Sat, Mar 28 · 11:00 AM EDT
Thinking about self-publishing a book? Whether you're just getting started or already have a manuscript in progress, this class gives you a big-picture overview of how self-publishing works before you start making decisions.
This is the first class in a 6-part series that walks you through the entire self-publishing process. This session covers the overview; future classes will take a deeper dive into each topic.
The Self-Publishing Class Series:
Class 1: Research and Planning (This Class) — An overview of how self-publishing works, including platforms (IngramSpark, KDP), ISBNs, business setup, editing, and building your plan.
Future Classes:
Class 2: The Red Tape — Setting up your business, obtaining ISBNs, creating accounts on publishing platforms, copyright registration, and other legal and logistical steps.
Class 3: Editing and Proofreading — The different types of editing, building your editing team, working with beta readers, and getting your manuscript polished and ready.
Class 4: Book Design — Cover design, interior formatting, trim size and binding choices, eBook conversion, and reviewing your proofs.
Class 5: Marketing Plan — Defining your audience, building your author website and email list, social media strategy, networking, and using keywords and categories for discoverability.
Class 6: Publishing and Post-Launch — Uploading your files, setting up distribution, publishing your book, monitoring sales, post-launch marketing, and planning what comes next.
What We'll Cover in This Class:
Self-publishing vs. traditional publishing
How print-on-demand printing and distribution work
IngramSpark and Amazon KDP, the two main platforms, and how authors use them
eBooks, how they differ from print, and your distribution options
Audiobooks, a brief look at what's involved
ISBNs, what they are, where to get them, and why your choice matters
Business setup and tax basics for authors
The editing process and the types of editing your book needs
Building your author platform
Creating your self-publishing plan and budget
This class is designed for authors at any stage. You don't need a finished manuscript to attend. If you're considering self-publishing, this overview will give you a solid foundation to make informed decisions.
The class runs approximately 2-3 hours with a break.
About Your Instructor
Kimberly Martin has spent more than two decades helping authors navigate the self-publishing process through her company, Jera Publishing. Her expertise includes self-publishing consulting, interior book design, cover design, and eBook creation. Kimberly developed the Self-Publishing class series to put her knowledge into a step-by-step system that helps authors through every phase of the self-publishing process.