The Self-Publishing Process
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Why you should understand the self-publishing process?
Self-publishing has transformed the publishing landscape, giving authors more control and earning potential. But with these opportunities come challenges—and often confusion.
In this episode of the Minute Mastery podcast, publishing expert Michele DeFilippo shared her insights to help authors avoid common pitfalls and successfully bring their books to market.
Traditional vs. Self-Publishing
In traditional publishing:
- The publisher manages editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing.
- Authors invest no money upfront.
- Publishers earn most of the revenue and pay authors a royalty.
In self-publishing:
- The author becomes the publisher, hires professionals, and retains all profits.
- It’s fair—if done correctly.
- Confusion arises when companies call themselves “publishers,” charge the author for services, and still take a share of sales.
Tip: Always ask what you are paying for and how much revenue you will actually earn.
The Self-Publishing Process: Common Mistakes Authors Make.
The biggest mistake? Trying to do everything yourself.
Authors often:
- Design their own covers
- Format interiors using templates or word processors
- Upload books without understanding platform rules
This DIY approach usually results in a product that does not meet industry standards, damaging your credibility as an author.
Solution: Work with professionals for design, formatting, and setup.
Here Are a Few Things to Keep in Mind
The Role of Professional Formatting
Interior formatting (also known as typesetting) involves:
- Designing page layouts for readability
- Ensuring consistency in spacing, fonts, and paragraph flow
- Creating a smooth reader experience
Good formatting is invisible, but bad formatting is obvious.Designing a Cover That Sells
Cover design is more than aesthetics—it’s marketing. A professional book cover should:
- Match genre expectations (e.g., memoir, novel, cookbook)
- Be recognizable and stand out in thumbnail view
- Hold its own next to traditionally published books
Note: A “self-published” look can turn readers away in seconds.Print-On-Demand vs. Bulk Printing
Print-on-demand (POD) is ideal for most authors:
- No upfront printing costs
- Books are printed as ordered
- No inventory needed
Bulk printing might make sense if:
- You are speaking at large events
- You can move thousands of copies quickly
Caution: Do not let a publisher pressure you into printing and storing 1,000+ books you may never sell.
Choosing the Right Distribution Platforms
Use both:
- Amazon KDP for Amazon sales
- IngramSpark for broader distribution (bookstores, libraries)
Key differences:
- Amazon takes 40% of the retail price
- IngramSpark takes 55% due to bookstore margins
Recommendation: Use both platforms to maximize reach and earnings.
Understanding Pricing and Earnings
Each book format (paperback, ebook, etc.) can only have one price per platform.
Use pricing calculators on Amazon and IngramSpark to estimate:
- Printing costs
- Royalties
- Retail price viability
Red flag: If your publisher takes a cut larger than yours, ask questions.
Bookstore Availability
IngramSpark places your book in the Ingram database, which bookstores use to order titles.
But: Just being “available” doesn’t mean your book is physically stocked.
Clarify claims like “available in bookstores nationwide.” It often just means your book is in the system—not on the shelves.
ISBNs and Barcodes
- ISBNs: Required for all retail books. Each format (paperback, hardcover, ebook) needs its own.
- Barcodes: Encodes the ISBN for retail scanning.
Tip: Buy your own ISBN so you retain full publishing control. If a publisher provides a “free” ISBN, they usually control distribution and revenue.
Rights and Copyright
When you self-publish and upload your own files, you retain all rights.
Working with a publisher? Check the contract:
- Some claim rights for 5–7 years
- Others may control distribution or pricing
Make sure the only rights you give up are for specific services, not your book as a whole.
Should You Register Your Copyright?
Yes. While your work is automatically protected, official registration with the U.S. Copyright Office:
- Establishes legal ownership
- Is necessary if you want to take legal action
Pro tip: It’s now easier than ever to register online.
Final Thoughts:
Self-publishing can be empowering—but only if you understand the process and make informed decisions. Work with experienced professionals, retain control of your rights, and avoid anyone who wants a piece of your royalties after you’ve paid for services.
Michele Defilippo can help you with all of the above. You can reach her through her website and on Linkedin.
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