Publishing a novel used to mean begging for attention from traditional publishing houses — not anymore.
Today, self-publishing has given authors total creative control, global reach, and the ability to turn passion into profit without gatekeepers. If you’re wondering how to self-publish a novel and actually make money from it, this guide is your starting point.
And if you’re looking for help bringing your novel to life, Estorytellers offers expert ghostwriting, editing, and publishing support — everything you need to turn your novel into a polished, reader-ready bestseller.
The Rise of Self-Publishing: Why Now Is the Perfect Time
There’s never been a better moment in history to self-publish your novel. What used to be a long and exclusive process controlled by big publishing houses is now fully accessible to anyone with a story and a strategy.
Self-publishing is now mainstream
Just a decade ago, self-publishing was seen as a last resort. Today, it’s a respected, even preferred, route for many successful authors. Bestsellers like The Martian by Andy Weir and Still Alice by Lisa Genova started as self-published titles. With readers more interested in great stories than publisher logos, authors now have a direct path to their audience.
India’s self-publishing scene is booming
In India especially, self-publishing is growing rapidly. A new wave of regional, English, and bilingual authors are skipping traditional publishers in favor of platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Notion Press, and local services tailored to Indian readers. And with mobile-first audiences and rising eBook adoption, Indian writers now have access to global markets in a few clicks.
Tech platforms have leveled the playing field
With platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Kobo Writing Life, publishing your novel is as easy as uploading a Word file and clicking “publish.” These tools handle distribution, printing, and even some marketing features — for free. You no longer need a warehouse full of books or a six-figure advance to reach readers.
But self-publishing still needs expertise
What hasn’t changed? Quality. Readers expect well-edited, well-designed books — and that’s where most DIY authors fall short. The difference between a mediocre self-published book and a bestselling one often comes down to the polish: professional editing, striking covers, and smart positioning. That’s exactly why Estorytellers exists — to give your book the best possible chance at success from day one.
Self-publishing is no longer a backup plan — it’s a launchpad. And you’re just getting started.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Self-Publish a Novel in 2025
Self-publishing might sound simple on paper, but doing it well means moving through a clear, strategic process. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to self-publish your novel the right way, especially if you’re aiming to stand out in the crowded Indian and global markets.
Step 1: Finalize your manuscript
Before anything else, you need a complete, polished manuscript. That means:
- Writing multiple drafts
- Getting feedback from beta readers or critique partners
- Hiring a professional editor (developmental, copyediting, and proofreading are ideal)
Estorytellers offers expert editorial services designed for Indian and international authors alike, ensuring your story is structurally strong and grammatically clean.
Step 2: Format for print and eBook
Your book needs to look professional, whether it’s read on a Kindle or in paperback. Formatting includes:
- Structuring chapters and headings
- Applying consistent fonts and spacing
- Creating a clickable table of contents for eBooks
- Adjusting margins and trim sizes for print versions
Free tools like Reedsy Book Editor or Kindle Create can help, but for a polished result, Estorytellers provides end-to-end formatting services to match Amazon and IngramSpark’s publishing standards.
Step 3: Design a compelling book cover
People do judge books by their covers. Your cover should:
- Reflect the genre and tone of your story
- Be visually attractive as a thumbnail (for Amazon and mobile)
- Include clean, readable typography
While DIY tools like Canva exist, they rarely meet professional standards. Estorytellers matches you with designers who specialize in book marketing psychology and genre trends — because your cover is your first ad.
Step 4: Write an irresistible book description
Your book description is your sales pitch. It should:
- Hook readers in the first sentence
- Introduce the protagonist and central conflict
- End with a cliffhanger or reason to click “Buy Now”
- Include keywords for Amazon SEO
Need help nailing the pitch? Estorytellers copywriters are skilled at writing high-converting descriptions optimized for discoverability and engagement.
Step 5: Upload to Amazon KDP and other platforms
Once your files are ready, it’s time to go live. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the most popular choice — and it’s free. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Kindle-optimized eBook file (EPUB or MOBI)
- Print-ready PDF with appropriate trim size
- High-resolution cover image
- Book metadata (title, author name, keywords, and categories)
With Estorytellers guiding the setup, you can avoid rookie mistakes — like choosing the wrong categories, mispricing, or uploading an incorrectly formatted file.
