9 Steps to Self-Publishing a Book in 2022: A Beginners Guide to Writing & Selling Books

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Self-publishing a book this year? Learn how to format your book yourself with my online course: bit.ly/formattingcourse

[@joshuadoughty3817]

I have written a book about me growing up in Lancaster County PA in leola my is Josh doughty

[@cressidaclarence7420]

I have nothing useful to say, I just wanted to tell you that I loved this video! It is full of useful information, but doesn’t speak down to people. Thank you for putting in so much work to share your information!

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@VideoNash]

Cressida: You did say something useful. 🙂 Your comment made me listen to the rest of the video. Have you ever considered doing product or book reviews? That might be a really good place to build your confidence and then grow from there. Sometimes I feel that I have nothing useful to say as well, But maybe that's wrong... Maybe this can be of some use to you. Good luck.

[@sarahbeck5418]

Finally I found a tutor that I can understand and follow. I'm working on publishing a book for the first time.

[@HiredShinobe]

Hey Mandi, I am so glad I found your channel. Just brilliant!

[@MandiLynnWrites]

I'm so excited to be publishing this video series! This is the first of many videos so make sure to subscribe and let me know if there are topics you want to be covered in this video series!

[@denisethistlewaitesuitnsne923]

Finding your series is a true gift! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I look forward to continuing this deep dive with you to learn how to turn my draft into my dream!

[@akmanirina]

do you have a video on how to make a simple notebook with blank sheets and a cover? thanks

[@MandiLynnWrites]

I do! Right here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqG9fH-lqtuoqbc

[@motleyassortment5512]

I am trying to put a book together right now, but it will take awhile to come to completion. I have saved all your videos on my playlist for future reference. They are all very informative and helpful !

[@florarude3189]

Can you also share in a video how do you send your physical books to the bookstores to sell?

[@TheImpossibleCube]

I am LITERALLY SPEECHLESS. This is the one and only video in all of KZbin that can keep me 100% engaged in a full 21 minutes besides nature documentaries and movies! OMG you are so good at this. I am a young teenager looking forwards to finish editing and publish my book. It's about a dolphin and a girl taking place in Japan, trying to get humans to decline their efforts on the environment while another dolphin, the antagonist, threatens to throw a battle between humans and the dolphins. The biggest challenge is respecting culture and trying to do less on cruelty and violence, while also weaving an engaging plot. I really like science too, as this is my science channel I'm using rn, and yes I really like to include it mix-match with fantasy. Also, I'd love if you can do a tutorial on something like this, and formatting on Atticus too. Thank you so much for producitng such great content and I look forwards to checking out all your other videos 💖

[@Mwdi-z5o]

Great information! Thank you so much this helped a lot.

[@denisethistlewaitesuitnsne923]

Thank you Mandi! I’ve been on the fence about moving forward to write a book for years and you’ve given me the inspiration to get started. I look forward to watching the rest of your series, although right now I’m only on step two. Ha. So I’m hoping to tune back in in the next three to six months once I have my first draft written. You’re a gem! Thanks for all of the practical information on all of your videos!

[@themarketingspirit]

Thank you 😊 GREAT video that provided a TON OF VALUE!!

[@chambersstevens3135]

This is my 2nd Mandi Lynn video. Love her. So honest and helpful. Thanks!

[@cybertaiga9534]

Very informative video. Thank you for sharing.

[@ericaanderson6889]

Will you do a video on how to format a book with Atticus?

[@davidcaan709]

Hello Mandi, I really like content of your channel and the clarity you provide of the publishing process. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@victoriavirgo]

So happy to have discovered you. I need help! lol. I have published several (20+) short stories under a pen name but I have done next to nothing to promote them, hence very little in sales. As an introvert, I hate the idea of self-promotion but I look forward to picking up tips that hopefully suit my personality and will help make more sales. Thank you 😀

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Be sure to check out this playlist for marketing ideas: kzbin.info/aero/PLZpcZ9u8pb_oeEOdhC6ZH7BDqw_Sk02iR

[@authordaltonsmith3378]

Victoria once you get the hang of it, you will learn that self-publishing is not that difficult and you will learn useful ways to promote your stories, that work best for you.

[@CovenGraphics]

I had help publishing my first book, i just want DIY instruction for the rest, thank you for the series

[@pacoperez8827]

Hey, I am following you now! I am writing a book in spanish and it seems to me that, based on your advice, Amazon´s Kindle sound good for me. Thank you a lot and we will keep on touch for sure. Love from México!

