With all the information on the net about “how to” or “where to” publish your book, let this be your handy guide. There comes a moment — somewhere between typing “The End” and staring at your laptop with mild dread — when you realize:
“Okay, I wrote the book. Now what? Where do I publish this?”
And suddenly, the overwhelm sets in. Self-publishing in 2025 can feel like a secret club with gatekeepers, techy jargon, and budget-breaking advice you didn’t ask for. Most new writers have no clue where to begin, and Google is no help unless you already know what you’re searching for. (Spoiler: most don’t.)
I’ve been there. Confused. Excited. Slightly terrified. And if that’s you? I’ve got you. This article will walk you through how to self-publish your book step-by-step, using free and low-cost tools, with zero fluff, no gatekeeping, and a whole lot of real talk. By the time we’re done, you’ll know exactly what to do — without needing a second mortgage or a tech degree.
Let’s publish your book the smart way — the faithful way.
Step One: Format Your Book Without Spending a Dime
Most first-time authors think formatting is just about choosing a font and hitting “save as PDF.” Nope. Formatting is what turns your rough Word doc into something that looks and reads like a real book — and trust me, readers notice.
The good news? You don’t need fancy software. You can format your entire book for free using Google Docs.
Here’s what you’ll want to do:
- Change your page size to A5 (the standard size for most paperbacks)
- Change the the Left (.88) & Right (.57) Margins, leave the top and bottom as is (1)
- Use classic, readable fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Garamond (I prefer Garamond)
- In the Align & Indent section, Justify your text (so it aligns neatly on both sides)
- Insert page breaks at the end of each chapter
- Under Format select 1.15 or 1.5 spacing — don’t double-space like a high school essay
- Under Format, add page numbers and center your chapter titles
Don’t worry — I walk you through every click in a step-by-step video on my YouTube channel.
📹 Watch the full formatting tutorial here →
Once your formatting is set, download your manuscript as a both a Word Doc & PDF. That way your file won’t shift or break when uploading it to whichever self-publishing platform later on.
This step doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does need to be clean and readable. Sloppy formatting = distracted readers. And we’re not about to lose readers over a misaligned chapter title.
Step Two: Understand Free vs. Paid Publishing Paths
Here’s the part where a lot of writers get stuck — not because they’re confused, but because the internet has made it way more complicated than it needs to be.
So let’s simplify it.
There are three main routes to self-publishing (but we’re only going through two in this article (sorry big spenders)):
Free platforms like Amazon KDP and Draft2Digital
Low-budget tools that add polish or convenience
You can publish a professional-looking book 100% free. And for many new authors, I recommend starting there.
Amazon KDP, Lulu, Payhip (digital) will let you:
- Upload your formatted manuscript and cover
- List your book on Amazon | Lulu | Draft to Digital (hello, global bookstore)
- Earn royalties with no upfront cost
If you’re looking to add a little ease or shine to your process, you can invest in tools like:
- Atticus – formatting software (one-time fee)
- Scrivener – writing + organizing your book ($49)
- Reedsy – hire freelancers for editing, covers, etc.
But here’s the truth: start where you are. Use what you have. You don’t need expensive software or a graphic design degree to publish something beautiful.
🚫 If you’re blocked or banned from KDP, Don’t Worry My Writer Friend – I Got You:
Don’t panic. Don’t throw your manuscript into the digital sea. There are multiple trusted alternatives that will let you publish your book without Amazon (or alongside it):
1. Draft2Digital (FREE)
- Distributes your book to Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, OverDrive (for libraries), and more.
- Now offers print book publishing too (as of late 2024).
- Super user-friendly dashboard — probably the easiest KDP alternative out there.
2. Lulu.com (FREE to upload)
- Great for print-on-demand, including hardcovers, coil binding, and spiral-bound books.
- Offers global distribution and bookstore-ready ISBNs.
- Less intuitive than D2D but a great backup if you’re locked out of KDP.
3. PublishDrive (PAID)
- Distributes wide like Draft2Digital but is subscription-based (monthly fee).
- Best for authors who want global reach and more control.
4. Blurb (Mostly for visual books)
- Ideal for photo books, workbooks, and illustrated material.
- Limited fiction options, but a great KDP alternative for certain formats.
Step Three: Edit Like Your Book Depends On It (Because It Does)
Let me say it loud for the people in the back: You cannot skip editing.
I don’t care if your book is Holy Spirit-inspired, angel-scribed, and written in prophetic fire — if it’s full of typos, run-ons, or confusing paragraphs, readers will drop it faster than a lukewarm altar call.
But editing doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Here’s how you can polish your book on a budget:
- Use Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to fix the basics
- Read your book out loud — you’ll catch more errors than you think
- Join free writing groups or forums and ask for beta readers
- Trade critiques with a writer friend or use Reedsy to hire a freelance editor when you’re ready
Editing is an act of respect — for your readers, your message, and the call God put on your life to write this story.
“Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.” – Proverbs 20:18
Step Four: Design a Cover That Doesn’t Look Like Clip Art
I know. You’re thinking, “I’m not a designer.”
But here’s the secret: you don’t need to be. You just need to be intentional.
First impressions matter. People judge books by their covers. It’s not rude — it’s human nature. And your job is to make sure your cover says “read me” and not “run away.”
