[Updated February 26, 2026]

You have written a book. Now what?

Publishing a book involves several moving parts, but the process becomes manageable when you break it into clear steps. This guide walks you through everything from editing to distribution so you know exactly what to expect.

Short Version…

#1 – Get it professionally edited and proofread.

#2 – Choose your formats (print and/or digital).

#3 – Choose a trim size for the print edition.

#4 – Gather illustrations and images.

#5 – Have your cover designed.

#6 – Obtain ISBNs for all versions.

#7 – Get the manuscript professionally formatted and converted to EPUB (if doing an eBook).

#8 – Have cover templates created for each publishing platform.

#9 – Begin marketing during editing and formatting.

#10 – Upload your book to self-publishing platforms.

#11 – Market. Market. Market. Sell. Sell. Sell.

Extended Version…

#1 – Get it professionally edited and proofread.

Professional editing ensures your book is polished, consistent, and ready for publication. We correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, layout inconsistencies, and clarity issues. Contact me at karennewton1@gmail.com for a quote.

For developmental or substantive editing, consider Cindy Draughon, who specializes in refining language, imagery, pacing, and reader engagement.

#2 – Choose your formats (print and/or digital).

Most self-publishing authors release both a paperback and an eBook. Some also choose hardcover editions depending on genre and audience.

#3 – Choose a trim size for the print edition.

Trim size affects layout, image placement, and illustration sizing. Selecting it early prevents costly redesigns later.

Common trim sizes (in inches):

    • Mass market paperback, 4.25 x 6.87
    • Young adult, 5 x 7
    • Middle school, 5 x 8
    • Trade paperback, 5 x 8 to 6 x 9 (6 x 9 is very popular)
    • Inspirational/Spiritual, 5 x 8
    • Mysteries/thrillers, 5.25 x 8
    • Self-help or memoir, 5.25 x 8
    • Business, 5.25 x 8 or 5.5 x 8.25
    • Nonfiction, 5.5 x 8.5
    • Fiction, 6 x 9
    • Hardback, 6 x 9 or 7 x 10
    • Reference, 6 x 9 or 7 x 10
    • Textbook, 6 x 9 up to 8.5 x 11
    • Children’s picture book, 8.5 x 8.5 or 7 x 10

Printers like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark list all available trim sizes.

#4 – Gather illustrations and images.

Work with an illustrator or use stock images (with proper credit). Don’t forget your author photo.

TIP: Have illustrations created in RGB, which offers a richer, more vibrant color palette during the design phase.

NOTE: Most printers require CMYK for final print files, so your book may be converted to CMYK during the production process.

#5 – Have your cover designed.

Your cover must match your chosen trim size. The spine width cannot be finalized until the final page count is known after formatting.

Most platforms (Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble Press) offer free cover template generators based on:

    • Trim size
    • Final page count
    • Paper type
    • Paperback vs. hardcover

#6 – Obtain ISBNs for each version.

Every format needs its own ISBN (paperback, hardcover, eBook). ISBNs appear on the copyright page and in the barcode.

You can purchase ISBNs:

    • At a discount through BookLayoutPro.com when we format your book
    • Directly from Bowker.com (the official U.S. source)

Buying in bulk is cost-effective if you plan to publish multiple books.

Free ISBNs from platforms like Amazon KDP limit your ability to distribute widely. Owning your ISBNs gives you full control and avoids complications in the wholesale market.

#7 – Get your book professionally formatted and converted to EPUB. 

When you choose a formatter (we’d be happy to help at BookLayoutPro.com), you will need to provide:

    • Cover (even if not final)
    • Title, subtitle, and author name
    • Copyright information and ISBN (or request one from us)
    • Dedication
    • Acknowledgments
    • Author bio and photo
    • Final edited manuscript
    • Illustrations, graphics, tables, and other materials
    • Table of contents and index (if needed; indexes incur an additional fee)
    • Any layout preferences or design ideas
    • The platforms where you plan to upload (Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble Press, Kobo Writing Life, etc.)

NOTE: Indexes are not needed for eBooks.

#8 – Have cover templates created.

Cover templates are printer‑specific layouts showing where the spine, bleed, margins, and barcode must go. Each publishing platform uses its own template.

BookLayoutPro.com partners with Miblart.com (use coupon code Karen 5 for 5% off).

Example – A book printed in hardcover and paperback across four platforms (Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble Press, and Bookvault), required eight different templates—two per site.

#9 – Begin marketing early.

Marketing should start while your book is still being edited and formatted.

Ways to build momentum:

    • Author website or book page
    • Social media announcements (cover reveal, release date, giveaways)
    • Author pages at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, Goodreads
    • Early reviews from colleagues and readers
    • Advanced reader copies (ARCs)
    • Email list updates (preorders, launch announcements, giveaways)

#10 – Upload your book to self-publishing platforms.

Each platform has its own specifications for print and eBook files.

Common options:

For print, the industry-standard combination is Amazon KDP and IngramSpark.

Important:
When uploading your paperback to Amazon KDP, do not select Expanded Distribution. as it can conflict with IngramSpark’s distribution.

Draft2Digital now offers print, but if you already use KDP and IngramSpark, you may create duplicate listings. We recommend using Draft2Digital for eBooks only.

If you prefer traditional publishing, research publishers in your genre and follow their submission guidelines precisely.

#11 – Market. Market. Market. Sell. Sell. Sell.

Consistent, ongoing marketing is essential for long‑term sales. Keep promoting your book through social media, email lists, events, interviews, and collaborations.