How to Publish a Book: The Complete, Trusted Guide

Publishing a book is one of the most effective ways to establish your authority and expand your influence.

Whether you want to share your story, grow your business, or build thought leadership in your industry, a book acts as both a personal statement and a professional tool. But publishing a book today isn’t what it was ten years ago—it’s faster, more accessible, and more strategic than ever.

I know this because I’ve published several books myself and helped over 130 clients do the same through my work as a writing coach, ghostwriter, and founder of Trivium Writing. From executives launching business books to creatives pursuing fiction, I’ve guided authors through every phase of the publishing process.

And here’s the truth: while self-publishing has become a powerful option, traditional publishing still holds prestige—each path comes with its own set of trade-offs. Navigating this landscape requires more than choosing between the two. It requires a clear strategy, a refined manuscript, and a professional mindset.

This complete guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to publish a book in 2025—from writing and editing to choosing your publishing platform, designing your book, and launching it to readers. You’ll also find practical insights to help you avoid the common mistakes that delay or derail first-time authors.

This is the same framework we use with our private clients at Trivium Writing—and now, it’s yours.

Understanding the Two Main Publishing Paths

Before you publish a book, you need to decide how you'll publish it. This choice will shape your timeline, your level of control, and how your book is received by readers and the publishing industry.

This process is highly competitive and can take months, if not longer. If you're unfamiliar with how agents work, I’ve outlined the full process in a guide on how to find a literary agent.

Traditional publishing offers several advantages. You gain instant credibility from being associated with a reputable publisher. You also benefit from professional editing and design, and your book has the potential to appear in bookstores and libraries. However, you give up creative control, earn lower royalties—typically 10 to 15 percent—and must work on the publisher's timeline, which can stretch to 12–24 months.

Authors interested in this route should explore our breakdown of traditional publishers and what they typically look for in new manuscripts.

Self-Publishing: Control with Responsibility

Self-publishing has emerged as a powerful option for professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who want to control their message, timeline, and earnings. It’s no longer a second-tier option—it’s a business decision.

In self-publishing, you act as the publisher. You hire your own editor, designer, and formatter, and you distribute your book using platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, or Draft2Digital. This gives you complete control over every detail—from your book's title and cover to pricing, launch date, and promotional strategy.

Many of our clients publish through Amazon KDP, which we recommend for its global reach and ease of use. Others choose IngramSpark for its expanded distribution to independent bookstores. We cover the pros and cons of these services in our guide to publishing resources, and we also maintain a list of self-publishing companies in the UK and the US to help authors make informed choices.

The major benefits of self-publishing include faster publication timelines, higher royalty rates—often 40 to 70 percent for eBooks—and the freedom to shape your book exactly as you envision it. But this freedom comes with responsibility. You fund the project upfront, manage a team, and drive your own marketing.

Publishing independently doesn’t mean publishing alone. At Trivium Writing, we work with authors who self-publish professionally—often achieving a level of quality and reach that rivals traditional publishers. The key is to treat your book like a business asset and invest in the right help.

Your Role Will Vary Depending on the Path

In traditional publishing, your job is to write the manuscript, secure a literary agent, and promote the book when it launches. You’re part of a broader team, but you have little say over most of the process.

In self-publishing, you lead the project. You hire the team, make the calls, and determine the schedule. That means you’re responsible not only for writing a book but also for making it market-ready.

Neither path is better by default—they serve different purposes. But knowing which model supports your goals will allow you to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Next, we’ll cover what it takes to prepare a manuscript that stands out—whether you're querying publishers or building your own publishing team.

Preparing Your Manuscript Like a Pro

Every successful publishing journey begins with a compelling manuscript. Whether you're submitting to agents or preparing to self-publish, your book must be sharp, intentional, and market-ready.

Writing a book worth publishing isn't just about getting your ideas on paper. It's about creating something that meets reader expectations while offering something original. As a writing coach and ghostwriter, I've seen too many authors rush through this step. The result? Rejection, poor reviews, or worse—silence.

This section will help you approach your manuscript with strategy, not guesswork.

Write with the End in Mind

Before you write your first sentence, clarify why your book exists. What outcome are you offering the reader? What conversation do you want to shape?

Start by identifying your market. Research your genre, your niche, and the books already selling. Look at what readers praise and what they criticize. Then ask: where does your book fit, and how does it offer something different?

For nonfiction, your book must solve a problem, answer a burning question, or share a system. If you're writing to support your business, we’ve explored this in more depth in our article on how to write a book to grow your business. 

For fiction, think in terms of narrative promise. What hook or emotional thread will keep readers turning pages?

This is where many aspiring authors lose steam. They confuse a personal passion project with a marketable book. At Trivium Writing, we teach authors to clarify their concept before they write. This saves time—and increases the odds of publishing success.

Refine Your Writing Before You Hire an Editor

Once your manuscript is drafted, don’t send it off immediately. The strongest authors are strong self-editors. Start by revising for clarity, flow, and focus.

