How to Publish a Book in 2025

The latest strategies for landing a deal or going indie in today’s publishing landscape.

---

You’ve finished writing your book—congratulations! Now comes the next big challenge: getting it published.

Whether you dream of seeing your book in a bookstore window or want full control over your creative journey, there are several paths to making it happen. Think of it as a choose-your-own adventure story—one where you decide the ending.

There are three primary ways to get your book out into the world, and each publishing route has its own benefits:

1. Traditional publishing: This is the approach most writers envision when they think of getting a book published: securing an agent, negotiating a deal with a publishing house, and seeing your book in bookstores.

2. Self publishing: This route allows for complete independence. You’ll have full control over all aspects of your book’s production and distribution.

3. Hybrid publishing: With this option, you work with a company that supports you through the process. It is a middle ground that provides professional assistance while allowing you to retain some creative control.

Choosing the best publishing route depends on your goals and preferences, and understanding each option will help you decide which approach is right for your book and your career.

How to publish a book traditionally

Traditional publishing is the most well known of all the publishing options, and it’s still a major force in the publishing industry. This route involves securing an agent, getting a publishing deal, and working with a professional team to produce the best book possible.

If you want to see your book in bookstores with the backing of an established publisher, here’s how to make it happen.

Step 1: Decide if you need a literary agent

One of the first decisions in pursuing traditional publishing is whether to get a literary agent. In most cases, if you want to work with a major publishing house, you’ll need an agent to represent you.

Agents have the industry connections to get your manuscript in front of editors at established publishers, negotiate contracts, and help guide you through the publishing process. An agent can also help you refine your book to ensure it’s the best version before submission.

However, for smaller or independent presses, a literary agent may not be necessary, as these publishers often accept submissions directly from authors.

Weighing your publishing options will help you determine if having an agent is the right path for your book. If your goal is to reach the bigger players in the publishing industry, getting an agent is usually the first step.

Step 2: Pitch to publishers and/or agents

Once you’ve decided whether you need a literary agent, the next step is to start pitching. This is your chance to make a strong first impression on the gatekeepers of the publishing industry—whether that’s an agent or a publisher.

For fiction works like short stories, young adult, or science fiction, you’ll usually start by sending a query letter. This letter serves as an introduction to your book, including a synopsis of the story, why it’s a good book, and what makes it unique. The goal is to capture their interest enough for them to request your full manuscript.

Remember, agents and publishers receive countless submissions, so a clear, engaging query letter is key to standing out.

For nonfiction books, you’ll need to put together a book proposal. This proposal should include sample chapters, a table of contents, and details about the target audience. You may want to use a book proposal template to make sure you include all the necessary components. Think of it as a way to convince the publisher that your book is marketable and worth investing in. If you’re writing something like self-help or a children’s book, be sure to highlight what makes your work unique and why there’s an audience for it.

Regardless of the type of book, agents or publishers may ask for revisions to align with market demands, and being open to feedback is an important part of the publishing process.

Make sure to follow each agent’s guidelines precisely. This attention to detail can make or break your chances of advancing in the process. Whether you’re sending in a science fiction epic, a young adult novel, or a self-help guide, crafting a strong pitch with a clear query letter or book proposal is essential for making that all-important first impression.

Step 3: Sign a book contract

Once your pitch has impressed a publishing house, you’ll receive a publishing deal—this is when things start to get real.

Signing a book contract is a crucial step in making your first book a reality. The contract outlines the terms of your book deal, including advance payments, royalties, and deadlines.

Look for clauses such as English language rights, which determines in what languages and regions your book will be distributed. If your book is successful, this could also open opportunities for translations into other languages. Additionally, rights for other formats, like audiobook rights, might be included, so it’s essential to understand all the clauses.

This is where having an agent really pays off—they help negotiate the best possible terms with the publishing house and ensure you’re getting a fair deal. Agents work to secure favorable terms for you, including royalties, subsidiary rights, and control over elements like audiobook production.

If this is your first book, it’s especially helpful to have a knowledgeable advocate to navigate the legal language and ensure you’re protected.

Once you’ve signed the paperwork, you’ll officially be on your way to seeing your work published and available to readers.

Step 4: Prepare for release

With the publishing contract signed, it’s time to get your book ready for its big debut. Preparing for release involves a number of key elements that will make your book as polished and appealing as possible. Here’s how to make sure everything is ready before it hits the shelves:

• Cover design: Work with your publisher to create an eye-catching cover that fits your book’s theme and appeals to your target audience. A strong cover can make a huge difference in grabbing readers’ attention.

• Blurbs: Gather endorsements from established authors or notable figures in your field. These blurbs help build credibility and generate interest in your book. Reach out to industry contacts, or let your publisher handle some of the outreach by sending early copies.

• Proof copies: Review proof copies of your book to catch any remaining typos or errors. This is your last chance to ensure everything is perfect before the final version goes to print.

• Final preparation: Once the cover design, blurbs, and final copy are ready, your book will be set to make its debut and reach readers.

