We believe everyone has a story to tell — and we absolutely love hearing all the fascinating tales people bring to us. One question we’re asked all the time is: “How do you actually publish a book?”
The truth is, everyone has a book hidden inside them somewhere. And the exciting part? There are many ways to get that story out into the world. You can absolutely publish your book yourself — and plenty of self-published first-time authors have sold thousands of copies globally.
But before you hit “publish”, there are a few key things worth considering.
Self-publishing has some brilliant perks. There are no gatekeepers, no agents, no waiting around for a publisher’s approval. It’s just you, your ideas, and a creative space where your story can leap off the page. With self-publishing, you’re in full control of your book.
Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Writing your manuscript
It might sound obvious, but this first step is often the hardest! Getting a full manuscript together takes time, patience and determination. Once you’ve written your story, proofreading is essential — this forms the foundation of your book’s success.
The beauty of self-publishing is that you can write about absolutely anything.
A personal accomplishment?
A detailed memoir?
A fictional world bursting with illustrations?
A family history to pass down through generations?
Whatever your idea, you have complete creative freedom. And once your manuscript is ready, we can help transform your words and images into a beautifully laid-out publication — printed and bound to feel wonderfully tactile and premium.
Step 2: Book Design
This is where your story truly comes to life. Book design has two important parts:
the cover and the interior layout.
Your Book Cover
Your cover is the first thing readers see — and while we all know you shouldn’t judge a book by it, we all do! A well-designed, eye-catching cover can completely influence how your book is interpreted and how many people pick it up.
We recommend a little market research:
- Look at books in a similar genre
- Visit a bookshop
- Notice colours, styles, layouts and typography
- Pay attention to what catches your eye
From there, we can help you shape something unique, striking and perfectly aligned to your story. A professional cover design can massively boost your book’s visibility.
The Interior Layout
Once readers open your book, this is where they’ll spend most of their time — so the interior can’t be ignored. Good typesetting ensures your book is readable, consistent and enjoyable from start to finish. It’s a vital part of your reader’s experience, and something we take great care in crafting.
Step 3: Choosing a Title & Writing Your Description
Your title draws someone in. Your description seals the deal.
A great book description is simple, clear and intriguing. It lives on the back of your book, on online stores, and everywhere it’s promoted — so it plays a huge role in your marketing. Don’t underestimate it!
Step 4: Publishing
With your manuscript complete and your book beautifully designed, it’s time to publish.
You can choose:
- Self-publishing platforms
- Print-on-demand services
- Short-run printing for personal or local distribution
- E-book and digital versions
We can help guide you through which format is best for your goals.
Step 5: Marketing Your Book
Publishing your book is only part of the journey — now it’s time to share it with the world!
Here’s how to get started:
- Announce your book launch to your audience
- Make your book available for purchase
- Promote it across social media
- Connect with local bookshops or community groups
A great marketing plan helps your book find its people — and keeps your story alive long after launch day.
Ready to Begin Your Publishing Journey?
If you’ve got a story inside you (and trust us, you do!), we’d love to help bring it to life. From page layout to printing, we’re here to support your publishing adventure every step of the way.