[@AlyssaMatesic]

I'm so excited to see the rest of this series! Waiting at the edge of my seat for more 😁😁

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Very soon!

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Watch the next video in the series, Step by Step Self-Publishing with KDP: Book Publishing on Amazon: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYuXhnabl9F1psk

[@kellsliving3220]

how do i write a book i want to write a book about my mom death ☠️ and how i grew up as a child until now

[@mentorsamericanacademy]

Thank you Mandi for your videos. I am so glad I found these, they are so informative and helpful!

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Glad you like them!

[@joshuadoughty3817]

I have written a book about me growing in PA in Lancaster County in leola

[@luisbarrera4548]

How do u format your book interior using google docs??

[@sallyalter6003]

Great video. I can't wait for the next one. I published my first book on Amazon in June last year and have sold over 250 copies now. It is non-fiction. I have since finished the first draft of my second book which is also non-fiction and am raring to go. I have done very little in the way of marketing and don't have an author platform .That is something that escapes me. But thank you for everything you are explaining, it is a great help to many people.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

250 books is awesome! Especially if you say you don't have much of a platform!

[@sallyalter6003]

@@MandiLynnWrites No, I wish I had an author platform. I have a website but don't think anybody goes to it. I have given up on marketing because I don't seem to have the knack. But it is doing well. I have sold 43 books so far this month, so I am quite happy. Now on the second draft of the next book.

[@joshuamusyimi3467]

Hello Sally. Congratulations on your success so far. Am just curious on the marketing strategies you use to market.

[@petepalmere210]

Hi Mandi, I've published one non-fiction book through KDP not expecting to sell much but to gain knowledge of the process. I am wondering though what software you use to write and design your covers. Thanks for your very informative videos.

[@johnparnham5945]

Two good decisions that I made were purchasing Atticus for formatting and Hiring a designer from reedsy. At first, O hired a local artist for my cover but it wasn't right . My current designer is perfect and she has got it just right, My books are middle grade and she has hit the target. I have used kdp and draft to digital.

[@antoniodossantos5960]

Thanks Mandi 🌎 very nice video. Greetings from Colombia. The Venezuelan Immigrant writer 🇻🇪

[@thefearlessfemalepod]

This is really helpful, do you have any videos on how to have it on audiobook also?

[@Exayevie]

I know my market… and I know it’s not robust enough to sustain a career lol I’m one of those genre crossing people, and I’m aware that marketing my usual ideas would be tough-to-impossible… but I LIKE the story. I want it to exist.

[@lejitthewastelandprince8550]

A wealth of information in this video thank you!

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lejitthewastelandprince8550]

@@MandiLynnWrites thank you I am writing my 1st novel and while I’m an experienced writer have never written nor completed a book before… my mind is wide open and will probably be looping back

[@nicksilver_music]

Ya... I'm writing poetry, still learned alot from the video, but I'm still searching for a video to help with designing the book around the poems, formating, etc

[@aminaassannam9865]

Thank you very much!

[@tamaranowak1571]

I have a local printing company and graphic designer who are both doing a super job with my children's book. My question relates to an ISBN and barcode. Can I go through KDP to get an ISBN and still have it printed by my local printing company, or does it have to be printed through KDP? Thank you in advance for your response.

[@sayedhassen7651]

Very useful!

[@maeheller9657]

Thank you so much for this clear explanation of the overall publishing process!!

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelgreen4935]

You're good. New sub here, I even clicked the thumbs-up button. I heard yesterday that before publishing you must check for copyrights. Is that true even on medium-content books?

[@motleyassortment5512]

When you have publishing companies distribute and ship books to customers like Ingraham Sparks and BARNES and NOBLES, how you know how many books have been sold?

[@radom6265]

Looking to publish my first book in 2023 and you gave me the confidence from 1 vid-subbed! My book is a collection of poems very reminiscent of Shel Silverstein. Any experience in procreate for a project like this? On to the next vid! 😊

[@TheImpossibleCube]

whats the book title? i'd love to check it out

[@motleyassortment5512]

What you think about Baby Book?

[@trader7598]

thx for ur information

[@roxandra2010]

You are amazing! 💝So happy to discover you. I started writing ✍️ my book 3 years ago but never had the courage to publish it. 🙊🤔👀I decided to make some changes and have 2 books in the end. Your video is so useful! 🤩🤗🤝 Thank you so much!👍🥳

[@adamjscholte583]

Oh wow, this is the coolest timing. I have almost finished the last editing on the first novel of my fantasy series. Cover art is done, all I need is knowledge on what to do next.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

How exciting! Hope you find my videos helpful!

