Today we’re talking about unlocking the secrets of self-published success. Now, I know—self-publishing can feel like this giant, confusing maze. There’s a million different ways to go about it, and everyone seems to have conflicting advice. But here’s the thing: the “secrets” aren’t as mysterious as they might seem. A lot of it comes down to doing a few key things really well. So let’s break it down.
First up, let’s talk about your book. And I don’t just mean writing a good story or putting together solid nonfiction content—that’s the baseline. Your book needs to look professional. The cover design is huge. If you’re thinking about DIYing it and you’re not a professional designer, let me stop you right there. A bad cover is like putting your book in a disguise that says, “Don’t buy me.” Readers absolutely judge a book by its cover, so invest there. Same with formatting—hire someone, or at the very least, use professional tools like Vellum.
Next, let’s talk about market research. I know, it sounds boring, but stick with me. You need to know your genre. What do the top-selling books look like? What’s their pricing? How are they described? This is about figuring out what readers in your niche expect. You’re not copying; you’re aligning with the standards. And let’s be honest—no matter how great your book is, if readers don’t think it fits their tastes at a glance, they’re not going to buy it.
Okay, marketing. I know this is where people panic, but hear me out: start small. You don’t need to be everywhere. Build an email list, even if it’s just a few people. Social media? Pick one platform you enjoy and start there. And don’t just shout “Buy my book!”—that doesn’t work. Share stories, behind-the-scenes moments, maybe even what inspired the book. Readers want to connect with you, not just your sales pitch.
Finally, consistency is key. The most successful self-published authors treat it like a business. That means showing up, learning what works, and keeping at it. You might not hit it big with the first book, and that’s okay. Each release builds on the last.
So, yeah, there’s no magic formula, but there is a path—and it’s totally doable if you stay focused and keep improving.