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A Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Publishing Your First Novel

I’ve been asked a lot quite recently: how can I publish my first novel? Whilst some of the process is the same as publishing a children’s book, there are still a few different steps. This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully self-publish your novel, with added tips to make the process as smooth and fun as possible.

Step 1: Write and Refine Your Manuscript

The manuscript is the foundation of your work so it’s important to make it the best it can be before it even goes to a fresh set of eyes to check.

  • First Draft: I always tell people your first draft should be messy, not perfect. Focus on getting your ideas down without worrying too much about the smaller details. The goal is to finish your story.
  • Revise and Edit: Review your draft multiple times, improving plot consistency, character development, and pacing as you go. This is where you start refining your manuscript.
  • Hire a Professional Editor: Professional editing is a worthwhile investment, especially for a book with thousands of words. An editor will polish your work and ensure it’s free of any errors. Don’t be alarmed if the editor gets back to you with lots of change suggestions—their job is to polish your manuscript to a high standard, keeping your intended reading audience in mind. You’re not required to make every change, but it’s a good idea to really reflect on their suggestions.
  • Beta Readers: Whilst this is optional, it’s always a good idea to get feedback from trusted readers so that you can identify areas for improvement to to ensure your story resonates with your target audience.

Step 2: Format Your Manuscript for Publishing

To print a professional-looking book, the formatting needs to be done properly.

  • Choose Your Format: Decide whether you want to publish your novel as an eBook, paperback, hardcover, or all three.
  • Use Formatting Software/Hire a Professional Formatter: You can use paid software like Atticus, Scrivener, or Vellum to simplify the formatting process for both digital and print versions. Another option is to hire a professional to format your book in the format of your choice.
  • Platform Requirements: Ensure your manuscript meets the formatting guidelines of your chosen self-publishing platform (e.g., Amazon KDP, IngramSpark).

Step 3: Design an Eye-Catching Cover

Your book cover is your first opportunity to attract readers, so it needs to make an impact, because let’s be real—we all judge a book based off its cover.

  • Hire a Professional Illustrator/Designer: Look for an illustrator that resonates with your vision to create a cover that is visually appealing and appropriate to the genre. Some illustrators stick to specific genres so it’s important to do your research before selecting someone.
  • Research Your Genre: Take the time to research other successful books in your chosen genre to understand what works. When your target audience looks at your book cover, they should be able to tell what genre it is. For example, you wouldn’t want a thriller to look like the reader is about to dive into a rom-com novel.
  • Include Important Details: For print books, it’s vital to design a spin and back cover, including the book’s blurb and a spot to put the ISBN. Keep in mind that the spine cover size will be different for paperbacks and hardcover versions.

Step 4: Get an ISBN

  • An ISBN is a unique 13-digit identifier assigned to your book. It’s necessary if you plan to sell your book through online retailers, bookstores, or libraries.
  • In Australia, you can purchase an ISBN from the official ISBN agency, Thorpe-Bowker, (https://www.myidentifiers.com.au/). If you’re outside Australia, check your country’s ISBN agency website.
  • While eBooks don’t always require an ISBN (platforms like Amazon Kindle assign their own unique identifiers), having one can make your book more widely available across multiple platforms.
  • Keep in mind that each format of your book (e.g., paperback, hardcover, eBook) will require a separate ISBN.

Step 4: Choose a Self-Publishing Platform

  • Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): This is the most popular platform for self-publishing, offering both eBook and print-on-demand options. As the author, you can also print copies in bulk.
  • IngramSpark: This is ideal if you are looking for wider distribution to bookstores and libraries. They also offer eBook and print-on-demand options.
  • Your Own Website: Another option is to start a business, distributing and selling your own copies. You will need to source a print company to print your book in bulk.

Step 6: Set Your Pricing and Royalties

  • Research Competitors: Look at similar books in your genre to determine market-appropriate pricing. Keep in mind that independently published books are often priced slightly higher than commercially published ones, so don’t compare your book to ones you find at K-Mart or Big W, for example.
  • Consider Costs: Factor in expenses like editing, cover design, and marketing when setting your price. But be realistic.
  • Experiment with Pricing: Start with a competitive price for your eBook to attract readers, then adjust as needed.

Step 7: Publish Your Novel

Once your manuscript is ready, it’s time to publish – yay!

