I made a lot of mistakes with my first book, but I was determined to learn from them before my next release. I did a ton of research and it paid off. My second book was a huge success. One of the key takeaways from my research was this:

If you want to be successful in selling your book, you need to make sure that your book looks and feels like a professional publication.

That means investing in professional editing, cover design, and interior layout. If you cut corners in any of these areas, potential readers will be able to tell, and they’re likely to pass over your book in favor of one that looks more polished and professional.  Here’s a few steps you can take to make sure you’re self-published book looks as professional as possible. 

Step 1: Work with a professional editor

If you’re serious about becoming a published author, you need to work with a professional editor. It’s simply not enough to rely on spell-check and your own knowledge of the English language— you need someone who can point out errors you didn’t even know were there. A professional editor will also help improve the flow and readability of your work, making it more enjoyable for your audience. In short, working with an editor is essential if you want to be taken seriously as an author. So don’t try to go it alone. 

I used Fiverr to find an experienced, affordable editor for my book. The process was easy and I found several editors that worked in my genre. A friend recommended that I send a few sample pages (5 to 30 pages max) to each potential editor as a “test” to determine which person would be the best fit for me. The test was a huge success– I was able to find someone that really understood my vision. My final manuscript was leaps and bounds better than I had anticipated. I highly recommend you check out Fiverr’s available editors for your project. The quality of work is excellent and the turnaround time is quick. Plus, it’s very affordable. 

Pro tip: Fiverr offers premium “Professional” services. These editors are more experienced and have typically worked for major publishing companies. While they may be slightly more expensive than a standard editor, their wealth of knowledge and experience will make your manuscript look its best. If you can afford it, spending a bit more on an experienced editor will be well worth it.

Step 2: Work with an experienced graphic designer for your book cover art.

The cover of a book is the most important selling tool in your arsenal. An eye-catching cover can attract attention and persuade potential readers to give the book a try. For this reason, it is essential to work with a talented graphic designer who can bring your vision to life. If you are producing both a print and a digital version, make sure you work with a designer experienced in both mediums. Print covers must be designed at a resolution of 300dpi, while digital covers can be produced at a lower resolution. Do not cut corners here! If you use the same cover image for both the print and digital versions, you will likely experience pixelation and poor quality, making your book look unprofessional and less appealing to potential readers. 

I found a fabulous graphic designer on Fiverr. The art was so good, I ended up printing a poster-sized version and having it framed in my home office. Fiverr is full of talented graphic designers with lots of experience producing both print and digital versions of books. I had a great experience working with the designer I found, and I would definitely recommend their services to anyone looking for a high-quality book cover design.

Pro tip: It was really important to me that my second book’s cover art knocked it out of the park. I ended up using one of Fiverr’s “Professional” designers. While it was slightly more expensive than a standard designer, the end result was well worth it. My designer put together a package deal for a paperback, hardcover, and eBook edition of my book– and I truly believe much of my book’s success is owed to the cover art. 

Step 3: Get your book formatted by a professional. 

If you think you can format your manuscript in a Word or Google doc… think again! I made this mistake with my first book and was determined not to repeat that mistake with my second release. Here’s what I learned: Each edition of your book (hardcover, paperback, eBook, etc) must be formatted specifically for that medium. Book formatting is a time-consuming process that requires expertise in design and software. If you don’t have 10 years of experience with Adobe InDesign, I highly recommend you resist the temptation to format the book yourself. You might initially save a few bucks, but it could cost you hundreds or thousands in future sales. A poorly formatted book will look unprofessional and be difficult for readers to enjoy, leading to low purchases or bad reviews. With so much riding on the success of your book, it’s worth it to invest in the services of a professional book formatter. By hiring someone who knows what they’re doing, you can rest assured that your book will look its best and be easy for readers to enjoy.

After searching qualified book formatting professionals, I found an experienced pro in my genre. He took the time to share ideas and helped me determine the appropriate margin size, page numbers, and chapter headings. They provided insights and ideas on formatting that I never would have thought of on my own, and as a result, the interior of my books looks incredible. If you’re self-publishing, I highly recommend using Fiverr to find a book formatting professional who can help you make your book look it’s best.

Step 4: Develop a cohesive marketing plan… then execute!

A marketing plan is a critical component of any book’s success. Without a plan, it can be difficult to generate interest and reach potential readers. Marketing materials such as social media posts, video advertisements, press releases, and press kits can help to create buzz and generate excitement for your book. However, it’s important to remember that a marketing plan is only successful if it’s implemented effectively. Working with an experienced marketing professional can help to ensure that your plan is executed successfully and that your book reaches its potential audience.

Here’s a few critical items that you should include in your marketing plan:

Organic Social Media Content + Content Calendar 

Social media is one of the best ways to market your book to new customers. In today’s digital world, it’s simply not enough to post randomly on social media– you need to have a strategic plan in place to ensure that your content is properly aligned with your overall marketing goals. A good social media expert can help you develop eye-catching content and stick to a thoughtful posting schedule. This will not only help you generate more awareness for your book, but it will also help you build a loyal audience of potential customers.

Use Paid Social and Paid Search Advertisements 

Advertising on social media is one of the most cost-effective ways to reach your audience. You can work with a graphic designer and video producer to create eye-catching ads that inspire readers to purchase your book. In addition, you can find a paid social media expert to help you deploy your ads across different platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Resist the temptation to do it alone! Paid social advertising can be tricky, so it is important to choose a reliable expert who can help you avoid losing money on this venture.

Send out a Press Release and Press Kit

If you’re looking to get your book noticed, a press release is a critical step. By sending a press release and press kits to bloggers, magazines, and other influencers, you can generate interest in your book and get Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) into the hands of people who can give you valuable reviews. A well-written press release should provide an overview of your book, including its key themes and what sets it apart from other titles on the market. It’s also important to include some inspiring quotes from early reviewers. Ultimately, your goal is to create a buzz around your book and get people talking about it. With a little effort, a press release can be a powerful tool for promoting your book and ensuring its success.

Get a Book Trailer

A book trailer is a perfect way to give potential readers a taste of your work without giving too much away. Like a movie trailer, a book trailer should be exciting and capture the most salient points of your story. A good book trailer should highlight the unique elements that make reading your book such a special experience. For example, if your book features beautiful prose or complicated characters, make sure to include snippets of this in your book trailer. Ultimately, your goal should be to entice potential readers to purchase your book. 

Hire a PR Expert

Working with a PR expert can help you to cut through the noise and get your book the attention it deserves. PR professionals have a deep understanding of how the Amazon bestseller marketplace works and can use their knowledge to help get your book listed as a bestseller. They can also secure reviews in notable publications and generate positive word of mouth. Of course, all of this comes at a cost. But if you can afford it, working with a PR expert is an excellent way to ensure that your book gets the attention it deserves.

Step 5: Keep your foot on the gas!

Tenacity is key when marketing your book. Too often, authors put all their effort into promoting their book around the time of its release and then do nothing for months (or even years) after. This is a huge mistake. While it’s important to have a big push around the time of release, promoting your book needs to be a long-term endeavor. The most successful authors are always working to promote their books, even long after they’ve initially hit shelves. By continuing your promotional efforts for 6 to 24 months after release, you’ll keep your book fresh in readers’ minds and ensure that it continues to find new audiences. With tenacity and dedication, you can make your book a success long after its initial release.