How to Self-Publish a Book: Step-by-Step Guide For 2025

You’ve got a story to tell, an idea to share, or maybe even a dream you’ve held onto for years: publishing your own book.

The good news? You no longer need a traditional publishing deal to make it happen. Today, self-publishing a book is easier, faster, and more empowering than ever, especially with tools like Amazon and the right support system behind you.

And when it comes to that support system, no one does it better than Estorytellers.

In this article, you’ll get answers for: How to self publish a book step-by-step even if you’re a total beginner, why platforms like Amazon make self-publishing so accessible and how Estorytellers helps you publish smarter, faster, and more successfully

Let’s start with what self-publishing really looks like in 2025.

Step 1: Plan Your Book Like a Professional

Choose the Right Genre

Choosing the right genre is the first strategic decision you’ll make as a self-publisher. Different genres perform differently in the U.S. market. For example, romance, thrillers, and fantasy novels are consistently among the best-selling fiction genres on Amazon. On the other hand, nonfiction categories such as self-help, entrepreneurship, personal development, and memoirs attract readers looking for niche-specific insights or inspiration. Understanding genre trends and aligning your content with audience expectations significantly increases your book’s chances of success.

Define Your Word Count & Goals

Before you even begin writing, it’s important to determine the desired word count and your end goal. A standard novel ranges between 70,000 to 100,000 words, which aligns with reader expectations and traditional publishing benchmarks. For nonfiction, word counts can vary widely, from short-form business books around 30,000 words to in-depth memoirs or guides nearing 60,000 words. Your goal might be passive income, authority in a niche, brand building, or creative fulfillment. Defining your objective early helps guide every decision from content development to marketing strategy.

Set a Budget

Budgeting for your self-publishing journey ensures you don’t overspend or cut corners where quality matters. Here’s what you might expect:

Each of these areas plays a critical role. Editing ensures professional quality, cover design influences first impressions, formatting affects readability, and marketing drives sales. To simplify and streamline the process, consider choosing Estorytellers’ all-in-one self-publishing package, which bundles these services at a competitive rate while ensuring expert guidance throughout.

Step 2: Write and Edit Your Manuscript

Writing Tools

Selecting the right writing tools can make your drafting process more efficient and enjoyable. Tools like Scrivener offer powerful features such as corkboards, split-screen views, and manuscript tracking. Google Docs is ideal for collaborative editing and cloud access, while Microsoft Word remains a dependable industry standard. For writers needing focus, distraction-free tools like FocusWriter or timed writing sprints via the Pomodoro method can enhance productivity and output.

Hire an Editor

Even the best writers need a second set of eyes. Editing transforms your manuscript from good to exceptional. There are several stages of editing: developmental editing addresses structure, pacing, and clarity of content; line editing polishes language and flow; copy editing and proofreading handle grammar, punctuation, and formatting consistency. Hiring a professional editor who understands your genre and target audience is essential, especially for the U.S. market. Estorytellers’ editorial team includes experts in various genres who tailor their approach based on your story’s unique needs.

Step 3: Design a Cover That Sells

A compelling book cover isn’t just a visual asset; it’s your first and best marketing tool. A well-designed cover instantly communicates genre, tone, and professionalism. In the competitive U.S. market, readers often judge the quality of a book by its cover alone, especially on online platforms. Important elements include genre-appropriate imagery, readable typography, strategic color palettes, and optimal placement of the title and author name. The back cover should include a concise, emotionally engaging blurb and optional endorsements or reviews. Estorytellers offers professional, genre-specific cover design services that blend creative artistry with proven marketing psychology to help your book stand out.

Step 4: Format for Print and Digital

Print Formatting

Formatting for print involves much more than simply uploading a document. It requires precision in layout, font selection, spacing, and page breaks to ensure a pleasant reading experience. U.S. standard trim sizes include 6″x9″ (ideal for novels and most non-fiction), 5.5″x8.5″ (perfect for compact novels), and 8.5″x11″ (commonly used for workbooks or academic guides). Print formatting tools like Vellum, Adobe InDesign, or Reedsy can be used, but they require a learning curve. Instead, let Estorytellers’ formatting specialists handle everything from margin alignment to chapter headings, ensuring compatibility with major printing platforms.

eBook Formatting

eBook formatting demands careful attention to flow, clickable elements, and responsive design. Files must work seamlessly across Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, and other platforms. While Amazon KDP accepts mobi and ePub formats, most platforms now prefer ePub for universal readability. Your digital book should include a clickable table of contents, properly styled chapter headings, and optimized image compression. Estorytellers provides end-to-end eBook formatting services that meet the technical requirements of all major online retailers.

