14 Steps to Self-Publishing a Book (Successful Authors Series)

Texas author Mike Kowis earned his bachelor's degree plus two law degrees (including an advanced law degree from Georgetown University Law Center), practices as a corporate tax attorney, is a college instructor, and has published two books to date – ENGAGING COLLEGE STUDENTS; A FUN AND EASY GUIDE FOR COLLEGE PROFESSORS and the book 14 STEPS TO SELF-PUBISHING A BOOK. In this brief but information packed little book Mike opens with his own first experience of self-publishing – ‘Ultimately the self-publishing route worked well because I learned a ton of useful information about the book publishing process, how to create a website, and how to run a small business. Self-publishing also allowed me to maintain full control over the book’s contents, interior formatting, and cover design. The best part of self-publishing is that I earn substantially more royalties from each book sale as compared to traditional publishing (e.g., self-published royalties from eBook sales can be as high as 70% as compared to only 25% for traditionally published eBook sales).’ The fourteen steps to which Mike refers are as follows - STEP 1: Finalize your manuscript, STEP 2: Create a new business to self-publish and market your book, STEP 3: Buy a domain name for your book’s website and build the webpages, STEP 4: Buy ISBN numbers from Bowker, STEP 5: Apply for an LCCN number from the U.S. Library of Congress (for print books only), STEP 6: Apply for a merchant account at your preferred shipping company, STEP 7: Create a social media platform to promote your book, STEP 8: Decide where you want to sell your book and in what formats, STEP 9: Hire a professional cover designer to make your book cover, STEP 10: Hire a professional graphic designer to format the interior pages of your print book and/ or convert your manuscript to an eBook, STEP 11: Purchase an editorial book review well before the book launch date, STEP 12: Upload your book files onto the distributor’s website, STEP 13: Register your book with the U.S. Copyright Office within three months after the publication date, and finally STEP 14: Market your book. Each of these steps are completely explained by Mike in a manner that make each process seem simple – and that is of course because Mike has ‘been there done that’ and is also very knowledgeable about the publishing business, including of course the legal aspects. At the end of the various steps he offer some very valuable professional tips that alone are worth the price of the book! Next Mike carefully discusses the costs involved in writing, self publishing and marketing and then tops off his instructions with the lessons he learned form his own experience – again, invaluable tips and advice for beginners – and how to enter the new life of being a self-published writer. And as Mike closes his informative book he states, ‘simply follow the 14 steps above and you should be able to self-publish your tome in about one to two months. Just be sure to bring your wallet along because this journey ain’t cheap. By following my 14-step approach, you should expect to spend between $ 1,500 and $ 7,000 to create, self-publish, and market your professional-looking book through its first 90 days. If you’re like me, your book launch date will be a deeply rewarding and happy occasion. A very helpful and reliable guide. Grady Harp, March 17

I wish I would have known about this book before I self-published earlier this year. Like the author, I too just had to figure it out as I went through the process of publishing my book. I thought, “I’m a smart guy. How hard could it be?” If you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s very hard. Mike Kowis’ 14 step guide is spot on. There are a couple of steps I don’t think I’ll use for my next book, but that’s just me and my personal preferences. But, there are also a couple of areas that he talks about that I didn’t think of during my process that could have been very helpful. If you are planning to self-publish, you need this book. There are so many moving parts to the process that it’s nice to have a reference guide if and when you get stuck. That’s the main reason I bought this book and it’s well worth the small price. Plus, you can sit down and read this book in under an hour. It’s crammed full of great information that you can actually use. I’m recommending this book to anyone wanting to self-publish a book!

Mike does a very nice job of providing a clear roadmap to self-publishing. The book is easy / quick to read and the checklist is highly useful. It's one thing to read a map, and it's another to learn from the journey of an earlier traveler who explains the map to you. The book reads like Mike is on the journey with you. He weaves in color commentary of his experiences. Great blend of process and context ... excellent benefit to a new author.

It seems easy enough… write a book, publish the book, earn money. Sadly, it really isn’t that easy. The internet is loaded with information; however, it can be confusing as well as time consuming to sort through all of it. Personally, I was ready to give up thinking my dream wouldn’t come to fruition. Luckily, I found Mike Kowis’ tremendous book. He not only has sorted through all the massive, confusing mess of information, but also has narrowed it down to 14 believable as well as doable steps that he has proven to work for him. I loved his easy to read writing style that was like talking to a friend for advice. The steps are very easy to follow as well as extremely informable leaving no question unanswered – as if he was reading his readers’ minds as to what they needed. Not only does he give us 14 steps that cover everything from creating a business, setting up a website, info on getting ISBN numbers, and suggestions on how to market your book but he also tells us his own journey and the lessons learned, he also gives us other links for information (and unlike other books the links work!). Overall, I was highly impressed that he could narrow everything down to 14 steps in such a way I don’t believe one can find a more comprehensive guide. Perfect for all writers regardless of what stage your process may be. Instead of stumbling through and making mistakes or becoming overwhelmed, follow Mike’s 14 steps and make your book a winner! “Here’s the bottom line. If I can do it, anyone can.”

Dear author, I loved your sweetness, the way you presented your book-publishing story is outstanding. Yes I do agree that people don't support in the starting state. Therefore creator must focus on creating quality stuff.

High value! This is well worth the money!

Great