How to Publish a Book for Free and Get Paid
Publishing a book doesn’t have to be expensive — and yes, you can get paid for it without spending a rupee upfront. The trick lies in choosing the right platforms, using free tools wisely, and steering clear of vanity publishers.
Free self-publishing platforms that pay royalties
The most popular platform to publish for free and earn income is Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). Here’s how it works:
- Upload your manuscript and cover for free
- Choose your royalty option (35% or 70% depending on pricing)
- Set your price — and start earning with every sale
You can also distribute your book through Google Play Books, Smashwords, or Draft2Digital — all of which allow free publishing and global distribution. The best part? These platforms pay you monthly based on your book’s performance.
Avoid costly self-publishing scams
Many authors fall into the trap of vanity publishers — companies that promise success but charge thousands for services you don’t need. A good rule: if someone is charging you to “approve” your manuscript or demands upfront payment without showing marketing strategy or design samples, walk away.
Estorytellers is the opposite of that model. We offer transparent, affordable packages, and you keep 100% of your rights and royalties.
Use free tools to publish professionally
Here are a few zero-cost tools to keep your self-publishing budget-friendly:
- Google Docs or Scrivener (free trial) – for writing and editing
- Grammarly (free version) – for basic proofreading
- Canva (limited use) – for simple cover design mockups
- Kindle Create – for formatting your manuscript for Amazon
Still, if you’re serious about creating a book that sells, pairing these tools with expert guidance, like what Estorytellers offers, makes all the difference.
Publishing a book for free is possible. Publishing one that earns money and earns respect? That’s where the right help matters most.
How to Self-Publish a Book in India
India’s publishing landscape is evolving rapidly, and self-publishing has become one of the most powerful tools for Indian authors to reach both local and global audiences. But there are a few unique considerations every Indian writer should keep in mind — from platform selection to tax setup.
Choose the right platforms for Indian and global reach
While Amazon KDP is the top global platform, Indian authors also have options like:
- Write Right – An India-based platform with both free and paid services
- Kalam Kagaz – Allows regional language publishing with print-on-demand
- Taletel – Offer support, though some packages can be expensive
That said, Amazon KDP remains the most efficient and trusted route. Estorytellers recommends and supports authors in uploading to KDP, ensuring global reach (US, UK, Canada, Australia) with Indian-friendly logistics like INR pricing and local payment support.
Publishing in Indian languages is now easier than ever
Many Indian readers still prefer books in Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, and other regional languages. KDP now supports content in multiple Indian languages, but formatting, transliteration, and fonts require special care.
Estorytellers has experience helping authors publish in both English and regional languages, ensuring your story is accessible to every corner of the Indian readership.
Set the right price for the Indian market
What works in the US ($4.99) may not work in India (₹99–₹199 is typical). Estorytellers helps authors price their books smartly — balancing perceived value, Amazon royalty percentages, and market competitiveness.
For example:
- Pricing your Kindle book at ₹99–₹149 often hits the sweet spot for volume sales
- For paperbacks, Estorytellers helps you calculate ideal pricing based on printing costs and desired profit margins
Understand Indian tax and payment setup on KDP
To get paid in INR directly to your bank account, you’ll need:
- A valid PAN card
- A bank account with an IFSC code
- Your tax information is filled out in the Amazon KDP dashboard
Estorytellers assists authors in completing their KDP setup correctly, avoiding the common errors that lead to delayed payments or withholding taxes.
Marketing Strategies to Make Your Book a Bestseller
Publishing your novel is just half the story. Now you need readers. Without a solid marketing plan, even the best-written book risks getting lost in the crowd. The good news? You don’t need a huge budget, you just need a smart, strategic approach. Here’s how to promote your self-published book like a pro.
