Manuscript to Marketplace: Complete Affordable eBook Publishing Solutions

The dream of holding a published book is indeed universal. But the traditional publishing path is often blocked by gatekeepers, astronomical expenses, and other adverse factors.

Numerous aspiring authors believe they must choose between exhausting their savings on poor-quality services or being lost in the complex world of do-it-yourself (DIY) publishing. This is where the market usually misleads prospective authors.

Securing a professional, top-quality publication does not require a massive budget, in all honesty. Securing a professional publication only requires the right tactics and suitable partners.

If you’re prepared to convert an author’s unfinished manuscript into a polished, market-ready eBook without sacrificing quality, and all at an affordable price, you’ve arrived at the right destination.

This post will serve as a brief guide regarding eBook publishing services. It will offer a transparent roadmap for complete and affordable eBook publishing solutions, delivering exceptional results.

Each essential step will be broken down, ranging from expert editing and stunning cover design to digital formatting and distribution. This ensures that the book never hits the market in a professional and readable manner. Meaning that the book will look professional and will be ready to compete for readership.

Understanding Self-Publishing

Self-publishing means you take full control of bringing the book/eBook to life. The following activities are seamlessly executed without handing over full control to a traditional publisher:

• Writing.
• Editing.
• Designing.
• Publishing.
• Selling.

When authors use the traditional publishing approach, they pitch their manuscripts to agents/publishers. If accepted, they manage the distribution, cover design, and marketing. They give up some creative control and a chunk of their royalties in exchange (85 to 90%).

If authors choose the self-publishing approach, they are hence in charge of every step. Whether they are hiring an editor or choosing a designer, or deciding where and how to sell, they have it all covered.

Authors also keep more of the profits. It helps them move quicker and retain complete creative freedom. But there is a flip side, i.e., the responsibility and upfront expenses go on the author’s shoulders.

Self-publishing is on the rise.

Self-publishing is not new. Authors today have been printing their own works for centuries to bypass the traditional guards of publishing houses. In the old days, the approach was usually seen as a last resort for writers rejected by established publishers.

As printing technology improved throughout the century, producing books independently became easier. But distribution remained a big hurdle. It limited how far self-published books could reach.

Only recently has self-publishing obtained mainstream acceptance. This is due to digital platforms that have removed barriers like printing costs and bookstore access.

Tips on self-publishing books and eBooks on eBook publishing services

Each self-publishing author has their own journey. It is never the same. Yet there are core steps that can help authors make the best of eBook publishing services in USA​. Let us now have a good look at all of them:

Know and understand your readers

Authors need to think about how they are going to market the book before they have completed writing the manuscript. It, however, does not mean making a total marketing strategy. Rather, it is about understanding readers.

No author can write for every reader present. They need to get specific. They must identify their readers and speak to them using the words they use. The presence of a clear reader in mind makes writing and publishing a lot easier. 

This clarity will save authors a lot of time, especially when they decide to self-publish a book. It will help them reach the right readers.

Working with the right kind of editors

The book will compete with traditionally published books and ebooks in the same marketplace and stores. Working with the following kinds of editors (in the mentioned order) will help the book be polished and stand out in the market:

• Content editors: They review the manuscript and also suggest structural amendments, like adding or removing passages, words, and vice versa.

• • Fact checker: They verify all claims and research for nonfiction books.

• Copy editor: They polish the manuscript with grammar and spelling suggestions.

• Proofreader: They provide a final review for catching remaining errors before the book is published.

A lot of authors usually end up getting the wrong edit at the wrong time. This is due to the fact that they do not realize there are various kinds of editors. They can be found on most ebook publishing services platforms. Self-published authors must choose their own editors. Those who wish to find freelance editors must use the following talent marketplaces:

• Reedsy (publishing-specific).
• Fiverr.
• Upwork.
• Guru.

Authors can also work with worthwhile and complete affordable eBook publishing solutions. They help match them with editors and other self-publishing companies that provide bundled services (editing, formatting, marketing, and the like).

Creating a captivating cover

The book/eBook’s cover is its main visual selling point across retailers, marketplaces, and their online stores. When designing the book’s cover or working with a designer in this regard, authors need to think like a marketer:

• Designing for thumbnails: The cover will appear smaller in most online stores.

• Make the title easy to read: Readers should be able to remember and recall the book.

• Give the spine and back cover due consideration: This is important for printed book sales.

The next step is to find cover designers via the same freelance platforms used for finding editors. Authors having some design experience can try the following free tools:

• Canva.
• Edit.org.
• Fotor.
• Visme.

Choosing the publishing platform

The manuscript is polished, and the cover is ready. Then comes the big decision of how and where to publish the book.

Deciding between print-on-demand versus traditional printing

Authors can publish once their manuscript and cover are ready. They may use numerous platforms depending on how they plan to sell their book. Here are some platforms to consider:

• IngramSpark for bookstore distribution.
• Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for Amazon sales.
• Bookvault for physical books in the Shopify store.
• BookFunnel for distributing ebook newsletters.

Most of these platforms offer print-on-demand services. They print books and ship them at the point of sale. This approach helps keep the costs low, eliminates expensive inventory storage, and saves them time through outsourcing production and distribution.