[@adamjscholte583]

@@MandiLynnWrites I always do, and your enthusiasm is so cool.

[@socratesmunro8257]

What genre is. Song of Ice and Fire? Having seen GOT the series, as it covers a wide range of genres, historical, world building, sci-fi, action……

[@noelmaronilla9217]

I want to have a copy of your book launch planner

[@kashrusanytime2773]

does one need the Adobe program in order to do the fomatting course, it's a monthly charge

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Yes, the course is specific to Adobe InDesign

[@jenniferlevy1018]

Hello, I’m trying to publish a poetry book on Amazon kdp. I want to publish a paperback. Is there anywhere to find a poetry formatting template? Thank you so much

[@johnjasiewicz7390]

Thank you for the video. In terms of hardware which is the best system for you - PC/Windows, MAC or Chrome/Android/Linux?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

I use a PC, but that's personal perveance.

[@grimmssocalledlife4140]

I have a question. I have half of my main book written already and I’m going to create a series after that it is based on my life. Someone told me to get it copyrighted first

[@MandiLynnWrites]

You don't file for copyright until the book is already written and about to be published.

[@thediscoverworkshop_asmr1096]

Thanks Mandi... I'm trying to write a series of booklets. I've got my first booklet draft for the series complete, & my cover graphic (As well as a bunch of other graphics that tie into it all). Should I see some editors & publishers with this one booklet/draft in the series? or should I write the whole series of drafts & then see the editors & publishers? The genre is partly history & partly culture, so I'm not sure exactly what type of genre I should call it. Probably history I think.

[@essenceblakemore6734]

Hey there would you say this still applies in 2024?

[@theverseshed]

No mention of Lulu?

[@nikkypage2728]

what is to stop an "editor" from plagiarising your book before it is published? I know they sign a confidentiality contract but if they change the story somehow, so it is not exactly the same, then they could copy your book away from you without breaching the confidentiality contract. Could they not?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

They could, but you could say the same about anyone who reads your book.

[@ArtTaggerr-223]

How about copyright your best draft before finding an editor…wouldn’t that provide some protection?

[@Carolinespeacetv]

14:38 hi may i ask the dimensions of the book in your hands?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

8.5 x 5.5

[@Moments_by_Mark_Photography]

Any suggestions for Print on Demand companies that will distribute a 10 x 8 landscape children's book (hardcover and softcover)? I already formatted my book for that size which I thought was common across the board. Obviously, not for POD. Your tutorials are superb!

[@juliemcelwain5076]

I've been traditionally published, but now want to go the Indie route. Your videos have been invaluable, especially your comparison of the different platforms to publish. I'm leaning towards KDP, but am concerned that will turn off retailers/libraries (where my books do well). Ingram's bad customer service terrifies me. Do you have any thoughts on Bookbaby for print books?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

I've never worked with BookBaby. I was looking into them when I made this series of videos, but it looks like they do more bulk printing than anything else. But honestly I don't know much about them

[@VanIyke]

Will u also talk about Bookbaby?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

I don't think so. They aren't a very widely used platform. I might cover Lulu if enough people request it.

[@stephaniecurreri8831]

Hi! I’m so excited for this series. I’m working on self publishing my first book. I was wondering if you have any insight into Kindle Create for interior formatting?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

I've messed around with it a little, but I prefer to use more professional formatting software's where I can customize everything. However, I believe if an author wants to DIY, Kindle Create should get the job done.

[@joseromero9933]

Awesome video new sub,im trying to learn how to publish and copyright. I have material for my first book

[@dixiemerchant1052]

Impressive!

[@britt3044]

I have completed the editing process, just waiting on one last beta read. Step 6: Cover Design & Book formatting. Which of those comes first? Also , does formatting also include book matter? Will I still have to write my own book matter content and havethe copyright submission first?

[@reemasingh7374]

Hey Mandi!! Loved Your videos and specially because all your videos are very much upto dates. All the things and plateforms you talked about is very much upto date and I've some suggestions you can talk about how to apply for Bookbub Deal and Amazon Ads how to run them successfully and even after months and running them and then creating new ones. Also if there's any way to have many reviews on Amazon if there's any way at all lol like a trick or something. Another thing can you please make a video if a debut author should go Amazon exclusive or should they go wide. I'm very confused. Thank you for teaching everything. Waiting for the print quality video

[@albertkline1731]

What do you think about the Bookwright that Blurb uses. Can I use this format to publish across other platforms? I wrote a book using it and when you upload they only give you 15 days to buy? I assigned an ISBN of my own and then realized it has to be 'clear by itself' on the back cover , I reupload it and then says I've already used that ISBN? So frustrating.

