Self-publishing roadmap
From manuscript to readers
I'm still working on them, but feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions!
This is a guide for everyone, so if you have some insight you're welcome to share it ❤️
A 20-step self-publishing roadmap across 6 phases. Steps marked "coming soon" are planned but not yet published.
Orientation
Get the manuscript ready
Build the book object
Step 5 —Cover design on a budget
DIY vs premade vs a cheap designer, and the brief.
Coming soonStep 6 —Writing a blurb that sells
The most-skipped, highest-leverage 150 words you'll write.
Coming soonStep 7 —ISBNs demystified
Free KDP ISBN vs buying your own, and when it matters.
Coming soonStep 8 —Formatting your EPUB and print interior
Clean, professional files without paid software.
Coming soonStep 9 —Proof copies
Often cheaper than a print run, and perfect for paper line-editing.
Coming soonSet up to sell
Step 10 —KDP setup, step by step
Every screen, in order, no guesswork.
Coming soonStep 11 —Categories, keywords & metadata
How readers actually find you.
Coming soonStep 12 —Pricing, royalties & the 70% band
Price for reach without leaving money on the table.
Coming soonStep 13 —KDP Select / Kindle Unlimited
Go exclusive or not — the real trade-offs.
Coming soonStep 14 —Pre-orders
How to set one up, and whether you should.
Coming soonReviews & launch runway
Step 15 —ARC readers
What they are, where to find them, and the tools.
Coming soonStep 16 —Getting reviews at launch
And the Amazon traps that silently suppress them.
Coming soonStep 17 —Your author platform on the cheap
Site, newsletter, and bookstagram without spend.
Coming soonLaunch & keep selling
Step 18 —Launch week on a budget
A simple sequence that doesn't cost anything.
Coming soonStep 19 —Goodreads, StoryGraph & BookBub presence
Set up the off-Amazon places readers gather.
Coming soonStep 20 —After launch
Reviews over time, promos, and thinking in series.
Coming soon