Your book has been written and fully edited—so you’re ready to publish, right?
Not quite.
You’ve only just reached the final section of our step-by-step guide to self-publishing. Between your final manuscript and publication day come a number of production steps that turn your manuscript into a professional book. This is where your words become something readers can actually hold, read on their devices, or listen to during their commute.
Let’s walk through what your book needs after writing and editing are done.
Interior Graphics: Illustrate Complex Concepts
Do you reference frameworks, processes, or data in your book? If so, consider adding some explanatory graphics.
A well-designed diagram can make paragraphs of text easy to understand, and visuals help readers remember your concepts.
Layout Design: Print and Digital
During the layout design phase, a professional designer formats your content to industry standards, ensuring it’s readable, consistent, and visually appealing.
You’ll need two separate files:
- Print layout: A print-ready PDF formatted to your book’s dimensions, with proper margins and specifications for your printer.
- E-book layout: A reflowable e-publication file that adapts to different screen sizes and e-readers, and allows readers to adjust font sizes without breaking your design.
Cover Design: A Version for Every Format
Your cover is the reader’s first impression of your book. It should be polished and professional, with clean, readable fonts and visuals that complement the title while not distracting from it.
You’ll need three versions of your book’s cover:
- Print cover: A single PDF containing your full cover—front, spine, and back.
- E-book cover: Your front cover adjusted to platform specifications.
- Audiobook cover: Your cover adapted to a square format (if you’re creating an audiobook).
Each publishing platform has specific requirements that your files must meet.
Audiobook Production (Optional but Recommended)
Audiobook consumption has exploded, largely due to busy professionals listening during their workouts and commutes. If you skip the audiobook format, you’re missing a significant portion of your potential audience.
Two key components go into creating an audiobook: narration and editing.
Audiobook Narration
Will you narrate it yourself or hire voice talent? Self-narration creates an authentic connection with listeners, but requires the proper equipment and recording environment. Professional narrators ensure quality and save you time, but they’re an investment.
Audiobook Editing
Raw recordings aren’t the final product. Whether you narrate yourself or hire talent, you’ll need professional editing. An audio engineer will edit out mistakes, level the volume, reduce background noise, and ensure your files meet platform specifications.
Book Production Simplified
Once the production stage is complete, you can finally publish your book—but there are some important decisions you’ll need to make during that process too. In our next blog, we’ll dive deeper into the logistics of self-publishing.
The bottom line is this: You became an author to share your expertise and grow your business. You shouldn’t have to become a graphic designer, typesetter, audio engineer, and publishing expert too. At Aha! Editorial, we handle all of this for you, so you can focus on what you do best. Book a free call to learn how we can take your manuscript across the finish line.
Owner of Aha! Editorial