[@albertkline1731]

So I've printed my book, only 80 pages and cost $71. It's called a 'photobook' because it has photos? Trying to figure out how to decrease the cost, etc. Would love to hear from you.

[@lucillevalentino4605]

Hello, I just joined your channel. I have not watched all of your videos yet. Do you write your own books or do you use AI?

[@therealmarknelson]

I created a video course on how to become a life coach. Can I put that info a book.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Absolutely! People use books to upsell courses all the time.

[@mattgamingyt6252]

Im also writing a book

[@bidemiariyo4707]

Wow 😳

[@authorkristinealyse]

This video is amazing and incredibly helpful. Wow. I learned so much in just 20 minutes! going to check out the save the cat book as well as your book series! thank you so much, Mandi :)

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Glad it was helpful!

[@snppyfirecracker0564]

I want to get my book published so bad now. When I've tried to get it published originally back in 2017, they've rejected it. They said I could never be like Stephen king. My parents dejected my taste in horror. And I rewrote my book in 2019. The original drafts (rough and final) where written between 2016-mid 17. My parents threw away the 800 page rough draft. Resident evil A new dawn is a revision of the Jill Valentine campaign for CapCom's 2016 Resident Evil HD Remastered game. The final draft was 500 pages, 300 less. I am working for the sixth time on the novel and I want this to be a seven book series. We used to have Word, but it cost money so we use WordPad. I write maybe 1,000 words a day, and am on the third chapter. I wake up at 9:00 am and work until 6:00 pm and I take occasional breaks. This video is real help. Thank you.

[@shivasheawrites]

While I do think this is a good video, I do think that another thing to focus on most importantly over all is making sure you focus on the story that you are trying to tell. Get the story down and finished before marketing. Because you aren't going to have sales or good reviews if you don't have a good story to tell. And sometimes it can take years to finish writing a book. And don't be afraid to let it take years to finish writing the book your heart desires to tell. Otherwise everything with the marketing afterwords isn't going to work if people read and see that the book isn't worth it. The story to me is more important than marketing and being in the present with your story is a little more important than looking ahead and focusing only on the marketing itself. Writing a book and going straight to the marketing needs to take a long time and not rushed. And it's something that I've been learning myself. Because I always want things done right away.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

Such a great point!

[@shivasheawrites]

@@MandiLynnWrites Thank you, it's something my Dad always helps me to remember when I think to far ahead and I figured if newbie writers were watching this they'd want know this too so they aren't rushing their story. :D

[@joshuamusyimi3467]

Great point. Do you have any published books?

[@hiltonlarry]

What about pictures? I have over 50 pictures in my 290 page book.

[@ucdisoccer]

Why not get your own website & sell your book digitally as passive income? Promote it on social media.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

By publishing on Amazon and other retailers, you tap into a search engine and have direct access to shoppers in a way you can't if you publish just through your website.

[@ucdisoccer]

@@MandiLynnWrites ok I see something to look into thanks

[@GuyTheArtist]

Proper layout is my biggest worry

[@deannagreen2006]

I need support turning my story into a book but I don't trust people online 8/10/24 .

[@FariborzDonnelly]

Allahu Akbar! This video is so powerful.

[@davidtom6120]

Attractive writer , I am Thamir from Baghdad.

[@LolaTjendraputra-xb5of]

what do you think of Xlibris Publishing on Demand

[@epicherbalism]

Love the info but it looks like a full time job to write a book 😭

[@jaybrackett]

You sound like you know what your doing. I want to publish my first novel, but there are too many things I don't know and don't have the time to work them out. I am 75 years old and can't afford to waste any more time. However, I would be happy to pay you to help me get my book published. I have several color paintings that I want included. If you would contact me so we could talk, I would love to discuss this. If no, please tell me so. Thank you, JB

[@VideoNash]

@ Cressida's comment: You did say something useful. 🙂 Your comment made me listen to the rest of the video. Have you ever considered doing product or book reviews? That might be a really good place to build your confidence and then grow from there. Sometimes I feel that I have nothing useful to say as well, But maybe that's wrong... Maybe this can be of some use to you. Good luck.

[@Lighthousenation]

🏜

[@RayMarsRover]

"The Book Launch Planner" that you show at about 4:35 is not yet available at Amazon Books. Where did you buy your copy?

[@MandiLynnWrites]

I'm currently in the process of pre-publishing the planner. You can find all of them here: thebooklaunchplanner.com/