How to publish a book: A step-by-step guide for first-time authors

So you’ve got a finished manuscript. You’ve done the hard part. You wrote the thing. Now it’s time to get it out into the world. Let’s talk about how to publish a book. 

This guide walks you through the full process. You’ll learn how to edit your work, design a book that looks sharp, publish it yourself, and get people to actually read it. We’ll also cover the best ways to promote your book, so if you’re ready to hit publish, let’s make sure you do it right!

1. Complete your manuscript

Before anything else, finish your book. Not just the first draft, revise it until the story or message is strong and clean. Take breaks between drafts to see your work with fresh eyes. 

If you’re writing non-fiction, double-check your sources and claims. Publishing a half-baked book just to get it out the door will hurt your credibility.

2. Pick a publishing platform

If you’re wondering how to publish a book, start by choosing the right platform. Most authors go with Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), but there are others like IngramSpark or Apple Books. Think about where your audience shops, whether you want paperback, hardback, or just an ebook, and what kind of royalties you’re after. 

If you want to publish a book for free, Amazon KDP is your best bet.

3. Edit yourself or hire a professional

Self-editing is important, but it only goes so far. Typos and pacing issues are hard to catch on your own. If you can, hire an editor. You don’t need all the bells and whistles, just someone sharp who understands books. If you’re serious about how to self publish a book that people will take seriously, clean editing is a must.

When self-editing, check for:

• Spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors
• Repetitive words or phrases
• Sentences that are too long or unclear
• Awkward transitions between paragraphs or chapters
• Dialogue that sounds forced or unnatural
• Inconsistent character behavior or plot holes
• Passive voice or unnecessary filler
• Chapter pacing: does each one move the story forward?
• Overuse of adverbs or clichés

Don’t rush this step. A polished manuscript shows respect for your readers.

4. Format your manuscript for print and digital

Formatting isn’t just about how your book looks, it affects how readable it is. And readability matters. If your layout is messy or your ebook looks broken on a Kindle, readers will stop before they finish page one.

Your print and digital files need different formats. What looks fine on paper might not work on a screen.

Here’s what to check:

• Use a readable font like Garamond or Times New Roman
• Set consistent margins, line spacing, and indents
• Make sure chapter titles stand out and begin on new pages
• Add page numbers and a clean table of contents for print
• Test your ebook on different devices to check spacing and line breaks

You can use tools like Reedsy, Atticus, or Vellum to handle formatting without much hassle. Some authors also use Microsoft Word or Google Docs, but those need extra care when converting files. A badly formatted book looks amateur; don’t let that ruin a solid read.

5. Design a professional book cover and interior

People absolutely judge books by their covers. Your cover should reflect your genre, hint at your story, and look polished, no matter where it’s being viewed.

Use PosterMyWall book cover templates to make this easier. You can choose from layouts built for different genres, then customize them with your title, author name, and visuals that fit your style. Tools like AI background remover help clean up messy images, while AI Images let you find striking visuals that match your book’s tone without needing a photo shoot.

Don’t stop at the cover. A good reading experience depends on clean interior design too. Use a legible font, keep your line spacing consistent, and make sure chapter titles stand out. Avoid cramming text too tightly or using distracting design elements. If your book is hard to read, physically or digitally, people won’t stick with it.

6. Write an engaging book description and author bio

Your description sells the book. Don’t ramble. Hook the reader with the premise, what they’ll get from it, or what makes it different. Then end with a reason to buy it. 

Your author bio should be short and confident. Mention what makes you the right person to tell this story. Keep it clear, human, and honest.

7. Get your book copyrighted

This step is simple but important. Once your book is written, it’s technically protected by copyright law, but registering it gives you extra legal backing. Head to your country’s copyright office and follow the steps. It’s fast and affordable. You’ll sleep better knowing your work’s protected.

8. Publish your book (print-on-demand and ebook)

Now you’re ready to publish your book. Print-on-demand means you don’t need to order copies in bulk. Someone buys your book, and the platform prints and ships it. You can offer both ebook and paperback options. Platforms like KDP let you do this for free. Still wondering how much does it cost to self publish a book? Expect to spend on editing, design, and promotion, but publishing itself can cost nothing if you’re smart about your choices.

9. Plan your launch strategy

Publishing your book is a big deal, but don’t just upload the file and hope for the best. A strong launch needs a plan. Start building interest at least a few weeks before your release date. Talk about the book, share updates, and get people excited. The more buzz you create early on, the more momentum you’ll have when your book goes live.

Here are a few ways to build excitement:

• Use PosterMyWall Events to design and share a book launch event page. It’s fast, customizable, and helps you promote your launch across social media and email in one click.
• Offer early access or free chapters to your email list
• Post teaser quotes, character art, or cover reveals on social media
• Reach out to bloggers or YouTube reviewers
• Host a virtual or in-person reading or Q&A session
• Run a countdown or giveaway on Instagram or your website

10. Engage with your audience and promote your book

Publishing is only half the job. If you want people to actually read your book, you have to get out there and market it. This is where a lot of authors go quiet, but the ones who keep talking about their book are the ones who sell it. 

Use email marketing to stay in touch with your readers. Send updates, behind-the-scenes notes, or special offers. On social media, instead of just posting your cover, also talk about your writing process, share reader reactions, or show what inspired the story. Use a Content Planner to schedule your posts in advance and stay consistent without burning out.

TikTok can be especially powerful if you use it right. If you’re asking how to promote your book on TikTok, keep it simple and real. Post short videos with writing tips, read a dramatic line from your book, or share your honest thoughts about the publishing process. Plus, with the resize tool, you can quickly adapt your designs for Instagram, Facebook, or email without starting from scratch.

Readers love seeing the person behind the book. The goal isn’t to go viral, it’s to connect. Don’t wait for readers to come to you. Go get them!

Ready to publish your book

Publishing a book isn’t as complicated as it sounds. It just takes a clear plan, the right tools, and a bit of persistence. Finish your manuscript, edit it well, choose your publishing platform, and design a book that looks and feels professional. Then focus on smart promotion, because writing the book is only half the job.

Use PosterMyWall to design, promote, and stay organized. From book covers to launch events to social media planning, everything you need is right there. And remember, if you want people to read your book, you have to keep showing up. Post regularly, talk to your readers, and never stop sharing what you’ve built.

FAQs

1. Do I need to copyright my book before publishing it?

Your book is automatically protected by copyright law as soon as it’s written, but registering it with your country’s copyright office gives you stronger legal protection. It’s a quick and inexpensive step that ensures your work is fully safeguarded.

2. How do I design a professional book cover?

You can design your cover using PosterMyWall book cover templates. Choose a layout that fits your genre, then customize it with your title, name, and visuals. Use tools like the AI background remover or AI Images to make your design look polished and on-brand, no design experience needed.

3. What’s the difference between print-on-demand and traditional printing?

Print-on-demand (POD) means copies of your book are printed only when someone orders them. You don’t need to keep inventory or pay upfront printing costs. Traditional printing requires bulk orders and higher upfront investment, but offers lower cost per unit.

4. What format should my book be in for publishing?

Most platforms accept files in PDF for print and EPUB or MOBI for ebooks. Always format your manuscript properly before uploading; set margins, choose readable fonts, and test your ebook on multiple devices to make sure it displays correctly.