Your best free option:
Use Canva. They have book cover templates you can customize. Choose your trim size (likely 6×9), pick a font that matches your genre, and stick to a simple, striking layout.
Low-cost options:
- Fiverr – Find a cover designer for as low as $25 (but check reviews carefully)
- GetPremade – Browse professionally designed covers already sized for Amazon ($30–$100 range)
Make sure your title pops, your author name is clear, and the vibe fits your genre. A Christian fantasy cover shouldn’t look like a college essay, and a romance shouldn’t scream horror.
Step Five: If You’re Using Amazon KDP (the most common route):
Head to kdp.amazon.com and set up your free account. From there, you’ll walk through:
- Uploading your formatted manuscript (as a PDF for print or Word doc for eBook)
- Uploading your cover (PDF with front, back, and spine if print)
- Entering your book details (title, subtitle, pen name, categories, etc.)
- Writing your book description (this is your back-cover blurb — keep it tight and intriguing)
- Choosing your pricing and royalty structure
- Previewing your book with Amazon’s built-in viewer (do not skip this!)
- Clicking the magical Publish button (and probably crying a little — in a good way)
Within 72 hours, your book will be live on Amazon’s marketplace around the world.
If Amazon KDP is available to you, it’s an easy first stop. But it’s not the only stop. And for some writers? It’s not an option at all.
What If You’re Blocked From Amazon KDP? (Or Just Not a Fan?)
Sometimes KDP isn’t available in your country. Sometimes accounts get suspended without explanation (yes, it happens). And sometimes, you just want more control.
Whatever the reason, you are not stuck.
Here are trusted publishing platforms that let you publish your book without Amazon:
Draft2Digital – Easiest All-Around Alternative
Perfect for authors who want to distribute widely with minimal stress.
- Upload once, publish to Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, libraries, and more
- Offers print-on-demand as of 2024 (so it’s not just eBooks anymore)
- FREE to use, and very beginner-friendly
Lulu – Great for Print, Workbooks, and Hardcovers
If you want more binding options or you’re publishing a workbook, devotional, or spiral-bound journal, this is your go-to.
- Global distribution
- Free ISBN options
- A little clunkier than KDP or D2D, but still solid
PublishDrive – For International and Niche Authors
This platform offers broad global reach, but with a monthly subscription fee.
- Ideal if you’re treating your writing like a long-term business
- Great royalty tracking and analytics
Blurb – For Highly Visual or Custom Print Books
Not for fiction, but excellent for photo books, art books, or planners.
If your project is visual-heavy, consider this option.
Which Platform Should You Use?
If you’re brand new and need the easiest path:
Start with Amazon KDP (if available)
Or go with Draft2Digital (if KDP is blocked or you want wider reach)
If you want print + spiral or hardcover:
Use Lulu or Blurb depending on your format
If you’re aiming for global exposure + multiple stores:
Combine Draft2Digital (for eBook + wide) and Lulu (for print)
📌 Quick Tip: Keep all your files (manuscript, cover, ISBNs, and metadata like descriptions and keywords) backed up and clearly labeled. Trust me — your future self will thank you.
Step Six: Distribute Beyond Amazon (Optional, But Worth It)
Once your book is live on Amazon, you may want to go “wide” — which just means publishing it in other stores like Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, or Kobo.
The easiest way to do that is with:
- Draft2Digital – they’ll distribute your book everywhere Amazon doesn’t
- Lulu – great for hardcover or spiral-bound print-on-demand books
But here’s my advice: If this is your first book, focus on Amazon first.
Master one thing before juggling twelve. You can always expand later.
Step Seven: Market Your Book Without Selling Your Soul
Marketing doesn’t have to mean dancing on TikTok or begging your grandma’s Facebook friends to buy your book.
Think of marketing as simply telling people your story exists.
Here are low-pressure ways to do that:
- Create a Pinterest board with your book aesthetic, character art, and quotes
- Share short snippets or behind-the-scenes posts on Instagram
- Make a mini book trailer using Canva or CapCut
- Post in 1-2 writing or Christian Facebook groups
- Start a simple email list so your readers can follow your journey
Your audience doesn’t need you to be perfect. They need you to be present.
Bonus Tip #1: Pray Over Every Step
This isn’t just a business move. It’s a Kingdom move.
So before you publish, pray.
Before you hit upload, ask for wisdom.
Invite God into the process — not just the writing, but the publishing, the readers, the reach.
“Commit your works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” – Proverbs 16:3
Bonus Tip #2: Create a Backup System (Trust Me)
Save. Everything.
Create folders for:
- Final manuscript
- Cover files
- Blurb and marketing copy
- Logins and publishing info
Use Google Drive, Dropbox, or even an external USB. Don’t rely on just your computer — tech fails, but backups bless.
You don’t need a publishing degree. You don’t need to go viral. You just need a heart that says “yes” and the willingness to learn.
So if you’re staring at your screen wondering if this is possible — it is.
If you’re asking if it’s worth it — it absolutely is.
Because somewhere, someone is waiting for the exact words you were called to write.
And now? You’re going to put them in their hands.
Check out our Publishing Checklist and Avoid the most common mistakes
Stay faithful, stay quirky, and stay writing.
With love and fire,
V.S. Beals
Writer. Watchwoman. Woman of the Word.