A practical resource library for independent authors

Plan the whole publishing process

Jane Friedman’s regularly updated guide to self-publishing explains the main publishing routes, costs and service choices. Her editorial, production and distribution checklist turns the process into an ordered schedule, while How to Publish an Ebook brings together current guidance on files, retailers, metadata and sales pages.

Edit before you format

The most useful starting point is understanding what kind of help the manuscript needs. Jane Friedman’s guide to finding, hiring and working with an editor covers scope, samples, costs and the working relationship. The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading explains how to commission copyediting and proofreading. For budgeting, compare its suggested minimum UK rates with the US-based Editorial Freelancers Association’s editorial rate chart and estimator. These are guides, not fixed prices; scope, manuscript condition and experience matter.

For a plain-language comparison of editorial assessment, developmental editing, copyediting, proofreading and fact-checking, see Reedsy’s types of editing guide. Reedsy also operates a commercial marketplace, so treat its articles as useful guidance rather than a neutral recommendation to buy a service.

ISBNs, metadata and discoverability

For publishers based in the UK or Ireland, use the NielsenIQ ISBN Agency. Publishers physically located in the United States or its territories obtain their ISBNs from Bowker, the official US ISBN agency. Authors elsewhere can use the International ISBN Users’ Manual to find their national agency and understand how identifiers are assigned to different formats and editions. ISBNs are international and identify products; they do not provide copyright protection.

Accurate subject metadata helps retailers and libraries place a book correctly. Book Industry Communication’s Thema guidance explains the international subject classification scheme used across the book trade.

Create and test ebook files

Kindle Direct Publishing and Apple Books for Authors provide first-party publishing guidance. The detailed Apple Books Asset Guide documents current EPUB 3 delivery requirements.

Sigil is a free, open-source EPUB editor. calibre can edit, convert, inspect and test ebooks across formats and devices. Use EPUBCheck to test standards conformance before upload; a successful conversion alone is not proof of a sound EPUB.

Distribute ebooks and print books

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the direct route to Kindle Stores and also supports paperback and hardcover publishing. Kobo Writing Life and Apple Books for Authors provide other direct ebook routes, while Draft2Digital is an aggregator. Ordinary KDP publishing does not require ebook exclusivity, but enrolling an ebook in KDP Select makes its digital edition exclusive to Amazon for the enrolment period and places it in Kindle Unlimited. Compare reach, royalties, payment arrangements, tax handling, update controls and withdrawal terms before choosing direct, wide or exclusive distribution.

For print-on-demand and wider print distribution, compare IngramSpark with KDP’s print service. Check trim sizes, colour choices, proof copies, discounts, returns, shipping and the exact cover template for each edition. A cover PDF prepared for one printer may not fit another.

Produce and distribute an audiobook

Start with the current ACX audio submission requirements, which cover file structure, encoding and quality targets. Requirements are platform-specific and can change, so confirm them before mastering rather than after the book is finished.

ACX combines production and distribution options in supported markets. Spotify for Authors describes Spotify’s current direct audiobook route and wider-distribution connection. Author’s Republic provides aggregated distribution. Compare eligibility, exclusivity, territories, royalties, reporting and withdrawal terms.

Accessibility and publishing standards

The W3C publishes the EPUB 3.3 specification and EPUB Accessibility specification. Ace by DAISY is a free EPUB accessibility checker and should be used alongside EPUBCheck. Automated checks cannot replace manual inspection with reading systems and assistive technology.

Copyright, legal deposit and contracts

UK: The UK government’s copyright guidance explains that protection is normally automatic and that the UK has no official copyright register. The British Library legal-deposit guidance explains the obligations applying to publications distributed in the UK and Ireland, including electronic publications; check its current service notices before submitting.

US: The U.S. Copyright Office explains that copyright exists automatically once an original work is fixed, while registration provides important enforcement benefits. Its mandatory-deposit guidance explains when copies of works published in the United States must be deposited with the Library of Congress. Electronic-only works may follow a demand-based process, so use the current official instructions for your format.

Before granting publishing, translation, audio, adaptation or other rights, UK authors can consult the Society of Authors advice centre; US authors can use the Authors Guild contract resources. Publishing contracts can control work for many years, so obtain independent advice rather than relying on an explanation from the company offering the contract.

Choose services and avoid publishing scams

The Alliance of Independent Authors maintains searchable reviews and ratings of self-publishing services through its Watchdog Desk. Its current guide to spotting publishing scams is useful before responding to unsolicited editing, publishing, film, audiobook or marketing offers. Writer Beware, sponsored by the US-based Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, documents current schemes and warning signs affecting writers internationally.

Be cautious when a company contacts you first, promises guaranteed sales or bestseller status, pressures you to pay immediately, asks for broad rights, or will not provide an itemised contract. Check ownership of your ISBNs and production files, cancellation terms, recurring charges and how rights return to you.

Build an audience without chasing noise

Jane Friedman’s definition of author platform is a useful corrective to the idea that frequent social posting automatically sells books. Concentrate on reaching the appropriate readership, building channels you control and describing the book clearly. Audience work should support a good book, not replace editing and production.

Find and support advance readers

Advance reader copies (ARCs) put a finished or nearly finished book in the hands of relevant readers before publication. Honest early reviews can reduce uncertainty for future buyers, help booksellers, librarians and bloggers judge whether a title suits their audience, and give an independent author useful launch-day visibility. An ARC is not a substitute for editing or beta reading: send a clean, proofread, clearly labelled edition with the cover, description, genre, content notes, publication date and simple review instructions.

Start with readers who already enjoy the book’s precise genre: newsletter subscribers, reviewers, book clubs and genuine members of your author community. BookSirens and Booksprout can introduce books to their reader communities. StoryOrigin and BookFunnel provide controlled digital delivery and reader-team tools. NetGalley reaches reviewers, librarians, booksellers, educators and other book advocates. These are commercial services with different audiences and pricing, so check genre fit, current terms and likely reach before paying.

Give readers enough time, make reviewing optional and ask only for an honest opinion. Never require a positive review, script the wording, reward a particular star rating or pressure someone who does not finish. Amazon permits a free or discounted book copy but says that other compensation can invalidate a review; read its current customer-review guidance. US authors and reviewers should also follow the FTC endorsement guidance, including clear disclosure when a free copy or another material connection could affect how an endorsement is understood. Other countries and platforms may have additional rules.

How this library is chosen

Links are selected for practical value, authority and relevance to independent authors. Official standards and first-party platform requirements are preferred for technical facts. UK- and US-specific routes are labelled, and authors elsewhere should confirm requirements with their national copyright, ISBN and deposit authorities. Independent articles are included when they explain decisions more clearly or protect authors from avoidable mistakes.

Listings are informational and do not imply endorsement. There are no paid placements or affiliate links. Commercial services are identified where relevant. Confirm current prices, terms, eligibility and specifications before committing money or rights.