If you are searching how to self-publish a book, you do not need a mystery process. You need a sequence: finish the draft, buy the right help (or DIY the files), proof the book, and put it on retail rails. This is the path AuthorShelf uses with debut authors — including when a self publishing package is worth it versus KDP alone.
How to self-publish a book (9 steps)
- Finish a complete draft you can describe in one honest paragraph. Half a manuscript stalls every later step.
- Decide formats: eBook, paperback, hardcover. Audiobook can wait.
- Edit at the level the book needs — developmental, copy, then proof. See book editing services.
- Commission custom book cover design that reads at thumbnail size. See book cover design services.
- Format interiors for print and/or KDP eBook. See book formatting services.
- Assign identifiers (ISBN per format that needs one; barcode area for print).
- Proof (eProof / print proof) and approve in writing — not a silent “looks fine” text.
- Set up retail: Amazon/KDP plus wide/POD wholesale if you want bookstore orderability.
- Price and market. Distribution is not marketing. A listing is not a bestseller.
Self-publish a book yourself vs a package
KDP and IngramSpark are the rails. They will not edit, design, or keep approvals in one place. If you already have professional files, DIY is often cheaper. If you do not, you will hire the crafts — piecemeal or as listed self publishing packages.
AuthorShelf packages run $399–$2,989 (Spark through Ultimate). Every tier includes a lifetime author portal, ISBN, and global retail/POD setup. You keep 100% rights and 100% of net book royalties. Most debut authors start with Launch ($597) or Pro ($997).
How long it takes to self-publish a book
DIY upload can be days if files are ready. Professional production with timely approvals is usually about 6–8 weeks. Incomplete Title Setup, structural edits, or slow cover decisions add time. Details: how long self-publishing takes.
What it costs
Rails-only is mostly time. Freelancers for edit + cover + interior often land in the low thousands. AuthorShelf lists six self publishing packages before checkout — no “request a quote” trap. Full ranges: how much it costs to self-publish.
Related author services
Next step: Self publishing packages ($399–$2,989) · Book cover design services · Free Author Readiness Call
Common questions
How do you self-publish a book in 2026?
Finish a complete draft, edit, commission a retail-ready cover, format for print and/or KDP, assign ISBNs as needed, proof, then upload to Amazon and optional wide/POD channels. A listed package can coordinate those steps in one portal.
How much do self publishing packages cost?
AuthorShelf lists six self publishing packages from $399 (Spark) to $2,989 (Ultimate). Most debut authors start with Launch ($597) or Pro ($997). You keep 100% rights and 100% of net royalties.
Can I self-publish on Amazon KDP myself?
Yes, if you already have professional files. KDP is a retailer dashboard, not a publisher. AuthorShelf produces files and setup when you do not want to manage freelancers and specs alone.