  • Upload Files: Follow your platform’s instructions to upload your manuscript and cover design.
  • Write a Compelling Book Description: Your book description should hook potential readers and give them a reason to buy.
  • Select Keywords and Categories: Use relevant keywords and categories to help your book appear in searches and reach your target audience.
  • Preview Your Book: Review how your book will appear on the platform, making any necessary adjustments.
  • Hit Publish: Once everything looks perfect, publish your novel!

Step 8: Send a Copy of Your Book to the National Library of Australia

Registering your book with the National Library of Australia (NLA) is a requirement for all published books in Australia. This process helps preserve your book in the national collection and ensures that your book becomes part of Australia’s literary heritage and is available for future generations. 

  • What needs to be submitted? This includes print and digital books, as well as graphic novels, magazines, and more. 
  • How to Submit Your Book: For print books, send one copy by mail or deliver it to the NLA in Canberra. For digital books, use the National edeposit (NED) system to upload your eBook online and meet both national and state legal deposit requirements.
  • To learn more, visit the NLA’s Legal Deposit page.

Step 9: Market Your Book

Marketing is key, and arguably the most important part, to ensure your novel reaches readers:

  • Build Your Author Brand: Create a website, blog, or social media profiles to connect with readers and showcase your work.
  • Utilise Social Media: Share updates, teasers, and behind-the-scenes content on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
  • Run Ads: Consider running ads on Amazon or social media to target your ideal audience.
  • Collaborate with Book Bloggers and Reviewers: Reach out to bloggers and influencers in your genre for reviews and promotions.
  • Host a Book Launch: Plan a virtual or in-person event to generate buzz around your release.

Step 10: Track Your Progress and Keep Writing!

  • Monitor Sales and Reviews: Use analytics tools from your platform to track sales and gather feedback.
  • Engage with Readers: Respond to reviews and connect with readers to build a loyal fan base.
  • Start Your Next Book: The more books you publish, the greater your visibility and success as an indie author.

Final Thoughts …

Self-publishing your novel gives you the freedom to bring your story to life on your own terms. By following these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the process and share your work with the world.

I’m always happy to help and support emerging authors, so feel free to message me at any time. Happy publishing! 🙂

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Unlock the Magic: The Benefits of Reading Aloud with Your Kids

Although it may seem like it, reading aloud to your kids is more than just a bedtime routine. It is a powerful way to connect with your child and nurture their development, foster their imagination, and something for them to look forward to each day.

Why Reading Aloud is Essential

1. Boosts Language and Literacy Skills

Your child is exposed to many words and phrases throughout the day through everyday casual conversations. However, when you read a book aloud with them, they are exposed to a rich variety of words and phrases that they may not encounter otherwise. This helps to expand their vocabulary. For young readers, it’s also an effective way to introduce literacy concepts like rhyme, sentence structure, and storytelling.

2. Strengthens the Bond Between a Child and their Parent

Children always look forward to bedtime stories not only because of the story itself, but the time they get to spend with their parents. Reading aloud creates a special moment of bonding between you and your child.

Reading together and sharing stories builds trust and strengthens your emotional connection. As you read together, your child feels your undivided attention which creates a sense of deep love and security.

3. Encourages Imagination and Creativity

When books are read to children aloud, they can easily visualise characters and settings beyond the pages.  This unlocks entire worlds and events in their minds which helps develop their creativity and problem-solving skills.

4. Builds Empathy and Emotional Understanding

With a wide range of stories to explore, there are often many that cover the themes of kindness, courage, and resilience. Reading these stories aloud together allows children to reflect on the world through the eyes of others. This helps them understand different perspectives and emotions on the same topic. In turn, they build empathy and emotional intelligence, which are both invaluable life skills.

How to Make Reading Aloud Enjoyable

  1. Choose Age-Appropriate Books: Select stories that align with your child’s age and interests and involve them in the selection process. For pre-school aged children, bright illustrations and simple stories are best, while older children may enjoy picture books or chapter books with more complex plots.
  2. Add Personality to Your Reading: No-one, not even adults, find it enjoyable listening to someone reading who sounds like a robot. Instead, use funny voices, sound effects, or dramatic pauses to bring the story to life. This keeps your child engaged and makes reading time fun.
  3. Ask Questions: Interaction is so important and helps parents to determine their child’s understanding of the story. Encourage interaction by asking questions related to the page, or the overall story. For example, “What do you think will happen next?” or “How do you think the character feels?”