Step 5: Book launch and marketing

Most authors assume that the publisher will handle all the marketing for their book, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Even if you’re working with a traditional publishing house, you need to take an active role in promoting your book. The success of your book depends largely on your ability to drive awareness and generate excitement—ultimately boosting book sales.

Here’s how to market your book effectively:

• Create a marketing strategy: Develop a clear book marketing strategy that combines both online and offline efforts to boost book sales. Plan how you’ll reach your audience, build excitement, and promote your book.

• Utilize social media: Use social media to build a following and connect with readers. Regularly post content related to your book, engage with your audience, and generate interest in your launch. Social media is one of the most powerful tools for getting your book noticed.

• Reach out to bookstores: Connect with local bookstores to arrange book signings or events. Retailers like Barnes & Noble can be valuable partners in getting your book in front of new readers, especially if they stock print books and support local authors.

• Pitch to media and bloggers: Contact media outlets, bloggers, and book reviewers to promote your book. A well-crafted pitch can help you get featured in articles, podcasts, or blogs, boosting visibility.

• Host a launch event: Organize a virtual or in-person book launch event to generate buzz. Inviting your audience to celebrate your release helps create momentum and increases exposure during this crucial time.

• Aim big: A strong launch can lead to big opportunities. If you want to be a New York Times bestseller, getting a significant number of sales early on is key. Focus on making a big splash with your initial release to help propel your book to success.

By taking an active role in promoting your book—both online and offline—you can ensure your story reaches as many readers as possible, setting the stage for a successful launch.

How to self publish a book

Self-publishing is an empowering way to bring your own book to life. With a few simple steps, you can take complete control of the publishing journey—from writing to marketing—and join the growing ranks of indie authors and creative entrepreneurs.

The self-publishing process may seem overwhelming at first, but breaking it down makes it achievable for anyone ready to share their story with the world. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Editing and proofreading

The first step in self-publishing is ensuring your manuscript is polished and ready for readers. For self-published authors, a well-edited book is crucial to making a strong impression and building credibility. Editing involves several layers, and here’s how to approach it:

• Beta readers: Start by sharing your manuscript with beta readers—trusted individuals who can give honest feedback on the story, characters, and pacing. This step helps identify areas for improvement before you dive into more intensive edits. Alternatively, hire a development editor to help with this part of the process.

• Professional editor: Once you’ve made changes based on beta reader feedback, consider hiring a professional editor. A good editor will provide copyediting services to help fine-tune your writing, correct typos, and ensure consistency throughout the manuscript. This is especially important for self-published books, where quality often determines how well your book is received.

• Proofreading: The final step is proofreading, which ensures there are no lingering errors. Typos and mistakes can be a major turnoff for readers, so having a polished manuscript is essential for success.

In addition to editing, pay close attention to your book title and subtitle. A compelling title can make all the difference in catching a reader’s eye and effectively conveying what your book is about.

Step 2: Design your cover

A well-designed book cover is one of the most important elements of a successful self-published book. It’s the first thing potential readers see, and it plays a major role in whether they decide to pick up your book or scroll past it.

A compelling book cover design can make your book stand out in a crowded market and instantly convey the genre, tone, and professionalism of your work.

For a professional-looking cover, consider hiring a graphic designer experienced in book cover design. A designer can ensure your cover is eye-catching, genre-appropriate, and formatted correctly for both digital and print versions.

Though not recommended, if you choose to create your own cover, use high-quality images and design tools like Canva or Adobe Photoshop, and make sure the layout is clean and engaging.

Your cover should also include a strong title and subtitle, along with appealing typography that fits the mood of your book. Think about your audience and what they expect—if it’s a science fiction book, your design should reflect that; if it’s a romance, the cover should match those conventions.

Remember, a good book cover is not just decoration—it’s a marketing tool that attracts readers and sets their expectations for what lies within.

Step 3: Format your book for publication

Proper book formatting is essential for creating a self-published book that looks professional and provides readers with a smooth reading experience. Here’s how to ensure your book is formatted correctly:

• Choose appropriate fonts: Select easy-to-read fonts that suit the tone of your book. Stick to standard fonts like Times New Roman or Garamond for the body text, while using more creative fonts for headings or chapter titles.

• Add page numbers: Make sure to include page numbers in the correct location on each page. This is crucial for print versions.

• Ensure proper alignment and spacing: Pay attention to text alignment, margins, and spacing. Make sure each chapter begins consistently and the book looks polished from beginning to end.

• Follow platform guidelines: Use the formatting guidelines provided by self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark. These platforms will have specific requirements, including trim sizes, file types, and margin settings.

• Use formatting tools or hire a professional: Consider using tools like Vellum or Scrivener to simplify book formatting, or hire a professional formatter to ensure your book looks perfect in both digital and print formats.

• Utilize templates: Many self-publishing platforms offer templates to help you with formatting, which can save time and ensure your book meets platform standards.

A well-formatted book reflects the care and professionalism you’ve put into your work, increasing its appeal to readers and making it more likely to receive positive reviews and recommendations.

