how to self-publish a book (my journey) my book, thoughts on trad. publishing + amazing writing tips

[@goldenros_ss]

THE MOST WAITED AFTER I SAW THE STORY ON INSTAGRAM!!!

[@IgnoranTaco]

I must read this as SOON as it releases!! I don’t even care about my current projects if I possess that book!!!

[@saharadessert8917]

I'm so glad you decided to self publish! I watched your videos throughout self publishing my novel, so without you my debut novel wouldn't be here. I'm so so so so so proud of you! Welcome to the amazing world of Indie Authors! I hope yours gets a lot of sales, as I'm sure it will! Mine only has fifteen, but hey I'm not mad. Again I'm super proud of you! Edit:since someone has shown interest, the title of my book is Sea Monster and its by Naomi Bailey

[@arisu2023s]

tell us the title. I want to check it out 😊

[@saharadessert8917]

​@@arisu2023s Sea Monster by Naomi Bailey 😊

[@chaos2232]

Did you do it as an book or ebook

[@saharadessert8917]

@@chaos2232 I did it as a paperback book

[@jezedrana]

Hi, your book sounds intriguing and I've ordered it just now! :-) I've read another book ("Selkie" by Antonia Neumayer, german) which has also the theme "sea legends". I really liked this book and wanted to read other books in that direction, so I am looking forward to your book

[@gollum.writes]

12:19 this was SO REAL, i mean everyone can read what they want but the popularity of books having an impact on what sells or which books will be allowed to be traditionally published is soo bad sometimes. I don't even want to go to bookstores anymore because all the fantasy books you see there are always the same and have so much smut, it's literally as if you'd read porn. There's so many meaningful and beautiful books out there that do not or can not get enough recognition because of that and it really drives me crazy sometimes... thanks for coming to my rant jia

[@AM-is1jh]

go to a used bookstore and read something other than fantasy and your desires will be easily satisfied

[@gollum.writes]

@@AM-is1jh we don't have a used bookstore where I live and I do read other things than fantasy but this is just something I noticed in general since fantasy is my favorite genre atm, but thanks for your advice

[@RenaissanceRockerBoy]

As someone who finally started reading Mistborn, I highly recommend Brandon Sanderson. Definitely romance, but no egregious terribly written smut. And the fantasy is actually fantasy rather then whatever the hell is going on in these romantasy books.

[@goldenros_ss]

the smut part is so real

[@lovelynorah25]

wait wha-

[@Ilovechocolate-y3d]

AHHH ANA WE'VE MISSED YOU SO MUCH!!! DONT EVER GHOST US LIKE THAT AGAIN!! ( ofc this is a joke take breaks when you need :D) see what i did there tho? Ghost us? Ghostcide? eh nvm.

[@SakuKim710]

Brooo

[@anandaferraresi]

I'm not even done finishing your video, but OH. MY. GOD. YOUR STYLE GIVES SUCH CLASSY AND PROFESSIONAL AND BESTSELLING AUTHOR VIBES! I LOVE YOUR OUTFITS! HOW DO YOU EVEN DO THAT? GIRRRRLLLLL

[@sav_just_yaps]

I’ve been watching your channel for a while now and your book Ghostcide inspired one of my wips which I’m calling One Last Haunt. And I really love how my story is coming along so thank you for the inspiration! ❤️

[@yavvid8520]

I agree with you when you say things about the market. The thing I hate is when a book I'm reading is not about what it says in the blurb. The blurb says it's fantasy or about crime or justice but when I read it I find it's about agorant 2d characters in smut. I also hate how people started writing women, like argument emotional robots, and name them 'independent'. (I'm reading the fourth wing it ain't bad) I miss deep books and romance books where it was about pure love and not just physical contact (aka smut). Good luck on publishing!

[@alex.chrisco]

Please, please be careful what companies you partner with. Spines is undercutting actual human beings and relying on AI for every facet of the publishing process in order to make it "faster." Publishing a book SHOULD take time. You are perfecting your craft and making your book the very best it can be for your readers. Spines is an incredibly sketchy company and I was very surprised to see you partnering with them. The fact that they're sponsoring writers on authortube is in and of itself very alarming. Whether or not to use AI as part of your writing and publishing process is a deeply personal decision and it should not be taken lightly. For the prices they charge, you could easily hire a team of real humans to do the cover design, editing, and formatting. Please be careful if you plan to partner with them for Ghostcide. And even if you aren't using them for your novel, please reconsider promoting this company to your audience.

