Last Updated on December 9, 2025 by NEK Editing

Self-publishing is when an author completes the entire publishing process — writing, editing, proofreading, formatting, cover design, printing, and marketing — independently or by hiring professionals at their expense without the help of a traditional publisher or publishing company.

Here’s a list of the pros and cons of self-publishing:

Pros	Cons
Authors have full ownership of copyrights and royalties	Hiring professionals can be expensive
Authors have full creative control (writing, cover, marketing, etc.)	It can be difficult to manage all of the elements yourself
Higher royalties	Some people may perceive self-published works as lower in quality compared to traditionally published books
Print on Demand	Authors must actively promote their work to gain visibility and sales

Self-Publishing Checklist

The self-publishing checklist outlines the essential steps that a writer must undertake to successfully self-publish their book, which include:

• Write the first draft and revise it
• Seek feedback from writing groups or beta readers
• Based on the feedback, revise again
• Write a book description, dedication, acknowledgments, and author bio
• Send it to a book editor for a developmental edit, incorporating the editor’s suggestions
• Develop a marketing and book launch plan
• Obtain an ISBN(s)
• Secure professionals for cover design and internal book formatting for both print and eBook versions
• Upload the files and book details to a distribution company
• Review the uploaded digital page proofs before finalizing and approving

Self-publishing offers authors a unique opportunity to take full control of their creative work and publishing process, from start to finish. While it comes with challenges, such as managing expenses and handling all elements independently, it also provides unparalleled freedom and ownership.

By carefully following a comprehensive self-publishing checklist and leveraging professional help where needed, authors can produce high-quality books that reflect their vision. With dedication and strategic marketing efforts, self-published authors can carve their path to success and connect directly with their readers.

Let’s work together to make your dream of being a self-published author a reality. Contact NEK Editing if you need help or have questions about self-publishing.