How to Get Your Book Published in 2025

Publishing your book is a significant achievement, but it doesn’t happen overnight. The process involves several key decisions, from preparing your manuscript to determining how you disseminate it. Whether you want the prestige of a traditional publisher or the control and speed of self-publishing, this comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process with clear, actionable steps.

1. Finish and Polish Your Manuscript

Your manuscript is your foundation. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, a publisher (or reader) expects a professionally written, well-organized, and thoroughly edited book.

Steps to Prepare Your Manuscript:

• Write the entire draft. Even if you plan to get feedback later, don’t submit or publish an incomplete manuscript.
• Revise for structure and clarity. Address pacing issues, eliminate inconsistencies, and refine weak scenes or arguments.
• Line edit for grammar and style. Avoid typos, passive voice, and awkward phrasing.
• Beta reader feedback. Ask trusted readers for input. Choose a mix of casual readers and avid readers of your genre.
• Hire a professional editor. This is crucial. There are different types:
  • Developmental editor: Helps with big-picture issues like plot, pacing, and structure.
  • Line editor or copy editor: Focuses on sentence flow, grammar, and clarity.
  • Proofreader: Catches final errors before publishing.

Tip: If your book targets a niche market (e.g., academic, medical, spiritual), consider hiring an editor familiar with that genre.

2. Choose Your Publishing Path

Your publishing goals, genre, budget, and risk tolerance will shape the path you take.

A. Traditional Publishing

Involves submitting your manuscript to publishers or agents who pitch to publishers.

Best for:

• Authors seeking wide distribution and credibility
• Writers in genres like literary fiction, thrillers, or nonfiction with market potential
• Authors who want professional teams behind them

You’ll need:

• Patience (it can take over a year)
• A standout manuscript and pitch
• An understanding of contracts and royalties

B. Self-Publishing

You control every aspect, from editing to cover design to marketing.

Best for:

• Authors with niche audiences or specific goals (e.g., coaches, educators)
• Entrepreneurs using books to build authority
• Writers who want complete creative control

You’ll need:

• A budget for professional services (editing, design, etc.)
• Technical knowledge or outsourcing for formatting and distribution
• A strong personal marketing plan

Example: Many successful authors, like Colleen Hoover and Andy Weir, began in self-publishing before attracting traditional publishers.

3. Understand the Submission Process (Traditional Publishing)

If you pursue traditional publishing, you’ll typically need to secure a literary agent first.

A. For Fiction

You’ll submit a query letter, and sometimes sample chapters or a full manuscript.

B. For Nonfiction

You’ll submit a book proposal, which includes:

• Title and subtitle
• Overview and hook
• Target audience
• Competitive titles
• Chapter summaries
• Author bio and platform
• Sample chapters

Where to Find Agents:

• QueryTracker.net
• MSWishList.com
• Publishers Marketplace
• Literary agency websites

Tip: Customize each query. Address the agent by name and mention why you’re querying them specifically.

4. If Self-Publishing, Prepare for Publication

Once your manuscript is ready, these are the key steps to self-publish:

A. Book Formatting

• Print layout: Format to PDF with appropriate margins, fonts, and page breaks.
• eBook conversion: Convert to ePub (Apple Books, Kobo) and MOBI (for Kindle, although Amazon now uses ePub too).

Tools to help:

• Vellum (Mac), Atticus, Reedsy, or a professional formatter.

B. Cover Design

A professional cover increases sales and credibility. It should match genre conventions (e.g., thriller, romance, business) and appeal to your audience.

Tip: Invest in both eBook and print-ready cover versions. Platforms like 99designs or Fiverr Pro can connect you with designers.

C. ISBN & Copyright

• ISBN: Required for retailers like Barnes & Noble or IngramSpark. Buy one from ISBN Services  (U.S.) or your country’s ISBN agency.
• Copyright: In most countries, you automatically hold copyright, but registration provides legal protection.

5. Publish and Distribute Your Book

Top Self-Publishing Platforms:

• Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing): Dominates eBook market. Offers both Kindle and print-on-demand paperback.
• IngramSpark: Excellent for wide print distribution (bookstores, libraries).
• Draft2Digital: Distributed to multiple platforms (Kobo, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble).
• Smashwords: Merged with Draft2Digital, great for eBook distribution.

Pro Tip: Use Amazon KDP and IngramSpark for maximum reach, just avoid overlapping ISBNs for the same format.

6. Promote and Market Your Book

This is where many authors struggle, because books don’t sell themselves. A successful launch requires a well-planned strategy.

Key Marketing Strategies:

• Build an author platform early. Start with a simple website and grow your presence on social media or newsletters.
• Leverage Amazon ads. Target keywords related to your book’s genre or topic.
• Pitch to bloggers and reviewers. Use Goodreads, bookstagrammers, and book bloggers to build reviews.
• Email marketing. Create a list using a lead magnet (free chapter, checklist, etc.).
• Virtual events and podcasts. Reach your niche through online communities and interviews.

Case Study: Entrepreneur Pat Flynn used his podcast and email list to drive sales for his books, hitting bestseller status with zero traditional publishing support.

7. Keep Writing, Keep Growing

Publishing one book is a great start, but consistency builds a career. Each new title grows your audience and boosts visibility for older titles.

• Join a writing community. Support, feedback, and collaboration are invaluable.
• Track your sales and feedback. Use data to improve your next book’s marketing.
• Repurpose your content. Turn chapters into blog posts, videos, or courses.

Final Thought: Publishing is not just about one book, it’s about building your voice, brand, and body of work.

 Complete Publishing Roadmap Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the difference between an agent and a publisher?
   An agent represents your book to publishers and negotiates your contract. A publisher produces, distributes, and markets the book.
2. How do I know if my manuscript is ready?
   If it’s been revised, reviewed by beta readers, and professionally edited, you’re ready to submit or self-publish.
3. Can I submit to multiple agents at once?
   Yes, most agents accept simultaneous submissions unless stated otherwise. Be honest about this in your query.
4. Do self-published books sell well?
   They can, especially with good marketing, a niche audience, and strong presentation. Some authors earn full-time incomes from self-publishing alone.
5. Do I keep the rights to my book with traditional publishing?
   Not entirely. Most traditional contracts involve transferring some rights (e.g., print, digital, film) for a period. Always read contracts carefully or hire a literary attorney.