[@wiwitulips]

Love that you’re on the way to publishing and one day your book will be in our hands!! 💕 Interesting chat about what books with meaning actually are. For example fourth wing actually gave me new and healthier ways to look at and deal with my ptsd, gave me the language to ask for what i need, build up trust in people again, etc. I think that‘s plenty meaningful. So i would say there can be meaning in every book, but it‘s up to the individual. That‘s the great thing about books. But (that being said) i totally agree, i do wish, the industry would be filled with more diverse genres, stories and voices

[@Jen.Editz13]

I love your videos so much!!! I can't wait for you to publish ghostcide! I have a question: How did you get the physical version of the book (to edit)?

[@ananeu]

i got my copy through Amazon's KDP! look it up and there should be videos showing u how to do it :)

[@Jen.Editz13]

@@ananeu Thank you💕

[@heyitsmace]

youre so right about the traditional publishing standards. my wip has little to no romance (it's there, but it's subtle and not the main focal point of the story) but lotsss of found family and platonic relationships and i worry that i'll never get readers because of that. romance is so prevalent in literature today - which im not hating on, i love romance myself lol - but the struggle is real. it's worth asking that people wont consider my book simply because of that :( anyway this video definitely encouraged me to keep writing despite the worries. im so proud of how far youve come and i cannot wait to read ghostcide when it comes out!!

[@michellec99]

Be careful with companies like Spine, they use AI for the services they offer, I know that the inclusion of artificial intelligence is something quite controversial and I am a little surprised that they are even sponsoring writers. It is a personal decision about whether working with artificial intelligence is ethical or not, so only investigate the company very well if you want to work with them, especially if it is with their first novel. Alyssa made a great video explaining how Spines works in case it can help someone. Ps. @ananeu I’m very happy that you have decided to self-publish, congratulations!

[@Barjavelle131]

AHHH I WAITED FOR THIS FOR SO LONG congrats again Ana on your writing/publishing journey!!!

[@alisap3780]

Omg i agree so much with people who only read smut and no deeper literature, personally sometimes something silly is fun but i want to read to nurture my brain not fry it lol Excited for ghostcide

[@Syd_LovesToDraw]

You also post so early! I guess it’s because you live in Australia😅 AHHH I’M SO EXCITED FOR GHOSTCIDE!! I’VE BEEN WAITING SO LONG!!🥳🥳 Congratulations Ana! Your life is literally a dream come true for me! I would love to become an author just as soon as I grow up.🥰❤️

[@callmenina460]

Congrats on everything Ana! I've been watching you for a long time and this is long awaited. Just know that us writerly besties are so proud of you for coming this far! I hope everything goes well for you and I can't wait to read Ghostcide!

[@Claudia-2]

I agree with you about it but some books should just have not such a big meaning. Some people want to just zone out and have fun reading about some dystopian book and have fun. The smut thing is totally right. I hate it when people only ask how much smut there is and would only read it for that!

[@ptolemaeaa]

i can’t even explain how excited i am to read ur book 😭😭😭

[@katelynbarnes2987]

im with you on the colleen hoover bit. i read to escape. i love those deeply artistic worlds that are not there for the sake of romantasy or smut. i dont enjoy them at all, and i totally agree with you. the market is overfilled and saturated with romantasy and smut that i fear publishers will start becoming stricter to appease to readers that only read for the sake of social media; turning reading into fast-fashion of books. i feel horrible walking into a bookstore and feeling pressured by outside influence to buy the next best thing when that is not at all what reading is about. though at the end of the day, reading is reading!

[@d14n47]

You’ve been such as inspiration for me as I’m working on my first novel and watching your videos really motivates me!! Keep it up!!! ❤❤

[@zeldits]

I've only been a subscriber for a few months but you have helped me so muchh 😭 I only just finished the prologue of my book and just starting the chapter 1 and already my friend saw so many mistakes loll but I'm pushing through it and I hope to publish mine before I turn 20! Thanks Ana and I hope your book becomes successful!!

[@Beingmimi0_0]

I am very excited to buy and read your book! I think it’s normal as a writer to think your work sucks, but give yourself some grace-this is your debut novel!! That’s huge. A stepping stone to greatness :) Also, totally agree regarding the industry and how shallow books have become. People will say a book was amazing because it had a lot of smut and an okay plot. Big reason why I don’t read romance. I prefer something deep a that will smell me think on it for days. Not essentially the p-word in writing format 😭

[@rosaenary]

I have been waiting to read your books for so long! Finally!!

