A Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Publishing Your Own Book

What’s the dream you’ve always wanted to accomplish—the seemingly impossible, reach for the stars dream? Ever since I was old enough to form letters on a page, I’ve aspired to write a book. Unfortunately, getting a book deal with a traditional publisher is hard to come by unless you have tens of thousands of followers. Since I don’t have a platform anywhere near that size, I decided to learn the process of self-publishing—something any military spouse can do from anywhere in the world!

In February 2021, I released a self-published book inspired by my trials as a military spouse. My book, Stop Being a ________ Wife: 40 Challenges to Unveil the Wife You Were Created to Be, debuted as Amazon’s number one new release in the Christian Marriage category. 

I firmly believe military spouses are prepared with messages the world needs to hear, and we can get our stories out there via self-publishing. Maybe it’s a message of hope, patriotism, hospitality, or an endless list of how-tos: how to live with grief, how to forgive, or how to create friendships. Or, maybe you’d like to write a collection of poems, a novel, or a children’s book. 

Writing a book seems daunting; however, with this step-by-step list, you can confidently execute the entire process from brainstorm to bestseller. 

1. Brainstorm.
2. Make an outline.
3. Choose your writing program (Google Docs, Scrivener, Microsoft Word, etc.).
4. Make a writing schedule and deadline for completion.
5. Write the book!
6. Hire an editor (or ask a qualified friend).
7. Complete the book’s front and back cover design.
   You can do this with a program like Canva or by hiring a professional. 
8. Decide which company will publish your book (Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, etc.).
9. Choose where to sell your book (Amazon, Target, local books stores, etc.).
10. Request endorsements. 
11. Create a marketing plan.
12. Invite people to join your launch team (20-100 people).
13. Start a social media group for your launch team.
14. Upload the print and ebook versions of your book to the publishing site.
15. Order a proof of the book for final edits.
16. File for copyrights.
17. Make a webpage.
18. Send advanced reader copies to your launch team (physical or digital).
19. Engage with your launch team for four to six weeks prior to the book’s release. 
20. Launch your book and celebrate!
21. Ask the launch team members to submit reviews on launch day
    and order a copy of the book.
22. Market your book.