Those who are just starting should understand that POD would let them publish without an upfront risk. Offset would make sense only if the author knows they can move hundreds or thousands of copies.

Tips for publishing a book on Amazon

No doubt Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is among he most popular eBook publishing services platforms. It is also widely recognized as the world’s leading choice. It commands a large chunk of the eBook market. Here is how authors can publish their book on KDP:

• Setting up the KDP account: Authors should visit Amazon’s KDP page and log in with their account. Then they should add the payment and tax information.

• Adding a new title: This involves choosing either a Paperback or a Kindle eBook edition. Afterwards, they should fill in the needed details, such as title, subtitle, author’s name, description, and the needed keywords.

• Uploading the manuscript: Accepted formats include DOCX, EPUB, and PDF (needed for print). KDP also provides a preview tool for checking and formatting.

• Uploading the cover: Authors can design their own covers. Alternatively, they can use KDP’s free cover-creating tool.

• Setting the pricing and royalties: For eBooks, KDP pays around 35 to 70 percent royalties depending on the price and territory. Paperbacks typically earn around 60% of the list price without printing expenses.

• Publishing and distribution: The book/eBook appears on Amazon within 24 to 72 hours once it is approved.

Formatting the book/ebook

Authors will need to prepare their book with professional formatting. It is key before setting it for publishing. Researching platform requirements early helps understand the differences between them and other platforms. Numerous self-publishing companies require two files:

• The manuscript file for interior pages.
• The cover file for the book’s exterior (front cover, back cover, and spine).

Formatting the manuscript requires the following key elements:

• • Trim and margins: Set your page height and width (trim) as per the platform’s options. The margin sizes are determined afterwards.

• Half-title page: Place this on the first right-facing page with just the book’s title without the page numbers.

• Title page: Authors must include their names and subtitles on the page. They can add their logo (optional for self-publishers).

• Copyright page: It should be placed on the first left-facing page after the title page. It should have copyright information beside it. 

• Dedication page: It should be kept short (one or two sentences only) and be placed on the next right-facing page. It should not have headers or page numbers.

• Table of contents: List the chapters and sections along with their corresponding page numbers.

• Chapter title pages: Starting each chapter with a title page and page numbers without headers.

• Body pages: Add headers with the author’s name on left pages and book title on right pages. This should be done on regular pages.

• Bibliography and references: This should be included for non-fiction books to credit their sources.

• Author bio: Adding the photo with a brief biography.

• Index: This is needed for non-fiction books. List each topic alphabetically with their page numbers at the end.

Obtaining an ISBN

Each book/eBook requires an International Standard Book Number (ISBN). It is a 13-digit code that identifies the book’s edition, publisher, and physical properties. ISBNs help track the author’s book across multiple libraries, marketplaces and platforms. They can also help in proving ownership of content. It is important for self-publishing authors.

Numerous self-publishing platforms provide free ISBNs. If an author is unable to get one, they can get a universal ISBN online with ease.

Understanding book metadata and BISAC codes

Metadata helps make the book get discovered on ebook publishing services platforms (once it is ready to sell). It is the book/eBook’s digital fingerprint (title, subtitle, author’s name, description, ISBN, keywords, and categories).

A crucial aspect of metadata is the Book Industry Standards and Communications (BISAC) subject code. These are standardized categories used across the publishing industry, ranging from Amazon to bookstores. This helps recommend and shelve books.

The correct BISAC codes help ensure the book is competing in the correct category. Choosing a broad range of them drowns the author and their book in excess competition. Choosing too narrow won’t help readers find the book.

Marketing and promoting the book

Once authors have decided which platform to use, they can publish their book on it. Once published, they can market and promote their book. If they want readers to find it and purchase it, they might need a smart marketing plan.

The following approaches can certainly work in this matter:

• Sharing excerpts on social media.
• Building up readers’ reviews.
• Partnering with social media influencers.
• Connecting with literary media.
• Creating valuable content.

Over to You

Today’s world is digital indeed. Affordable and complete eBook publishing solutions are available. Many of them are thankfully easy to use. 

But there is a catch: there is a dearth of ebook publishing services on the planet. Some of them are worth the investment, while others aren’t. Then, platforms for self-publishing authors can be daunting. Amazon is there, but the competition has grown. Authors desire platforms that are user-friendly, authentic, and transparent.

The guidelines mentioned above can help many authors find the correct platforms and services. This can further help them publish their book and promote it on their desired platforms with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How can I keep my publishing expenses low?

A: Focusing on streamlined digital services and bundles helps control the eBook publishing cost. Authors need to give priority to cost-effective and professional-grade editing and formatting before publishing.

Q: Is a professional-quality ebook possible on a budget?

A: Affordable solutions can help in creating a top-quality eBook. They focus on areas such as cover design and KDP formatting. They have an impact on reader perception and amplify sales.

Q: Where should authors start in the process?

A: Authors can start with professional manuscript editing. When their book is clean and refined, then they can consider the ebook publishing cost before making the publishing decision.

Q: What is the benefit of a complete solution?

A: It ensures every step is handled by experts (from design to platform distribution). It prevents errors that can put a toll on sales.