[@seaslime1704]

Thank you Ana!! I've been wondering about how you would self publish. Because I want to self publish too.!! And I knew the only person to help me with it is my you.💖💖

[@ekinotlu8455]

i also agree with you on everything you said about the book community and perspective on literature nowadays!

[@callmeriri4706]

GUYS, ik we're all on booktok and shorts and reels and stuff like that, si pls, when u get the opportunity, PROMOTE THE DAMN BOOK WHEN IT COMES OUT, there's literally 102k of us, 4342 who've watched this video. Get on ur devices, get writing, talk about how great the book is (u know, if uve read it that is) and talk about how flipping great the author is. but perhaps don't act so, u know, pleading, focus on the book, not on the fact its needed for ana, but pls overall guys, u can write like spitfire PUT IT TO GOOD USE thx :)

[@ananeu]

awww love thank uuu!!💕🤍

[@Evybooks]

Honestly, Ghostcide is just going to feed into my supernatural/ ghost (Dead boy detectives) hyperfixation. I also get your point of wanting to write a book with meaning, I'd hate it if someone only wants to know if your book has spice in it. Like ''I spend so much time on writing it are you really going to ask if it has spice in it?!''. So excited to read Ghostcide one day.

[@BYE-kv5rh]

I love seeing a novella because I am interested in writing novellas however people are discouraging it saying that it won't sell and be successful like novels.

[@violetjohann]

SO proud of you, Ana. Really looking forward to checking out this book. I'm working on my debut novel and I'm excited for it so far.

[@eazya_10]

Omgg Ana congrats! I'm so happy for youu You actually motivated me so much and thanks to you, I started writing and am happy with telling people that I write. I am also so thankful for the entire writing community that you have created! (All those writers in the comments) I have been motivated so much and I just wanted to thank you and the entire community that you have created. Thanks so much💞

[@josiewalmsley17]

I'm so excited to read your book!! I've written since like the 4th grade but I used to be really bad back then and I never really finished a book- right now I'm around 170 pages through the first draft of my current book (63k words I think) and I've kind of hit a wall and I've felt less inspired to write recently, but your videos inspire me to keep writing a lot and you're like my favorite writing KZbinr. Ghosticide's cover looks so cool!!

[@rhiannon_lily]

I'm SCREAMING I can't wait to read ghostcide!!! ive been following you since the beginning of your writing journey and im so excited for you! ilysm bestie you've inspired me to work on my wips again!

[@sunshine_thaoo]

Omg, I can’t wait for your novel! I started writing shortly before I discovered your channel and what’s amazing is that I listened to your advice and tips for my story. Milanote and Campfire were really helpful!! It made me brainstorm a lot! I also used artbreeder! ❤

[@katlovestowrite]

I'm so excited for Ghostcide!!

[@TocaMia-jr1mj]

I miss when she used to rainbow loom 😢

[@Notvalhzi]

You absolutely sold me to get your debut novel I’M SO EXCITED FOR GHOSTCIDE OMG 😭

[@emilydickinson8331]

I am really excited for such videos because im in the editing/publishing process of my debut novel too. I love books that doesnt like fit into a popular genre, im writing western for example and i def going to check out spines. I could find sm of myself in this vid so thank you sm. I cant wait to read ghostcide

[@ashleyswritingcorner]

love love love this ana! was truly encouraging for me to watch as i want to self-publish but can feel daunting as idk what i'm doing lol love and miss you saur much🤎

[@seaslime1704]

You just inspired me to continue write my debut novel that's half way finished. thank you ❤

[@KreepyKrysta]

I don’t mind the “fast books”, but I am considering writing a fantasy novel where fairies are more like Jim Henson monsters and less like Sarah Maas’s faeries that are basically humans with superpowers. I didn’t mind Acotar, but I loved Cruel Prince by Holly Black more because there were rules for magic, and it had a more fairy tale vibe.

[@chaennelchaennel]

the blurb inspires me so much, I'm adding your book to my wishlist fo' sure!!

[@eirisua]

I totally understand the part of feeling frustrated with, romfan books especially, being only about the smut and having no deeper meaning. I’m currently writing a romfan with a bit a smut, but it’s meant to be a book that shows how expectations and pressure overwhelm and kill a persons self worth, as well as relationships aren’t only about wholesome topic and sometimes the rough arguments are what help you and your partner grow. I personally love all genre of books but I especially love ones with a deeper meaning even if it’s fun and games. I don’t plan on publishing but if I ever do I hope my book doesn’t get buried under the aspects of it that are overwhelming the book market.