Read your manuscript aloud. Identify what drags, what repeats, and what confuses. Use editing tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid, but don’t rely on them for structure or style. These tools can’t fix an unclear argument or a flat narrative voice.

If you're not sure how to structure your chapters or test your ideas, our blog on how to write a book before breakfast offers a strategic framework for staying focused and productive during the writing process.

Once you’ve done your best, it’s time to bring in a professional.

Hire a Professional Editor (Don’t Skip This)

Every book needs professional editing—yes, even if you’re a great writer. Editors provide distance, objectivity, and technical insight. They spot what you can’t and bring your manuscript to industry standard.

There are several types of editing to consider:

• Developmental Editing looks at structure, ideas, and clarity at the big-picture level.

• Line Editing refines sentence flow, tone, and transitions.

• Proofreading focuses on grammar, punctuation, and formatting.

Hiring the right editor depends on your needs and stage of the process. You can explore the distinctions in our article on what is developmental editing.

At Trivium Writing, we match clients with editors who specialize in their genre and voice. This isn’t about fixing typos—it’s about elevating the book.

Consider Early Feedback Before Publishing

Before going to print, consider sharing your manuscript with a few beta readers—people in your target audience who can provide honest feedback. You can also prepare advanced reader copies (ARCs) to collect early endorsements or reviews. These strategies aren’t mandatory, but they give you an edge.

Polishing your manuscript is more than a technical step. It’s a signal to your future readers—and to yourself—that you’re serious. It’s also what separates published authors from people who simply wrote a book.

Once your manuscript is sharp, it’s time to design and format it for publication. That’s the next step.

Book Design and Formatting: Make Your Book Look Like It Belongs on the Shelf

Choosing the Right Self-Publishing Platform

If you’re going the independent route, choosing your self-publishing platform is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Each option offers a different blend of distribution, royalties, control, and technical requirements.

You don’t have to use just one—but you do need to be strategic.

Amazon KDP: The Default for a Reason

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the most widely used self-publishing platform. It offers global distribution, easy setup, and up to 70% royalties on eBooks. It’s also integrated with Amazon’s search engine, which means discoverability is built in—if your metadata is optimized.

At Trivium Writing, we often recommend KDP for first-time authors because of its low barrier to entry and expansive reach. You can publish both eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks through the platform, avoiding the upfront costs of offset printing.

However, Amazon’s distribution doesn’t always reach physical bookstores. That’s where other platforms come in.

IngramSpark: Broader Reach, Professional Feel

IngramSpark is the platform of choice for authors who want their book available in bookstores, libraries, and academic outlets. Its catalog feeds directly into Ingram, the largest book distributor in the world.

If you want your book in a local bookstore or available through library systems, IngramSpark is often necessary. You’ll pay setup fees and need to provide your own ISBN, but the professional credibility it offers is worth it for many authors.

We’ve outlined more about how to choose the right distribution strategy in our publishing resources page, which breaks down formats, printing options, and pricing models.

Other Self-Publishing Platforms to Consider

Depending on your goals and genre, you may also want to explore:

• Draft2Digital – Excellent for wide eBook distribution to Apple Books, Kobo, and more

• Kobo Writing Life – Popular in Canada and Europe

• Barnes & Noble Press – Direct publishing to B&N’s marketplace

• Lulu – Great for photo books, workbooks, and niche formats

• Google Play Books – Ideal for reaching Android users

Each of these platforms serves a different corner of the market. The right mix depends on your pricing, format, and audience.

In the next section, we’ll explore how to set the right price for your book, how to write compelling metadata, and how to prepare for a successful launch.

Pricing, Metadata, and Distribution: Getting Found and Getting Paid

Publishing isn’t just about printing a book—it’s about getting it into readers’ hands and making it financially sustainable. That means making smart decisions about pricing, positioning, and distribution.

A well-written book that’s poorly priced or miscategorized will struggle to find its audience. This section covers how to avoid that outcome.

Pricing Your Book for Maximum Sales

The right price for your book depends on your goals. If you're building a brand or growing a business, low pricing—or even giving your book away—can make sense. If you're looking to earn revenue directly from book sales, you'll need to price strategically.

For eBooks, many independent authors succeed in the $2.99–$4.99 range. These prices hit the sweet spot between accessibility and perceived value. For paperbacks, factor in your print-on-demand costs, your desired profit margin, and what other books in your category are selling for.

Experimenting with temporary pricing promotions is a smart tactic. Amazon KDP’s Countdown Deals and Free Promotions can generate visibility, boost rankings, and collect early reviews. Used wisely, these tactics can lead to sustained book sales even after the promotion ends.

Optimizing Your Book’s Metadata

Metadata is what helps your book show up in searches—on Amazon, Google, and elsewhere. It includes your title, subtitle, book description, keywords, and categories.

Your book description should be clear, benefit-driven, and keyword-rich without feeling robotic. The first few lines should hook the reader, and the rest should paint a picture of what they’ll gain from the book.