Start building buzz before launch
The best-selling books don’t go viral by accident — they’re marketed before they’re published. Successful indie authors often:
- Share behind-the-scenes writing progress on social media
- Offer sneak peeks or sample chapters
- Build an email list of interested readers
- Send early copies to beta readers and reviewers
Estorytellers works with authors pre-launch to create custom marketing campaigns — including social media strategy, ARC (advance review copy) outreach, and content planning.
Use Amazon’s algorithm to your advantage
Amazon isn’t just a bookstore — it’s a search engine. That means your book needs to be optimized for discoverability:
- Pick 7 strong Amazon keywords related to your book’s theme and genre
- Choose 2 relevant categories (like “Contemporary Romance” or “Indian Mythology”)
- Encourage early reviews — they impact visibility and trust
Estorytellers helps authors research and select the best-performing categories and keywords to improve your chances of being featured in Amazon’s “Customers Also Bought” and “Hot New Releases.”
Leverage Goodreads and book blogs
Goodreads is where passionate readers hang out. Make sure your book:
- Has a Goodreads author page
- Is added to appropriate genre lists
- Gets early reviews from book bloggers and readers
Estorytellers maintains a curated list of trusted book bloggers and influencers in both Indian and international markets who can amplify your launch.
Run targeted promotions post-launch
To gain traction fast, you can:
- Offer a limited-time discounted Kindle price (₹49–₹99)
- Submit your book to promotional sites like BookBub, Freebooksy, or Kindle Nation Daily
- Consider running Amazon Ads or Instagram promotions
Estorytellers can manage and monitor these campaigns, ensuring you don’t waste money on ineffective ads and instead reach readers who are ready to buy.
Set realistic goals — then scale.
You don’t have to sell 10,000 copies in the first month. Focus on building momentum. A successful self-published book:
- Gains consistent monthly sales
- Collects 50–100+ positive reviews over time
- Builds your reputation as an author, opening doors to more readers and future books
With a data-driven launch plan, Estorytellers can help you build a sales engine that keeps growing long after launch week.
How Estorytellers Can Help You Publish Like a Pro
Most self-publishing journeys start with excitement and end in frustration. From confusing platforms and amateur formatting to missed marketing opportunities, the DIY route often leads to poor results.
That’s exactly why Estorytellers exists.
We’re not just a service provider — we’re a publishing partner that helps first-time and experienced authors alike publish, promote, and profit from their books with confidence. Here’s how we take your manuscript from rough draft to bestseller potential:
Expert editorial support
Our team of professional editors helps polish your manuscript to industry standards. Whether you need deep developmental editing or just proofreading, we ensure your book reads like it came from a top-tier publisher.
Custom cover design and formatting
You’ll get a genre-appropriate, high-impact book cover that stops the scroll, designed by professionals who understand reader psychology. Plus, we handle interior formatting for Kindle, paperback, and ePub files to meet all publishing platform requirements.
Amazon KDP setup and launch assistance
We don’t just upload files — we help you:
- Choose high-performing keywords and categories
- Write compelling book descriptions
- Set your pricing strategy (for India and globally)
- Complete your author profile and tax setup
- Avoid common publishing mistakes that could cost you sales
Marketing and visibility strategy
From pre-launch buzz to long-term ad campaigns, we craft a launch strategy tailored to your book and your goals. That includes:
- Social media launch campaigns
- Review outreach to Indian and global bloggers
- Amazon ad management and promotional tracking
Real author success stories
Estorytellers has helped hundreds of Indian authors publish with confidence, many of whom have gone on to become Amazon bestsellers, build personal brands, and land media features. When you partner with us, you’re not guessing. You’re growing.
We believe your story deserves more than just being published. It deserves to be seen, read, and remembered.
Conclusion
Self-publishing isn’t just a backup plan anymore, it’s a powerful path to creative control, passive income, and literary success.
In this article, you’ve learned:
- How to self-publish your novel step-by-step
- How to publish your book for free and earn money
- Why Estorytellers is the best partner to help you publish professionally
Now that you understand how to self-publish a novel, your next step is to focus on growing your author platform. That means building an email list, nurturing a loyal reader base, and establishing a long-term presence online.