[@paulinaluebbertgarza4953]

I love your videos, they are always so inspiring, aesthetic and calm vibes. I always out them for get inspiration to write my novel, even though I haven't started yet, is so difficult for me 😢. But you are great congratulations for your debut novel!!

[@deo9424]

As time goes on, I enjoy your videos more and more. Good job.

[@luna_balloona09]

OMGG.. I love weird books sm. Im working on a book called The Daughter of Three Queens where all the characters are insects!!

[@SilverXT]

Smart idea to self publish. I did that in May and am so happy to not be waiting on other people's approval. Now onto book 2.

[@Dvrkling]

Ever since I watched your videos, and heard about your book, I've been excited to read it. And I CANNOT wait to buy it

[@AvaRamirez-lt5ql]

Ur such an inspiring author Ana!! I'm working on a book myself (writing my 1st draft), and ur videos have helped me so much

[@dolliedolln]

SHE'S BACK

[@snowman4821]

That blurb was ENCHANTING

[@chushinijhowry327]

I can't wait!! I want to read Ghostcide!!!!

[@bluefeel]

you have helped me so much! thank you!!! you have given me the confidence i need with all of your tips.

[@LunaOdellWrites]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who adds a ton of words during editing haha!! Since I've started editing my own novel the word count shot up as well, by about 13,000 words! Editing has been such a weird process XD

[@mig3153]

WOOHOOOO GOOOOOOOOOO ANAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Ok, so ive been watching you sinec I started writing- 2 years ago. Whether it's been your shorts, or videos, ive loevd your channel! You have always inspired me, espically sinec I'm a young writer as well. And ive also been sooooooo excietd for ghostcide!!!!!!!! AND OMGGGGGGG this debut novel of yours is fantastic! As soon as it comes out, I'm reading it! Keep on striving, and thank you for your videos!!!!! Writer besties!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mehekuppal]

HI ANA!!! i love your channel and your books, hope to be like u someday, luv ya !!

[@linzeeiscreating]

I’m also going to self publish! I can’t wait to read your book!!!!!

[@Um2ii]

I'll buy this book! Girlie, you did soooo well!!❤

[@kelleyiswriting]

Love this video!! I'm so excited to read GHOSTCIDE. Publishing your first book is such a feat!! You're doing amazing :)

[@charbeany1570]

Bro the ending of the blurb I was like I need to know more so yea I’m getting hopefully!

[@DeffintlyNotDalin]

Im literally so excited for your book to come out!!! I love the vibes ahhh! 🤍🤍

[@dea4128]

so excited to read it!!

[@Lolee56]

You can be into literature and smut. Not everyone fits into only one of those groups

[@krenko-]

I watched this within ten minutes of it being uploaded but forgot to comment, oops! I meant to say I love that cover, Ana! I though the "no resale" band around the middle was actually part of it though XD I was like, woah, that's cool and different.

[@MariJadeWrites]

Hi, Ana! Thanks for this video, I am working on proofreading my debut soon, exciting and a little scary to have my book so close to being completely done! :)

[@jadaguy6346]

I cant wait until ur book comes out! You inspire me to write and create everyday! I wish I could make your cover and be apart of ur process but I know it'll be amazing ❤❤

[@wrennie1532]

I just restarted my novel to change from 3rd to first person after over 60 pages (which is nowhere near the goal, but inpressive for me)

[@wolfiegirlxox]

Did you hire an artist for the cover?

[@k1k1-was-here]

Hi! I wanted to hear your thoughts on my first sentence of a novel im currently starting. It goes like this: On the day Alexander Hartmann got the idea of building an academy, the clouds on the sky were painted with a brighter white, and the world had felt just a little bit less depressing.

[@Thegirlwiththebooks-]

AHH I JUST UPLOADED THE SAME KIND OF VIDEO XD Also I totally agree with the part needing books with some substance. I’ve written an atmospheric fantasy-horror dealing with very dark themes like abuse and assault ( I think the book also doesn’t really fit into the expectations of its genre) and I already know that books like this won’t exactly ‘blow up’. I could really relate to the things you said. Good to have such discussions ;)

[@sofiawithanfwrites]

MISSED YOU ANA!!! Can't wait for ghostcide to come out! ❤

[@ekinotlu8455]

so excited to read it after all this time !

