My Self-Publishing Journey

As I embarked on my self-publishing journey, I wanted to share every step of this adventure for both fellow aspiring authors and those simply curious about the process. I was not expecting it to be an undertaking I would be craving to embark on. Yet I am already looking forward to working on my next book projects. My approach was not perfect, but I learned so much. As such, I wanted to share all of the knowledge I gained.

The Deep Dive on My Self-Publishing Journey

As I learn more, you will find that this post is an organic one. As I get into more details about each step of this adventure, I will deep dive with additional posts. Then, I will link them here for easy reference. This self-publishing journey focuses on what I experienced bringing “In the Secret Spider Garden” to life.

🕷️ Manuscript 🕷️

From chicken scratch notes of a two line stanza to a full page-to-page breakdown of all the words. In addition, this phase of publishing is what kick-started my book and even included selecting my fonts.

🕷️ Illustrations 🕷️

After my volunteer editors had picked through my words, it was time to determine the illustrations to accompany each stanza. I first storyboarded my ideas. Then once more. And then it was time to put pencil to paper. For this particular book, I wanted it hand-illustrated. I did so using acrylic markers and watercolor paints on mixed media paper. Finally, I photographed these illustrations for digitizing.

🕷️ Edits & Formats 🕷️

Next was editing both illustrations and words in Adobe InDesign to create my final manuscript for submitting to the printers. This step integrated with the first two steps. As I finalized the words, I would pass them on to my editing volunteers. Then, once I received feedback, I used InDesign to arrange the page layouts.

🕷️ Identifiers & Copyrights 🕷️

ISBNs? LCCNs? Copyrights?! I thought this step would be the most intimidating, but proved to be one of the most exciting. In addition, it turned out to be one of the easiest as well. All thanks to the assistance and ease of using Bowker Publishing Services.

🕷️ Printer & Publisher 🕷️

I knew I did not want to use Amazon KDP for printing as they do not print hardcover children’s books. So I had to embark on a search for how I could get my book physically printed. Probably the most challenging step on this adventure.

🕷️ Distribution 🕷️

How did I want to get my book into readers’ hands? I am still figuring this one out, to be honest. This is the biggest hurdle for self-publishers to leap over. Especially if you are not using services like Amazon KDP which do some distribution.

🕷️ Author Appearances & Book Events 🕷️

The bonus step to help make your book known in the world. From creating a social media account just for your author stuff to vending and consignments. It turns out there is so much to be done as a self-published author even after you publish your book!