As I near the end of editing my current book, a short story collection, the familiar feelings of excitement and anxiety have started to creep in. After months of working through drafts and revisions, the finish line is finally in sight, but that also means it’s time to think about the next step: publishing. Every time I get to this stage, it feels like stepping into new territory, even though I’ve been here before. There are so many decisions to make, from choosing where to publish to how best to market the book once it’s out in the world.
For anyone considering self-publishing, I wanted to share my journey—from writing and editing to deciding where to publish—so that you can see the process laid out from start to finish. Hopefully, it’ll give you some insight into what to expect and help you manage the inevitable ups and downs along the way.
The Writing and Editing Process: More Than Just Putting Words on the Page
Finishing a manuscript feels like a monumental achievement—and it is! But if you’re anything like me, you’ll quickly realise that completing the first draft is only a small part of the process. The real work comes in the editing stage.
With my short story collection, the writing came in bursts of creativity over several months. Each story took on its own life, and there were times when I felt like I was racing to keep up with the ideas coming to me. But once I had all the stories drafted, I had to step back and start piecing everything together, making sure that the collection flowed well and that the individual pieces complemented each other.
This is where editing became crucial. I went through several rounds of edits—first, tackling big-picture structural issues and then focusing on refining the details like sentence structure, pacing, and dialogue. Each round of edits felt like peeling back another layer, getting closer and closer to the final version. But, as any writer knows, it’s never really done until you hit “publish.”
One thing I’ve learned over time is that it’s so important to get outside feedback. After going over the same manuscript multiple times, you start to lose objectivity. So, I reached out to a few trusted friends and fellow writers to get their perspectives. It was nerve-wracking to share the work, but their feedback was invaluable. They pointed out things I hadn’t even considered and gave me fresh eyes to see my stories in a new light.
Author Proof Copies: The Final Step Before Publishing
Once I feel like the manuscript is in good shape, I take what I believe to be the most important step before hitting publish—I order an author-proof copy. Holding that physical copy in my hands is such a pivotal moment. There’s something about seeing your work in print that makes everything feel real. But it also highlights mistakes or awkward phrasing in ways that a screen can’t.
Reading through the proof copy gives me a chance to spot errors I have missed in the digital version. There’s a reason they say you should always print out your work when editing. In print, you notice things you’d never catch on a screen—whether it’s a misplaced comma, an odd line break, or even just a sentence that doesn’t read the way you intended. It’s your last chance to catch those tiny mistakes before the book is in readers’ hands.
For me, going through the proof is a meticulous process. I take a red pen to the margins, making notes on formatting, correcting small typos, and even rewording sentences here and there. It can be a bit tedious, but it gives me peace of mind knowing that once I make those final adjustments, the book will be ready for the world.
The Excitement (and Nerves) of Working with ARC Readers
This time around, I’ve decided to take another step I’ve never done before: working with Advance Reader Copy (ARC) readers. It’s an exciting new venture for me but also incredibly nerve-wracking. Essentially, ARC readers get a sneak peek at your book before it’s officially published, providing feedback, reviews, and sometimes even helping to generate early buzz.
Here’s where the anxiety kicks in. When you hand over your ARC, it’s a little like standing on a stage in front of an audience for the first time. You’ve spent so much time polishing your work, but there’s always that lingering doubt—what if they don’t like it? What if I missed something crucial? The fear of negative feedback is very real, but so is the potential for growth.
Despite the nerves, I’m looking forward to the feedback. The whole point of sending out ARCs is to get fresh eyes on the book. These readers will help me catch any remaining issues, and ideally, their reviews will help build excitement around the release. The truth is, having ARC readers is a double-edged sword—it can be scary to let people in early, but it’s also a vital part of creating the best possible version of your book.
Deciding Where to Publish: Amazon, Google, or Somewhere Else?
As the editing phase winds down and I prepare for the book’s release, I’m faced with one of the biggest decisions every indie author has to make: where to publish. For self-published authors, Amazon is usually the first name that comes to mind. It’s easy to see why—it’s the biggest player in the game, with a massive audience and a well-established platform. Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) makes it simple to publish your book, and their print-on-demand service ensures you don’t have to worry about inventory.
But Amazon isn’t the only option, and it may not be the best fit for every author. There’s also Google Books, which offers global reach and a growing user base, along with platforms like IngramSpark that allow for wide distribution to various retailers. These platforms give you more control over where and how your book is sold, though they may require more effort on the distribution and marketing side.
I’m still weighing my options, trying to balance the pros and cons of each platform. Here are some factors I’m considering:
Royalties: Amazon offers competitive royalty rates, but you can earn higher royalties on other platforms, depending on your price point and distribution model. It’s important to do the math and figure out what’s best for your goals.
Control: If you’re looking for total control over pricing, distribution, and marketing, a platform like IngramSpark might be appealing. Amazon has some restrictions, especially if you enrol in programs like Kindle Unlimited, where your book must be exclusive to Amazon.
Reach: Amazon’s reach is undeniable, but if you want your book to be available in independent bookstores, libraries, or through other online retailers, going with a platform that allows for wider distribution could be a better fit.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to what’s most important to you as an author. Do you want to reach the widest possible audience as quickly as possible, or do you prefer more control over your book’s pricing and distribution? It’s a personal choice, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
A Summary of Tips for Navigating the Self-Publishing Process
If you’re thinking about self-publishing or are currently in the process, here are a few tips based on my experience:
1. Give yourself time to edit: It’s easy to get impatient and want to rush through the editing process, but trust me—taking your time here pays off in the long run. Make sure your manuscript is as polished as possible before moving forward.
2. Order a proof copy: This is a must, in my opinion. A physical proof will help you catch errors and give you a sense of what the final book will look like. It’s your last chance to make changes before publication.
3. Embrace ARC readers: While it’s intimidating to share your work before it’s “final,” ARC readers can offer invaluable feedback and help create buzz for your book. Don’t shy away from it—embrace the process!
4. Research your publishing options: Each platform has its advantages and disadvantages. Take the time to look into what each one offers in terms of royalties, distribution, and control, and choose the one that aligns best with your goals.
5. Don’t be afraid to take breaks: The publishing process can feel overwhelming at times. If you need to step away for a day or two to clear your head, do it! You’ll come back with fresh energy and perspective.
Final Thoughts
Self-publishing is a rollercoaster ride, but it’s one that’s filled with opportunities for growth. From editing and proofing to working with ARC readers and choosing the right platform, each stage of the process has its challenges, but also its rewards. As I wrap up the editing on my short story collection, I’m both excited and a little nervous for what comes next.
If you’re on the same journey, just know that it’s okay to feel all the emotions—excitement, fear, doubt, and pride. Every self-published book is an accomplishment, and no matter where you choose to publish, the fact that you’ve made it this far is something to celebrate.
Good luck, and happy publishing!
Gareth Ellis - Author 