Choosing the right keywords and categories is essential. Amazon allows two categories by default, but through backend support or third-party tools, you can target up to ten. Make sure you’re not just aiming for popularity—go for relevance.

We discuss this strategy in more detail in our breakdown of the Trivium Writing Standard, which helps clients build discoverable, market-ready books.

Book Distribution: Getting Your Book Into the World

Once your files are uploaded and your metadata is in place, you need to think beyond Amazon. If you're using IngramSpark, your print book can appear in catalogs used by libraries, academic institutions, and brick-and-mortar bookstores.

It’s also worth making your book available across formats—print, eBook, and audiobook. Each format increases your reach and diversifies your revenue.

For nonfiction authors, especially those with speaking careers or consulting businesses, print books remain essential. You’ll want copies for events, workshops, or bulk sales. Fortunately, with print-on-demand, you can avoid upfront printing costs and still order author copies at cost.

If you’re not sure which distribution channels to prioritize, start with where your audience already reads—and meet them there.

Launching and Marketing Your Book

The success of your book doesn’t depend only on how well it’s written. It depends on how effectively you launch and market it.

Even traditionally published authors are now expected to drive their own promotion. If you’re self-publishing, the responsibility falls entirely on you. The good news? With the right strategy, independent authors often outperform traditionally published ones in both reach and revenue.

Plan a Strong Launch Strategy

A successful launch begins months before your book goes live. You’re not just publishing—you’re building momentum.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Start with your list: Build or engage your email audience early. Share your writing journey. Offer sneak peeks. Let them feel invested in your book.

• Use social media strategically: Don’t just post “Buy my book” content. Share behind-the-scenes insights, excerpts, and reader testimonials. Create a countdown.

• Secure early reviews: Send advance copies to beta readers or trusted contacts who can leave honest reviews when the book goes live.

• Coordinate promotional pricing: Align your discounts with your launch week to maximize visibility and sales velocity.

Launch week is about attention. Every email, post, and offer should move readers closer to purchase or review.

Ongoing Book Marketing: What Happens After the Launch

Publishing a book is a milestone. Marketing it is a marathon.

Post-launch, your goal is to keep the book in circulation—through search, referrals, and content. Consider the following strategies:

• Create content around your book: Blog posts, podcast interviews, or short videos based on chapters or themes

• Pitch media: Reach out to niche podcasts, YouTube channels, or blogs in your industry

• Use your book as a business asset: Offer it as a lead magnet or integrate it into speaking, coaching, or consulting packages

• Engage with reader communities: Goodreads, Facebook groups, Reddit threads. Offer value and participate genuinely.

You can find more guidance on long-term strategy in our guide to the thought leadership publishing process, where we explore how authors can extend their reach well beyond launch week.

The truth is, most books fade after launch because the author stops talking about them. Keep your book alive by integrating it into your ongoing content and outreach.

Next-Level Strategies for Serious Authors

Publishing a book is one milestone. Leveraging it as a platform for influence, credibility, or business growth is another.

As a writing coach, I often remind authors: publishing a book doesn’t automatically lead to success. What you do after the book launches is just as important. If you want your book to reach more readers, generate leads, or drive long-term value, you need to treat it as part of your personal or professional brand.

Here are three next-level strategies to do exactly that.

Build and Maintain Your Author Platform

An author platform is your ongoing presence as a writer and expert. It includes your website, email list, social media, podcast appearances, and any medium where you build trust with your audience.

You don’t need to be everywhere. But you do need to be consistent.

Create a rhythm for engaging with your readers—whether it's through blog articles, email newsletters, or short-form content that ties back to your book. Repurpose your book into multiple touchpoints. Your audience won’t absorb everything the first time they hear it.

If you need inspiration on how to turn your writing into a larger ecosystem, see The Trivium Writing Approach. It breaks down how authors we’ve coached stay relevant long after launch day.

Offer Multiple Formats to Expand Your Reach

Serious authors go beyond just publishing a paperback.

Think in formats:

• eBook for accessibility

• Print for physical presence

• Audiobook for convenience and scale

• Workbook or companion guide for practical implementation

• Digital course if your book lends itself to teaching

Each new format unlocks a different audience. Some readers only listen to books. Others prefer to write in the margins. Offering multiple ways to engage with your material expands both your reach and your revenue.

At Trivium Writing, we often help authors develop secondary products from their book content—whether it’s a lead-generation tool, a course curriculum, or workshop materials. The book becomes the foundation, not the ceiling.

Use Your Book as a Business or Leadership Tool

If you wrote your book to support your business or career, make it a tool—not a trophy.

Use your book in consultations, negotiations, and speaking engagements. Reference it in client onboarding, keynote introductions, or thought leadership content. Doing so reinforces your expertise and creates instant credibility.

This works especially well for consultants, executives, and entrepreneurs. We’ve outlined this process in detail in our article on how to write a book to grow your business.

Books open doors. But you have to walk through them.