We’ll start off looking at the different forms of publishing and what it truly takes to become a self-published author. What does self-publishing success look like and how can you achieve it? We’ll also take a look at the history of self-publishing and how it became so popular.

In our second week, we’ll learn all the tools to make our manuscripts the very best they can be. We’ll cover the fundamentals of how to self-edit, the differences between beta readers and ARC readers (including when to use them), and how to write a professional blurb. Want insight on professional editing? We’ll also teach you how to choose, brief and work with editors effectively and what each kind of editing involves.

Outcome: Be confident self-editing your work, outsourcing and working with editors and writing a blurb for your own book.

So, you know you want to self-publish, but in which format? It’s important to know about the different formats, their place in your catalogue, and the common elements across all formats. But what’s the point in self-publishing if no one can find your book? You’ll need to consider all available publishing platforms and optimise categories and keywords if you want to reach a large audience, and you’ll learn exactly how to do just that this week.

Outcome: Have a comprehensive plan for the order in which you will publish your book formats, including categories, key words, and other metadata to make your book more discoverable.

A professionally-designed book – both cover and interior – matter just as much in self-publishing as it does with traditional publishing. We’ll explore the different production needs for eBook and print and give tips on how to choose, brief and work with a book designer.

Outcome: Have a written cover brief for your book and know how to build a strong working relationship with an appropriate designer.

With a publish-ready manuscript and the ability to commission a professional book design, you’re ready to explore the many distribution options. You’ll learn the pros and cons of a “wide” (multi-platform) versus an “exclusive” (KDP) distribution strategy, and how to upload both print and ebook editions to your chosen platforms.

Outcome: You’ll be able to plan the best distribution strategy for your book(s) on launch and long-term.

Wondering what your best marketing tool is? You don’t need to look far – it’s you! Your readers want to know all about you as an author and they will expect you to have a professional author website. You’ll learn how to define your author brand, how to project it in your website and other marketing materials, and how to build a mailing list of dedicated readers – the most valuable marketing asset of all.

Outcome: You’ll have an outline of the content required to launch your own website, a working knowledge of the best tools to help you set it up, and ideas for building your mailing list.

Learn how to attract readers and reviews, how to use positive reviews to your advantage and how to deal with less favourable feedback without losing your confidence.

Outcome: You’ll have a better understanding of reviews and reviewers, of what ratings really mean, and how to mobilise advance readers to get your book off to the best start.

With all the knowledge you need to launch a book to professional standards, you’re now ready to focus on marketing to find readers and make sales. Part 1 focuses on optimising your Amazon profile and choosing and using the best social media to reach your target readers.

Outcome: You’ll be equipped to create an effective author profile on Amazon as soon as your first book is published, and you’ll know how to use the most appropriate social media platforms to best advantage.

Complement online marketing by learning the role of traditional media and live in-person events. You’ll also gain a useful introduction to the best paid advertising options for indie authors, including Amazon, Bookbub and Facebook.

Outcome: Understand how to prioritise and implement traditional media, events and paid advertising to build on the reach of your website, Amazon profile and social media accounts.

Self-publishing your first book in ebook and print is just the start of your indie author career. Learn how to make the most of your intellectual property by publishing in other formats including hardback, large print and audio, and in other languages, either by selectively licensing rights to specialists or by project-managing them yourself.

Outcome: You will know how to exploit the full potential of your books in the long term, establishing and growing your indie author career, for the duration of your copyright – usually the rest of your life and for decades beyond (depending on local law in your country of residence).