers

The Importance of Your Book Cover: Achieving the Right Fit

Note from Jane: The following post is the first in a series that will offer tips and advice from successful
Amazon KDP Select

Amazon KDP Select: Is It Worthwhile for Authors?

Should authors take advantage of the Amazon KDP Select program? A comprehensive discussion of who the program is well-suited for, plus best strategies.
Amazon White Glove program

Agent-Assisted Self-Publishing and the Amazon White Glove Program

There are no “rules” for agent-assisted self-publishing, but the biggest drawbacks are usually loss of control and loss of royalties. All authors should negotiate a contract beforehand that protects their rights and lifetime earnings.
Replacement Child by Judy Mandel

Getting a Traditional Book Deal After Self-Publishing

Today's guest post is by Judy L. Mandel, author of the Replacement Child, forthcoming from Seal Press in March 2013.
Plympton: serialized fiction for digital readers

Plympton: A New Effort to Produce Successful Serial Fiction

In the past year, I've run two posts specifically related to serial fiction—a guest post by Roz Morris and a
Broken pencil

When Self-Publishing Is More Useful As a Marketing Tool

The turning point of my long-term publishing plans came when I realized I have very little in common with author
E-publishing

The Best E-Publishing Resources

Here's a list of what I consider to be the most trusted resources on e-books and e-publishing. If you think
Writer's Digest May/June 2011

The Basics of DIY E-Book Publishing

In the latest issue of Writer's Digest to hit the newsstands (May/June 2012), you'll find my feature article on "The
Electric Speed Newsletter

Groundbreaking Tools for Creating E-Books

In my latest e-newsletter over the weekend, I shared three new tools for creating e-books. If you missed it, then you can
e-publishing, e-books, e-reading, self-publishing

10 Questions to Ask Before Committing to Any E-Publishing Service

Last updated in January 2019 With new services continually appearing on the market that promise to help writers self-publish or distribute their
E-Book Sales 2011

E-Book Statistics For Authors to Watch

This weekend, I'll be speaking at the Writer's Digest Conference about e-publishing. I'm in the process of updating my slides
Closed for Business / Maistora / Flickr

Do You Hold E-Rights to Your Traditionally Published Book?

I recently received this very challenging question and scenario from traditionally published author Dr. Liz Alexander. I have an issue
Speaking at SXSW PubCamp 2011

My Best Advice for Writers From 2011

Last week I shared 12 Must-Read Articles From 2011. Now I'm going to share a list of the best advice
Publishing Perspectives

Serial Fiction: An Old Form Made New

Yesterday, my feature article for Publishing Perspectives went live: Experimenting With Serials for Fun and Profit Here's a little excerpt:
Jane Reading on Her Kindle

12 Must-Read Articles From 2011

Here are the most brilliant online articles I read this past year. You may not agree with the arguments you'll
Ball State professor Brad King

How We May Read

Today's guest post is by Brad King, a professor at Ball State with a brilliant mind for emerging media and
Anthologize

Turn Your WordPress Blog Into a Book

I've written about this tool before, but so few people know about it—and it's so incredibly useful!—that it's worth mentioning
Jane Knows

When’s the Right Time to Leave Your Big Six Publisher?

I received the following question from published author Lisa Earle McLeod—who I remember first meeting at a Foothills Writers Guild
Jane Knows

How to Sell Low-Cost Subscriptions to Short Stories

I received the following question from Gail McConnon: Re: Question on Serializing a Short Story Collection through a Paid Subscription
Writer Unboxed

Do-It-Yourself vs. Professional Help

Yesterday was my regular contribution to Writer Unboxed. I discussed how some independent authors are putting their work out there with
Electric Speed Newsletter

3 Indispensable Software Tools for Writers

This past Sunday, I sent out the latest issue of my e-newsletter, Electric Speed. It featured 3 indispensable software tools
Sean Platt

The Evolving Model of the Entrepreneurial Novelist

It's pleasure to bring you this insightful Q&A with writer Sean Platt. As his own website states, Sean Platt writes
Scott Sigler

3 Keys to Sustainable & Successful Indie Authorship

Note from Jane: I don't usually run posts that feature or promote a single service or solution. Authors need to
My Memories of a Future Life

Should You Serialize a Novel on Kindle?

Today's guest post is by Roz Morris. Last month I released my literary novel as four episodes on Kindle: 100,000
Phil Gibbs

3 Tips for Professional E-Book Covers

Today's guest post is from Biba Pearce at Your Novel Online. An e-book cover has an important job to do. Not
4-Ps of Marketing

E-Book Marketing 101

In case you missed it, my monthly column at Writer Unboxed was posted yesterday: A Checklist for Marketing Your E-Book.
Going Geek by John Carpenter

Using an Agent to Get on Kindle

I've been keeping an eye on John Carpenter and his book project ever since we first started having conversations on
Kindle

5 Things Beginners Need to Know About E-Book Publishing

The e-book publishing landscape is changing fast—with new services, new terms, and new formats. Despite the pace of change, here