For first-time authors, self-publishing can feel both empowering and overwhelming. On one hand, there are more tools than ever to publish a book without gatekeepers. On the other, the sheer number of platforms, services, and opinions makes it difficult to know which path actually leads to success.
That’s why the question “What is the best way to self publish a book?” matters so much. Not the cheapest way. Not the fastest way. The best way—meaning a process that gives you control, credibility, and the ability to grow over time.
This guide breaks down the self-publishing landscape for first-time authors, explains the major approaches and platforms, walks through the full process step by step, and shows why modern creator-first platforms like Stck increasingly represent the best long-term choice.
TL;DR – Best Way to Self Publish a Book
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The best way to self publish a book depends on your goals, not just the platform
Self-publishing offers more control and speed than traditional publishing
DIY and service-assisted approaches have very different tradeoffs
Platform choice determines whether your effort compounds or resets
Print-on-demand is usually better than offset printing for first-time authors
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Stck combines publishing, blogging, and monetization in one place, making it especially strong for long-term success
Why Self-Publishing Is Often the Best Publishing Option
Traditional publishing is still viable, but it is no longer the default best option—especially for new authors.
Self-publishing has become the preferred route for many writers because it offers:
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Speed: Publish in weeks, not years
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Control: You retain rights, pricing, and creative decisions
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Access: Direct connection with readers
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Flexibility: Multiple formats, faster iteration
As Jane Friedman explains in her widely cited overview of self-publishing, the biggest shift is not just
technological—it’s about authors taking ownership of their careers rather than outsourcing them
https://janefriedman.com/self-publish-your-book/
For first-time authors, that ownership is often more valuable than prestige alone.
Understanding the Self-Publishing Approaches: DIY vs Service-Assisted
Before choosing a platform, you need to understand how you want to self-publish.
DIY self-publishing
DIY means you manage the process yourself:
You hire (or skip) editors and designers
You upload files directly
You control timelines and costs
Pros
Lowest upfront cost
Maximum control
Faster learning curve
Cons
Requires time and coordination
Quality depends on your decisions
DIY works well for authors who want to learn the process and iterate.
Service-assisted self-publishing
Service-assisted models bundle editing, design, and publishing support.
Pros
Less hands-on work
Professional coordination
Cons
High upfront costs
Limited flexibility
Often weak marketing outcomes
Many first-time authors overpay for services before understanding what actually drives book success.
Best Self-Publishing Platforms to Choose From
This is where the “best way” question becomes concrete. Platform choice shapes everything that follows.
Marketplace-first platforms
Examples include Amazon KDP and similar distributors.
They are:
Easy to start
Free to upload
Focused on scale
But they come with tradeoffs. Discoverability is algorithm-driven, reader data is not shared, and each book competes in a massive marketplace.
Discussions among self-published authors frequently reflect frustration with this dynamic
https://www.reddit.com/r/selfpublish/comments/npalqq/whats_the_best_place_to_selfpublish/
Marketplaces are good distribution channels—but weak foundations.
Creator-first platforms (where Stck stands out)
Creator-first platforms are built around authors, not catalogs.
With Stck, authors can:
Publish books, chapters, and serialized content
Run a full SEO-optimized blog on the same site
Sell digital and print formats directly
Capture reader emails automatically
Monetize beyond subscriptions (chapters, bundles, books)
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Retain up to 90% of revenue
This matters because the best way to self publish a book is rarely about one launch—it’s about building momentum across multiple releases.
Stck is designed for that reality.
The Complete Self-Publishing Process (Step by Step)
Step 1: Write and revise the manuscript
Your first draft is not your final book. Plan time for:
Structural revision
Feedback
Polishing
Rushing this step costs more later.
Step 2: Edit professionally (where possible)
At minimum, consider:
Copyediting for clarity and errors
Developmental editing is ideal but not mandatory for every book.
Step 3: Format the book
Formatting affects readability and credibility.
Popular tools include:
Word and Google Docs (basic)
Dedicated formatting tools
Good formatting is invisible. Bad formatting is obvious.
Step 4: Design a professional cover
Covers matter more than most first-time authors expect. They signal genre, quality, and seriousness.
This is often the single best place to invest money.
Step 5: Choose how and where to publish
This is the inflection point.
Platforms like IngramSpark explain the mechanics of self-publishing well, but they focus primarily on distribution—not
audience building
https://www.ingramspark.com/how-to-self-publish-a-book
The best way to self publish a book is to choose a platform that supports:
Distribution
Discoverability
Direct reader relationships
That combination is where Stck excels.
Step 6: Launch and keep publishing
Publishing once is a start. Publishing consistently is how careers are built.
Print-on-Demand vs Offset Printing
For first-time authors, print-on-demand (POD) is almost always the better choice.
Print-on-demand
No upfront inventory costs
Print only when ordered
Lower financial risk
Offset printing
High upfront cost
Best for large, guaranteed orders
Until demand is proven, POD keeps you flexible.
Common Self-Publishing Mistakes to Avoid
Many first-time authors stumble in predictable ways:
Publishing without a clear audience
Overspending on services too early
Relying entirely on marketplaces
Ignoring email and content
Treating the book as a one-off product
The best way to self publish a book avoids these by focusing on infrastructure before promotion.
Self-Publishing Costs: What to Budget
Typical cost ranges:
Editing: $0–$3,000
Cover design: $200–$1,000
Formatting: $0–$500
Publishing itself can be free. The real question is how strategically you spend.
Why Stck Is Often the Best Way to Self Publish a Book Today
What makes Stck particularly strong for first-time authors is not just cost—it’s alignment.
Stck allows authors to:
Start for free
Publish across formats
Build SEO through blogs and content
Serialize if desired
Own reader relationships
Grow revenue over time
Unlike platforms optimized for one-off sales, Stck is optimized for author growth.
That’s why, for many first-time authors, it represents the best way to self publish a book—not just the easiest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What formatting tools are best for self-publishing?
Tools that produce clean EPUB and print-ready files work best. Simplicity matters more than features.
How do I design a professional book cover for self-publishing?
Study genre conventions and, if possible, hire a designer with relevant experience.
Should I hire an editor before self-publishing?
Yes, if budget allows. At minimum, use a copyeditor.
What royalties can I expect from self-publishing?
Royalties vary by platform. Direct sales platforms typically offer higher margins than marketplaces.
How do I get an ISBN for my self-published book?
ISBNs can be purchased directly or provided by platforms, depending on your distribution goals.
Conclusion
The best way to self publish a book is not about shortcuts. It’s about choosing a process and a platform that support your goals as a writer—not just your first release, but everything that comes after.
For first-time authors who want control, flexibility, and the ability to grow, self-publishing is often the right choice. And for those who want their effort to compound instead of reset, creator-first platforms like Stck increasingly offer the strongest foundation.
Publishing a book is an achievement.
Building a readership is the real win.
