How to Publish a Book: A Step-by-Step Guide for Authors

Deciding to publish a book is an exciting journey, but with so many publishing options – self-publishing (DIY, boutique or assisted publishing) and traditional publishing – it can be overwhelming. Whether you are a first-time author or an experienced writer, understanding the different publishing paths will help you make an informed decision that suits your budget, distribution goals, and quality expectations.

This guide will walk you through the key steps in publishing a book, from editing and cover design to selecting the right publishing service.

1. Understanding Your Publishing Goals

Before choosing a publishing service, ask yourself:

What is my budget? The cost of publishing varies widely, depending on the level of professional assistance required.
What quality level do I want? Higher-quality books cost more to produce but can have better sales potential. High-quality books are a basic requirement for physical bookstore distribution and authority publishing.
Distribution Strategy: How do you plan to reach your audience? Will you self-publish and sell directly to buyers through personal channels and online platforms, or do you aim for wider bookstore distribution? If so, will you focus on physical store placements or prioritise online book retailers, such as Publisher.co.za and Amazon?

2. Large-Scale vs Small-Scale Distribution

Large-Scale Distribution

If distribution through major outlets such as physical bookstores and leading online platforms are important to you, a high-end professional publishing service is essential. Self-published books must meet industry standards to be considered by bookstores and reviewers. Bookstores will not stock books that do not have an active marketing or publicity campaign behind them, and media reviews are difficult to secure if books are not professionally produced. If traditional distribution is important to you, it requires an all-in approach.

Key Considerations:

High-quality production and professional editing are a must.
Expect publishing costs to start at R85,000, excluding printing.
Authors typically earn only 25% of the retail price when selling through bookstores.
A strong fan base or direct sales strategy is needed in tandem with bookstores sales to recoup your investment.
Requires author-driven marketing and promotion.

This option works best for authors with marketing experience, an existing audience, or a book with mass-market appeal.

Small-Scale Distribution (Direct Sales & Online Platforms)

Selling your book through your own network, online stores, or print-on-demand services is a much cheaper and more flexible option.

Advantages:

Lower production costs and greater pricing control.
More flexible quality standards (although you should always aim for the best quality within your means).
More profit per book sold directly.
Easier to get started with self-help publishing services.

Challenges:

Quality varies widely—poorly produced books struggle to gain credibility.
Harder to secure media coverage or bookstore sales.
Requires author-driven marketing and promotion.

This option is ideal for authors testing the market, learning about publishing, or working with a limited budget.

3. First Steps for Authors

If you’re new to publishing, consider improving your writing and publishing skills before jumping in.

Recommended Resources:

Publish Like a Pro: The Complete Guide to Successful and Profitable Self-Publishing by Vanessa Wilson and Georgina Hatch is a must-read for both new and experienced authors. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about independent publishing, with a strong focus on the production process. It walks you through writing your book, preparing your manuscript, navigating editorial and production stages, printing, distribution, pricing, and marketing. You’ll also find valuable tips on fundraising for publishing. For authors taking a DIY approach, the book provides expert advice on design, production, and file preparation, along with handy templates at the back.
The Business of Being a Writer by Jane Friedman highlights an often-overlooked truth: writing is not just an art – it’s a business. For those looking to make a living from their craft, understanding the industry’s fundamental business principles is essential. This book provides the business education that many writers lack, offering guidance on building an authentic platform, recognizing and overcoming mindset challenges that can hinder success, publishing strategically, and diversifying income streams beyond book sales.
Online Writing Courses: Affordable options on Udemy, FutureLearn, Coursera, and edX.
Free Community Writing & Publishing Workshops: Offered by the National Library of South Africa’s Centre for the Book.
Publishing Workshop presented by Vanessa Wilson at the Franschhoek Literary Festival – 16–18 May 2025.

Investing in writing, editing, and publishing knowledge can save you money in the long run and improve your book’s chances of success.

4. Getting Your Manuscript Ready

Manuscript Evaluation

Before publishing, consider a professional manuscript evaluation. This provides:

Feedback on strengths and weaknesses.
Recommendations for improving marketability.
Insights into reader expectations.

Finding an Editor

Editing is essential – even experienced, award-winning authors work with professional editors.

Types of editing include:

Developmental Editing – Focuses on structure, flow, and content.
Copy Editing – Improves clarity, grammar, and consistency.
Proofreading – Final polish before publishing.

5. Choosing the Right Publishing Service

Different publishing services cater to different budgets and goals.

DIY Self-Publishing (Low to No Cost)

For authors with little to no budget, self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Lulu offer free publishing tools. Get Publish Like a Pro: The Complete Guide to Successful and Profitable Self-Publishing for help on getting your manuscript into the best shape possible. These platforms also offer free author tutorials.

Pros:

Minimal financial risk.
Full creative control.
International distribution options.

Cons:

Limited quality control – requires author expertise.
Physical bookstore distribution unlikely due to high per-unit costs.

This option is best for personal projects, niche books, authors selling directly to their audience, or authors with a strong online presence and international following. Authors with a local following can use Publisher.co.za for order fulfilment or Publisher.co.za’s print-on-demand facility (books are printed and delivered when ordered by shoppers).

DID YOU KNOW? Publisher.co.za offers a true print-on-demand sales option for qualifying titles. This means that you keep no stock with us – we print and fulfil orders as and when they are received. Email us to find out more.

Assisted, Package-Based Publishing (Straightforward and Flexible)

Yes!Press Publishing is a package-based publishing solution designed for authors who want a simplified publishing process with local and global distribution. Key production services are provided, including ebook conversion, printing, and international distribution setup through Amazon and other major retailers. Enjoy excellent customer service and high quality production services.

Benefits of Yes!Press:

Professional-quality publishing without high upfront costs.
Books available on Amazon and major global retailers.
Option to use your own brand or publish under the Yes!Press imprint.
Authors keep 100% of their royalties.

This option is perfect for authors who want a professionally presented book without the complexities of traditional publishing or the costs of custom publishing. Retain full editorial control by using your own editor or one of ours.

Custom Publishing (High-End & Bookstore Distribution)

For authors who want premium-quality publishing, customised editorial and production services, and either mass market distribution or niche distribution to key stakeholders and clients.

Companies like Quickfox Publishing offer:

Custom editorial and publishing solutions tailored to your book and vision.
Input from senior editors, designers and production specialists with extensive experience in traditional and commercial publishing.
A broader range of print options – from coffee table books and trade publications, to guides and training books, educational books, academic books, company history books, and branded materials.
Customised distribution solutions, including split-consignment and cross-border deliveries.
Local and global distribution through both major and niche retailers.
High-level, project-specific advice and consulting from start to finish.
Customised solutions to unique publishing requirements.
Quality guaranteed for bookstore distribution requirements and positive media reviews.

6. Traditional Publishing – Is It Right for You?

Traditional publishing is highly competitive. If you secure a deal:

The publisher covers all production and marketing costs.
You earn royalties on sales.