Step 5: Get Your ISBN and Copyright

Buy Your ISBN

In the United States, ISBNs are purchased through Bowker at myidentifiers.com. ISBNs are essential for cataloging your book and making it available for retail and library sales. Owning your ISBN allows you to maintain control over your publishing identity and distribute your book across multiple platforms. While Amazon offers free ISBNs, using them limits your ability to publish elsewhere under the same imprint. For broader reach and professional credibility, invest in your own ISBN(s). A single ISBN costs $125, but a bundle of 10 is priced at $295, which is more economical if you plan multiple releases.

Copyright Registration

While your work is automatically protected upon creation, registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office (copyright.gov) provides legal documentation and eligibility for statutory damages in case of infringement. The cost is between $45–$65 and takes a few weeks to process. Registration adds legitimacy and peace of mind to your publishing journey. It’s especially important for nonfiction authors whose content might be more susceptible to duplication or unauthorized use.

Step 6: Choose Your Publishing Platform

Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)

Amazon KDP is the most popular platform for self-publishers in the U.S. It offers easy-to-use interfaces for uploading your manuscript, setting pricing, and managing sales. With the Kindle Store dominating the eBook market, KDP provides exposure to millions of American readers. Authors can earn up to 70% royalty on eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99. Additionally, KDP Print enables on-demand physical books without upfront inventory costs.

Estorytellers

Estorytellers is ideal for authors seeking wider print distribution, including access to major U.S. bookstores like Barnes & Noble, independent retailers, and public libraries. Unlike KDP, it supports hardcover printing and offers better control over wholesale discounts and return policies. However, it requires a one-time setup fee ($49 per title), and updates cost $25. Despite the fee, the extended distribution network is invaluable.

Smart Strategy: Use KDP for Amazon sales and Estorytellers for non-Amazon distribution. Estorytellers manages dual-platform publishing for seamless reach and optimized sales.

Step 7: Upload Your Files

Uploading to Amazon KDP and Estorytellers involves several steps. Start with file validation to ensure your manuscript and cover meet platform-specific technical requirements. For print, upload your manuscript as a print-ready PDF and the cover with appropriate spine measurements and bleed. For eBooks, submit an ePub file with embedded fonts and proper formatting. You’ll also need to input your metadata—title, subtitle, author name, description, keywords, categories, and pricing.

Metadata plays a vital role in discoverability. Use Amazon’s category tool and keyword research to select competitive terms. For U.S. readers, include location-specific keywords or phrases such as “business guide for Americans” or “U.S. college admissions memoir.”

Step 8: Book Marketing and Promotion

Build an Author Platform

Building an online presence is crucial to connecting with American readers. Start with a professional author website, ideally with a .com domain, which acts as your digital storefront. Grow an email list through lead magnets like a free sample chapter or a downloadable checklist. Social media platforms like Instagram, Threads, YouTube, and Goodreads are great for building a community and sharing updates. Leverage U.S.-based book communities and blogs to build credibility and awareness.

Pre-Launch Strategies

Begin your marketing 3–6 months before launch. Share writing progress, host cover reveals, and offer Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) to gather early reviews. Recruit a launch team of 20–30 readers who can promote your book during release week. Pitch yourself to U.S. book bloggers, podcast hosts, and YouTube reviewers who cater to your target genre.

Launch Week

Your launch should include a combination of organic and paid strategies. Schedule a virtual launch party, engage your email list, and run Amazon and Facebook ads. Submit your book to BookBub Featured Deals and other promotional sites for U.S. readers. Utilize press releases and consider local outreach to newspapers, radio shows, and community events.

Long-Term Marketing

The work doesn’t end after launch. Enroll your eBook in Kindle Unlimited (if you’re exclusive to Amazon) to increase visibility. Run seasonal promotions and consider bundling with future titles. Repurpose content into blog posts, webinars, or courses to extend your book’s lifespan.

Estorytellers offers marketing plans for every phase of your book’s life cycle, including U.S.-specific strategies and audience targeting.

Step 9: Track Sales and Optimize

Understanding your book’s performance helps you make data-driven decisions. Use the Amazon KDP dashboard to monitor daily sales, pages read, and royalties. Estorytellers provides sales reports from various retailers and libraries. For an easier view, tools like the Book Report plugin integrate with KDP to present analytics in a user-friendly format.

Regularly updating your book’s metadata, refining ad campaigns, and collecting new reviews can significantly improve visibility. Monitor reader feedback and consider revising your cover or description based on market response. Treat your book as a product—one you can always improve.