Children’s Books Recommendations to Get Started

If you’re unsure where to start, check out these books that I wrote specifically for young readers (ages 3 to 8) with big hearts.

  • Mummy, I Can’t Find My Loud Voice – A heartwarming story about gaining confidence in new environments (specifically school), self-growth, and overcoming the fear of using spoken words to express thoughts.
  • Daisy’s Not-So-Ordinary Ordinary Day – A delightful story exploring themes of imagination, creativity, and family togetherness.
  • A Bucketful of Tears – A touching story that emphasises empathy, kindness, dealing with emotions, and understanding that one’s best is always enough.

FAQs

Q. Why is reading aloud important for kids?

A: Reading aloud helps children develop essential language, literacy, and listening skills. It introduces them to new vocabulary, improves comprehension, and fosters a love of reading. Additionally, it builds emotional connections and enhances creativity and imagination.

Q: At what age should you start reading to your child?

A: You can start reading aloud to your child as early as infancy! Even newborns benefit from hearing your voice and the rhythm of language. As they grow, the habit of reading together helps build their understanding of words, sounds, and stories.

Q: How long should you read aloud to your child each day?

A: There’s no strict rule, and you’ll find that it changes as your child matures, but 15–20 minutes a day is a great starting point. If your child is particularly engaged, feel free to extend the time. The key is consistency and making it an enjoyable experience.

Q: Can reading aloud help children struggling with literacy?

A: Yes! Reading aloud is a fantastic tool for kids who struggle with literacy. Hearing words spoken fluently helps them understand pronunciation, pacing, and context. It also reduces the pressure of reading on their own, making it a supportive and enjoyable learning experience.

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My Debut YA Novel is Coming This August!

It’s finally happening … This has been in the works since February last year. After countless revisions and edits, my debut Young Adult novel, Pieces of You, is almost ready to be released. So, what can you expect?

It’s a Love Story, But Not

Yep, that’s right. The story has a central theme around true love but not in the way you’re probably think. Rather, it explores the value of true friendship and celebrates platonic love.

If you’re interested in a love story with spicy scenes, this probably isn’t the book for you. This isn’t a trope that you’d normally come across in YA novels, but I wanted to write a story that shows romantic love isn’t paramount when you’re in high school. It may be for some, but not for everyone. But even if you’ve been in love as a teenager, this story will still pull on your heartstrings.

Feel-Good Moments

There are heartwarming moments scattered throughout the entire novel. In between the heartaches and deep pain, there are scenes that will make your heart glow. It might even make you smile. You might shed a tear, but I promise the final chapter is an ending with closure, in a good way.
 

It’s Set in Australia

If you went to school in Australia, then you may find many aspects of this story relatable. The story is written in Australian English, so you’ll see words like Maths instead of Math, and dialogue to reflect the Australian culture. Also, Australia is made up of so many different backgrounds, which leads into my next point …

The Main Characters Are POC

Wynter Hope (the MFC) is a mix of Filipino and Korean, and Lucas Mensah (the MMC) is a mix of Italian and Ghanaian.

The Blurb

Fitting into the high school scene isn’t easy for Wynter. Hiding away from the spotlight, she finds comfort in the rustling pages of a good book. Come home time, her trusted keyboard breathes music into her lonely days.

But when Lucas barges himself into her life, unafraid to speak his mind, Wynter’s quiet existence takes a sudden halt. Sharing the same passions, Lucas becomes the best friend Wynter never knew she needed.

Together, they can be themselves and have full certainty that their friendship is as timeless as the notes they play on the keyboard. A perfect harmony.

However, their once serene world makes an unexpected turn, without warning. Wynter finds herself facing a reality she never wanted, a stage she never sought.

Navigating each passing day with a cloud looming over her head and deep heartache was never part of the melody. But life doesn’t play by the music sheet and sometimes the spotlight isn’t a choice.

In this unpredictable symphony of life, the next note is always a heartbeat away.

Release Date

Whilst there’s no exact release date as of you, I’m aiming for an August launch. To stay up to date be sure to be following me on social media or subscribe to our newsletter.