Step 4: Write a book description and marketing material

Once your book is formatted, it’s time to craft a compelling book description and other marketing materials that will be used across various publishing platforms. A well-written description is key to catching readers’ attention, especially for online stores like Amazon KDP or Apple Books.

• Book description: Create a captivating summary that draws readers in while giving them a clear sense of what your book is about. Keep it concise but engaging, highlighting the most intriguing aspects of your story. This description will appear on platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing and print-on-demand services, making it one of the most important tools in your marketing arsenal.

• Keywords and categories: Choose the right keywords and categories to help your book appear in relevant searches. This is crucial for reaching your target audience.

• ISBN: Make sure your book has an ISBN (International Standard Book Number), which is necessary for identifying your book in the publishing market, particularly for print versions. Some platforms, like Amazon, offer a free ISBN, or you can purchase one for broader distribution.

• Additional marketing materials: Prepare additional materials such as author bios, cover images, and quotes that can be used for promoting your book online. These are important for creating a cohesive brand presence across different publishing platforms.

Step 5: Create a book launch plan

A successful book launch is key to getting your book noticed and driving early sales, which can impact rankings on platforms like Amazon. A strategic launch plan will help you build momentum and reach the largest audience possible.

• Set a launch date: Choose a specific date to release your book and plan all activities around it. A well-timed launch can boost initial sales, helping your book rank higher and gain visibility on publishing platforms.

• Build buzz before launch: Start promoting your book weeks or even months ahead of time. Use social media, email newsletters, and your website to build excitement. Share snippets, cover reveals, and any early reviews to engage potential readers and build anticipation.

• Leverage pre-orders: If you’re using Amazon KDP or other platforms that offer pre-orders, use this feature to build early interest. Pre-orders count towards launch-day sales, helping to boost rankings immediately upon release.

• Coordinate reviews: Reach out to bloggers, influencers, or people in your network to request early reviews. Having reviews in place on launch day gives credibility to your book and helps attract more readers.

• Create a launch day plan: On launch day, focus on driving as many sales as possible. Share your book everywhere—on social media, in relevant groups, and through email lists. High sales volume on launch day can significantly boost your book’s rankings, making it more visible to other potential readers.

• Plan a launch event: Whether virtual or in-person, a launch event can help create buzz. Invite friends, readers, and anyone interested in your genre. This is an excellent opportunity to share more about your book, answer questions, and get people excited about buying it.

A well-executed book launch plan will help you maximize your book’s exposure, improve its rankings, and set the stage for long-term success.

Step 6: Hit publish and get ready to market

Once everything is set—your manuscript is polished, the book cover is designed, and your launch plan is in place—it’s time to hit the “publish” button.

Whether you’re a new author or an experienced self-publisher, this moment is exciting, but it’s just the beginning. Once your book is live, the focus shifts to marketing.

Make sure you understand the royalty rate offered by your chosen platform, whether it’s Amazon KDP or another self-publishing service. This will help you set realistic sales goals and determine how much income you can expect from your book.

Marketing your book is critical—simply hitting publish won’t lead to sales if you aren’t prepared to promote. Use all available channels, including social media, book blogs, and even podcasts related to your genre, to spread the word. Fiction writers in particular can benefit from building communities online where readers love discussing books.

Remember, publishing is just the first step. To succeed as an author, you need a marketing strategy that continually works to attract new readers and keep your book visible.

How to publish through a hybrid publisher

A hybrid publisher combines elements of traditional and self-publishing companies. They offer publishing services like editing, cover design, and marketing, while requiring authors to share the publishing costs. Hybrid publishers take submissions and select manuscripts that align with their standards—unlike vanity publishers, which will publish anything as long as the author pays.

The hybrid publishing process shares similarities with both traditional and self-publishing models, providing a structured yet collaborative approach:

1. Submission: Authors submit their manuscripts to the hybrid publisher. Unlike vanity publishers, hybrid publishers evaluate submissions and only accept those that fit their criteria for quality and market potential.

2. Contract agreement: If your manuscript is accepted, the publisher offers a contract outlining the costs, publishing services provided, royalty structure, and timelines. Authors are typically required to invest in the publishing process, covering services like editing and design.

3. Editing and design: The publisher engages in professional editing, book cover design, and typesetting. Authors work closely with editors to refine the manuscript, much like in traditional publishing.

4. Production: Once editing is complete, the book is formatted for both digital and print formats. Hybrid publishers often use print-on-demand services, which minimize upfront production costs.

5. Marketing and distribution: The hybrid publisher provides some level of marketing and distribution support, which may include social media campaigns, book launch plans, and getting the book listed with online retailers. However, the author is expected to contribute the bulk of the promotional efforts.

6. Publication: The book is published under the hybrid publisher’s imprint, and made available through online platforms and possibly physical bookstores, depending on the publisher’s distribution channels.

7. Royalties: After publication, royalties are shared between the author and the publisher based on the terms agreed upon in the contract. The author usually retains a larger percentage of royalties compared to traditional publishing.

The hybrid publishing process is collaborative, offering first-time authors the guidance they need while maintaining some control over the creative direction and rights.