20 Tips For Self-Publishing Success As An Entrepreneur
Self-publishing a book can offer entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their brand without traditional publishing limitations. However, the self-publishing process isn't always easy. It requires careful planning and smart strategies to ensure your book reaches and resonates with its intended readers.
Here, 20 Forbes Business Council members share tips for self-publishing a book, from investing in professional editing services to connecting with the audience. If you're considering beginning your publishing journey, these insights can help you effectively leverage your book as a tool for brand growth.
1. Take Your Time
I just finished publishing my book, so my fresh-from-the-press advice is to slow down to get better results. Focus on quality, not timelines. Hire an experienced writing coach, copyright editors and designers. Beware of flashy book design companies who promise you short deadlines, as cutting corners may hurt your brand. Focus on the quality of your message and let the experts do what they do best. - Loubna Noureddin, Mind Market
2. Investing In A Marketing Concept
One tip for self-publishing a book is to invest in a marketing concept for the book, as well as professional editing and design. While self-publishing allows for greater creative control and potentially higher profits, a professional marketing strategy that includes the next touchpoint will significantly enhance your success. - Stephy Beck, Stephy Beck - femEnergy, flenski.io
3. Pay For Professional Editing And Design
I have books that are traditionally published and books that are self-published. The self-publishing route is faster and allows for control over every aspect of the book. However, the best tip I have for self-publishing your book is to ensure that it is professionally edited, designed and published so that it looks like a traditionally published book. Don't cut corners. A book is a wonderful calling card. - Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino, Compliance4, LLC
4. Write It With A Business Partner
Consider co-writing a book with a business partner to make the journey more enjoyable. This opens the door to considering new perspectives regarding the content and the style of the book. Focus on delivering value to the reader and getting creative in terms of how you structure and design the book. Mix personal stories with data and science while working with an editor and book designer. - Andreea Vanacker, One Million Years Of Joy
5. Focus On Pre-Publication Marketing
As a published author, if I had a do-over, I’d put more emphasis on pre-publication marketing to generate interest. Send out advanced copies and encourage recipients to share their unboxing experiences on social media. Line up podcast appearances to reach a wider audience. These strategies will not only build excitement but also create a supportive community around your book before it launches! - Judi Hays, Judi Hays, Inc.
6. Look At It As An Opportunity
When publishing my first book, I initially felt like I was writing my dissertation all over again. Determined not to allow this self-chosen venture to become another long list of things to do, I shifted my mindset from “I have to” to “I get to.” This simple shift allowed me to fully immerse myself in the book writing experience, returning the joy and excitement back into the writing process! - Christine S. Ghilain, Brain Health Neuropsychology & Brain Health Consulting
7. Utilize Digital Publishing Platforms
Take advantage of the digital platforms—Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing for instance. This enables one to get to the international market quickly, keep artistic rights and have a higher share of income. Self-publishing leads to an author being branded as an expert in their given field, thus helping to create new business opportunities. - Sameera Devuruwan (Sam Dee), HEXXION
8. Build A Team To Assist With The Process
The word "self-publishing" does not mean you are alone—too many people think this! There are so many industry professionals still at your fingertips—editors, ghostwriters, reviewers, publicists and agents—who will still help you through the process. Ask for help and build your team. These people are more experienced in the industry and will be vital to your success. - Georgia Godfrey, Foresight Strategies
9. Act Like Your Book Is A Startup
Treat your book like a startup by crafting a killer cover, investing in quality editing and leveraging your network for marketing. Self-publishing gives you full control and higher royalties. With the right hustle, your book becomes a powerful brand extension and a launchpad for new opportunities. - Dr. Christina Carter, Her Practice™️
10. Develop A Community Before Launch
Build a strong pre-launch community through social media and email lists. Early interaction with potential readers will give rise to anticipation and insightful feedback. Not only will that raise the visibility of your book but it will also provide the initial backing that would make the launch more successful and increase the reach of your brand. - Pavel Stepanov, Virtudesk
11. Make Design And Layout A Priority
Prioritize professional cover design and layout, as self-published books are often judged by their appearance. A polished, visually appealing book can set you apart from the multitude of self-published works and attract readers who value quality. - Sarah Saadoun, Exit Advisor - Business Broker
12. Don't Strive For Perfection
What are your goals for the book? You don't have to write a Pulitzer Prize-winning piece of literature to still create credibility for yourself in your area of expertise. Just get writing. Pretty good and published is better than the excellent book you never get around to writing. - Erin Stafford, Stafford Company
13. Run Targeted Ads
If I ever chose to self-publish a book, I’d focus on running targeted ads on LinkedIn and Amazon. LinkedIn ads would help me reach the right industry professionals, while Amazon ads would keep my book visible to readers already interested in similar topics. This strategy could boost sales and position the book—and my brand—as an authority, making sure it lands in front of the right audience. - Sabrina Graf, Heartbeat Consulting
14. Dictate Your Book
Focus on dictation. I found this out on a podcast years ago, and now have three books and one pending that were all dictated. For centuries, books weren't written; they were dictated. It can be faster for the writing process and give you a conversational tone that makes a topic more accessible. - Gary Romano, Civitas Strategies
15. Write With A Specific Value Proposition In Mind
Connect with your audience by writing the book specific to a succinct value proposition—what do the readers gain from reading it? Build a business model specific to the book's value proposition, having a clear audience, as well as a strategy for distribution, monetization and operations. Determine how the book will be created from concept to delivery. This approach helps establish a strategic, direct and effective path to market. - Deisell Donahoe, DIOSS LLC
16. Offer Appealing Visuals And Polished Content
There is a saying in my country that can roughly be translated as, "While greeted, you are judged by your clothes, but when sent away—judged by your mind." Everyone must invest in professional editing and design. Many self-published authors underestimate the impact of polished content and appealing visuals. To connect with your wisdom later, the audience should first be “hooked" to buy your book. - Nikola Minkov, Serpact
17. Build An Audience On Social Media
Leverage social media to build a dedicated audience before launching your self-published book. Engaging with your followers through consistent, valuable content creates anticipation and ensures a strong initial sales push. This approach not only boosts visibility but also fosters a loyal readership, enhancing long-term success. - Salvador Ordorica, The Spanish Group LLC
18. Invest In Editing Apps
One tip for self-publishing is to invest in editing apps. Quality editing not only polishes your text, enhancing readability and credibility but also ensures that the content effectively communicates your brand’s message. This attention to detail can significantly impact the book’s reception, helping you build a strong, professional image and connect with your target audience more effectively. - Dr. Malcolm Adams, Avid Solutions Intl
19. Ensure Your Content Is Unique And Engaging
I am convinced that a book is an excellent way to strengthen your brand and advance personally. It’s crucial that the content is unique and engaging. Promoting a book through online services is relatively straightforward today, but it’s essential not to skimp on advertising and PR efforts. Also, organizing a casual meeting with professionals can help establish a closer connection with the audience. - Jekaterina Beljankova, WALLACE s.r.o
20. Establish A Thought Leadership Strategy
A book is just a tool in the development of your thought leadership. To use it efficiently, have a comprehensive strategy of thought leadership development, as a book may not really be the go-to tool with there being possibly better tools. On top of that, any strategy is about execution—and if you don’t have a clear vision, your tools won’t make any sense. - Oleg Chanchikov, CapyGroup
This article was published on Forbes.com.
