Welcome to my blog! My name is Lily and I’m a published author who’s been in the self-publishing game for a while now. I’ve seen a lot of mistakes made when it comes to choosing the right self-publishing platform, so I wanted to share my top tips with you to help you avoid those pitfalls. Let’s get started! 🚀

🎨 Choose a Platform That Fits Your Needs

Before you start comparing platforms, you need to determine what your needs are. Do you want to create an e-book or a print book? Do you need built-in marketing tools? Do you want control over the design? These are just a few of the questions you’ll need to answer to find the best platform for you.

Once you’ve determined your needs, start researching platforms that fit those criteria. Some popular ones include Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital. Look into each one’s features, fees, and reviews to decide which fits your needs best.

A person sitting at a desk, looking at different self-publishing platforms on a laptop.

🧐 Read the Fine Print

When researching platforms, make sure to read the fine print. Some platforms may seem like a great fit until you read the fees or terms of service. Some ask for exclusivity, while others take a cut of your royalties. Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into before you hand over your hard work.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions either. Reach out to the platform’s customer service if you’re unsure about anything in their contract. It’s better to be safe than sorry! 🤔

A person reading the terms of service on a computer screen.

📈 Consider Marketing Tools

Self-publishing doesn’t end with just getting your book out there. You need to make sure people know about it too! That’s where marketing tools come in handy. Some platforms offer built-in marketing tools like email lists, ad campaigns, and exclusive deals to help you promote your book.

Consider which marketing tools you need and research which platforms offer them. Keep in mind that some tools may come at an additional cost, so factor that into your decision making as well. 📣

A person holding a megaphone, representing marketing tools to promote a book.

💸 Look at Royalty Rates

At the end of the day, you want to make sure you’re making money from your book. That’s why it’s important to look at the royalty rates each platform offers. Some take a cut of your royalties, while others offer 100% of the proceeds to the author.

Keep in mind that the royalty rate isn’t the only factor to consider. Some platforms may charge higher fees, while others may offer marketing tools that can help you make more sales. It’s all about finding the balance that’s right for you. 💰

A person holding a piggy bank, symbolizing making money from your book.

📱 Test Out the Platform

Before you commit to a platform, test it out. Create a few test projects to see how the platform works and if it fits your needs. This can include uploading a sample chapter, playing around with the design tools, and testing out the marketing tools.

By testing out the platform beforehand, you can minimize the risk of committing to a platform that ultimately doesn’t work for you. 💻

A person testing out a self-publishing platform, trying out different design features.

There you have it, my top tips for choosing the right self-publishing platform! Remember to take your time, read the fine print, and test out the platform before committing. Good luck on your self-publishing journey! 📚

A person holding a stack of books, representing the self-publishing journey.