Final Thoughts: You Can Do This (With Some Help)

Self-publishing isn’t just an alternative anymore. It’s a powerhouse in the U.S. book market. With complete creative freedom, faster timelines, and higher royalties, you’re in control. But the journey from manuscript to market involves many moving parts. That’s where expert guidance can make all the difference.

Estorytellers is here to help you write, design, publish, and promote your book in the U.S. market. No matter if you’re a first-time author or an entrepreneur building a brand, our team ensures your book stands out in a competitive landscape. We offer personalized services, transparent pricing, and unwavering support to make your publishing journey successful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Self Publishing a Book

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

The cost of self-publishing a book in the United States can vary widely depending on the level of quality you want to achieve. On average, most authors invest anywhere from $800 to $3,000 to bring their book to a professional standard. This budget typically includes editing, cover design, formatting, ISBN registration, and marketing. Editing is often the largest expense, ranging from $500 to $2,000 based on the type and depth of work needed. A professionally designed cover may cost between $100 and $500, while formatting services generally range from $50 to $300. Additionally, an ISBN, which is essential for retail and library distribution in the U.S., costs $125 for a single number or $295 for a pack of ten. Marketing expenses can vary greatly, but setting aside at least a few hundred dollars is recommended. For authors looking to reduce costs without compromising quality, Estorytellers offers bundled self-publishing packages that combine all essential services at competitive rates, making it easier to manage both quality and budget.

Is Amazon the best place to self-publish a book?

Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) is widely regarded as the best starting point for self-published authors, especially in the U.S. market. It allows writers to publish both eBooks and print books without any upfront cost. Amazon’s platform reaches millions of readers and offers royalty rates of up to 70% for eBooks priced between $2.99 and $9.99. The platform is user-friendly and provides tools to track sales and earnings in real-time. However, Amazon is not the only option. For those aiming to reach bookstores, libraries, and educational institutions, platforms like Estorytellers provide broader distribution options, including hardcover printing and non-Amazon retail channels. The best approach is often a combination: using Amazon for its vast reach and ease of use, while leveraging Estorytellers for wider physical distribution. Estorytellers can help authors navigate both platforms efficiently, ensuring your book is available wherever your readers shop.

Do I need an ISBN to self-publish in the USA?

While it’s possible to publish a book on Amazon without purchasing an ISBN—thanks to their free offering—owning your own ISBN is highly recommended for serious self-publishers. An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is essential for cataloging and selling your book through bookstores, libraries, and many online retailers. If you use Amazon’s free ISBN, Amazon will be listed as the publisher, which can limit your distribution options and diminish your brand identity. By purchasing your ISBN through Bowker, the official U.S. agency at myidentifiers.com, you maintain full control over your publishing imprint and gain the flexibility to sell your book wherever you like. Although a single ISBN costs $125, a ten-pack at $295 offers better long-term value. Estorytellers takes the hassle out of this process by registering the ISBN for you, ensuring your publishing rights and branding remain fully in your hands.

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

The timeline for self-publishing a book can vary significantly based on how prepared the author is and the complexity of the project. On average, the process takes between three to nine months. Writing the manuscript alone can take anywhere from one to six months, depending on your schedule and word count. Editing typically follows and can take two to six weeks, depending on how thorough the review needs to be. After that, cover design and formatting can take another one to three weeks. The publishing setup, including uploading files and completing metadata, usually takes about one to two weeks. Ideally, marketing efforts should begin one to three months before launch to build awareness and gather early reviews. While this may sound like a long process, working with professionals like Estorytellers can significantly reduce the timeline by coordinating editing, design, and setup concurrently, helping you publish faster without sacrificing quality.

How do I market my self-published book in the USA?

Marketing is a vital part of self-publishing, especially in a competitive market like the United States. A strong marketing strategy begins before your book is even launched. Building an online presence through an author website and social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube helps establish your brand. Offering Advance Review Copies (ARCs) can generate early buzz and gather reviews that enhance your book’s credibility. Paid advertising through Amazon Ads and Facebook Ads can target specific reader demographics across the U.S., while outreach to book bloggers, podcasts, and Goodreads reviewers can drive organic interest. A successful launch should include promotional pricing, newsletter announcements, and possibly even a virtual launch event. Post-launch, marketing should continue through seasonal promotions, reader engagement, and content repurposing. Estorytellers offers a range of U.S.-focused marketing packages that include everything from ad management to influencer outreach, making sure your book doesn’t just launch—it thrives.