[@itzcupcakegurl9857]

OMG you have no idea how excited for ghostcide I am 😊

[@HudaFaruqui]

Also Ana, your outfit is so pretty 🫶

[@Nya167]

Will your book be available as an E book? Or on a online library like libby? I want to read it but I'm not sure if I'll be able to purchase the book atm

[@azarune.6]

I love your vids anaa i hope all ur books will be successful ❤❤

[@somehistorynerd]

how do I get my book some more exposure? I'm really limited in my critique pool to just friends and family and would really like a wider scope.

[@Joce._cult344]

I love your videos ana !!❤

[@kahina3750]

You dont have friends to betaread your work ????? GIIIIRL YOU HAVE 102K FRIENDS WHAT ARE YOU SAYING ?????❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (I seriously can’t wait to read your book Ana it’s killing me!!!)

[@0915SJ]

this video was very insightful, thank you for sharing your thoughts on the writing and publishing industry! Keep up the great work and I can’t wait to read Ghostcide when its ready 😊😊 by the way, I checked the description of this video but didn’t find the link to your poet friend’s substack? Would you mind adding it? 😊

[@colorpan91]

Where is your necklace from? Its so cute!

[@gwensdiary_xoxo]

been here since the beginning remember us when you're a new york times bestselling author!! as soon as this releases drop the link :)

[@ayushyt762]

I wish your dedication pays off, along with thanks for your videos Btw I am currently writing my first book " The Crystal Forest" I plan upload in Wattpad

[@aycaemma]

i love this video so much. ana, if there's one thing i need to do before i die, it's read your book. i'm rooting for you every step of the way!! 🖤🖤 p.s. i totally agree with your argument about the saturated market 😌

[@savyjoe]

I would love to read ur book seriouslyyyy

[@Wintersnowi]

I’ll totally read and buy if it’s available online

[@Fairytopiaao]

I love the cover so much 😍

[@Ishruu111]

ARGHH I WANNA GET THIS SO BAD AFTER IT RELEASESS

[@Books.And.Hot.Chocolate.7]

Def getting a copy once it’s released

[@_wwisteria]

Honestly, I feel really disappointed when I see recommended/popular books that really look good, or may even have a great potential to be amazing, be smut driven rather than character or even plot driven and I'm not hating whatsoever, I just feel like reading recommended books that do not require smut like nearly all the time would be so much better, and I don't see that anymore. Like where's the drama, the romance, the fantasy, the mystery, the thriller?? Sorry if you think I'm hating, I'm just want to express my opinion. BTW I'M SO EXCITED FOR YOUR BOOK AHHH!!!

[@bluemacaroons]

this is so cool omggg

[@zenebornman7917]

Hi, Ana! I just wanted to say I've always wanted to read Ghostcide, so proud of you for having the confidence to share it and publish it. Also, you are so silly and fun, your vibe just makes me giggle 🤭 Did you create your cover yourself and with what platform or get a designer? I pray all the best on your journey, and SO MUCH LOVE. 🖤👻😍

[@mal_thespygirl]

I need advice from everyone. I was brainstorming ideas for my main character’s story when I had the idea to write her backstory as a actual story, though from her older brother and sister’s point of view so in future stories the main character still reveals stuff the reader didn’t know. I started to question “What was the point of writing the backstory for the reader to read if it’s not from the main character’s point of view and that there’s stuff still not revealed?” The question I’m asking everyone is if I should continue with this idea, if I should just write it from the main character’s view, or if I should just not write it at all?

[@Doramascovery]

I'm learning English because of you >3

[@WynterRyot]

There's nothing like a good editor. I have 2 I work with. I'm a good storyteller but I'm awful editing. I overlook things easy.

[@ananeu]

period bestie🤍 even the best writers need some help!!

[@xbfwqqjaw]

im soo excitedd!!! trust i'm gonna be the first buyer girl. and congrats, you've come a long way!! The idea of ghosticide lowkey reminds me of the raven cycle idk why😭💖 Edit: the smut part LMAO

[@BlueBelle277]

Ahhhh I want more details 🎉🎉 like who designed the cover?!?

[@tessok6094]

Idea for finding beta readers: maybe you could recruit some subscribers/followers? That’s what Julianne Pepper did for finding alpha readers! She had a Google form and stuff

[@katethedimensionexplorer273]

Kinda true, I've seen a few writers on here working on romantasy, romance, and dark academia romance. I wanna see more in fantasy in general, more cool worlds, simple plots with high and low stakes and unique races wether thier aliens or weird creatures.