What I Learned From Self-Publishing My First Book (And What I’d Tell Anyone Starting Out)
When I decided to self-publish my novel, I thought the hard part was already behind me—after all, I had written the book. But the truth is, writing was only the beginning. What followed was one of the most challenging, rewarding, and eye-opening experiences of my creative life.
Here’s what I learned—and what I wish someone had told me.
1. Formatting Is an Art (and a Science)
I had no idea how technical it would be to make the inside of a book look like… well, a real book. Learning how to format for both print and digital editions took patience, tutorials, and trial-and-error. Things like margins, gutters, line spacing, headers, and page numbers suddenly became a big deal. Programs like, Reedsy’s free online editor, Vellum or even Microsoft Word (with enough determination) can do the job, but expect a learning curve. I did not use Vellum but I have heard great things. Overall though my goal was to keep costs as minimal as possible and I did. The most money I spent was on ISBN’s and that was $300.00
Tip: Preview your book on multiple devices and print formats. What looks great on a laptop might be a disaster on Kindle.
2. Designing My Own Cover Was Scary—But Worth It
Hiring a professional cover designer is great if you have the budget. I didn’t, so I turned to Canva—and it became my best friend. Canva Pro offered access to fonts, templates, and stock imagery that helped me bring my vision to life. I studied covers in my genre, figured out what looked like a fantasy/dark romance book, and created something I was genuinely proud of.
Tip: Your cover is your first impression. Make sure it looks like it belongs alongside books in your genre—readers do judge by the cover.
3. Editing Is Humbling—And Necessary
Editing your own work is like trying to cut your own hair blindfolded. It’s possible, but messy. I read through my book so many times I started to dream in dialogue. I learned to read it aloud, print it out, and edit chapter by chapter. But the biggest help? Finding someone who loves the genre and isn’t afraid to be honest. I had a trusted friend who gave me real feedback—what was working, what dragged, and what needed a rewrite. Thank you Tianita!
Tip: Don’t just look for grammar issues. Ask your reader: “Where did you get bored? What confused you? Which moments made you feel something?” That’s where the magic lives.
4. Marketing Starts Long Before Your Release
Once the book was done, I thought I could take a breath. Nope! I had to switch hats from writer to marketer. I got active on social media, especially Instagram and TikTok, sharing sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes looks, and snippets of my process. I engaged with readers and other authors. I learned to talk about my book in a way that made people want to read it, without feeling like I was constantly selling something.
Tip: Show up as you. People buy books, but they support authors. Be real, share the journey, and connect genuinely.
5. It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Self-publishing isn’t a “launch and done” deal. It’s ongoing. From reaching out to bookstores, updating metadata, asking for reviews, learning about keywords and categories—there’s always something to tweak. But every step is progress.
Final Advice:
Find a friend who loves your genre and let them help you.
Get comfortable with learning new things—it’s part of the ride.
Canva is your design bestie.
Show up online, not as a brand, but as you.
And most of all… celebrate. You made a book. You brought a world to life. That’s no small thing.
Self-publishing taught me resilience, creativity, and how to wear 17 hats at once. But it also gave me something no traditional route ever could: total control of my voice and my story.
If you’re thinking about doing it—do it. You’ll learn, you’ll grow, and you just might surprise yourself.
