How to Self-Publish: What You Need to Know to be an Independent Author

A Meet an Author, Be an Author Workshop

In partnership with the Indiana Writers Center, we bring you How to Self Publish! This class is designed to help authors navigate the self-publishing world and learn the ins and outs/pro and cons of being an Independent Author.

Self-publishing can be one of the most exciting things an author can do with their work, but it can also be one of the most frustrating. Knowing the basics of what’s required and expected, can ease the amount of frustration, and increase the amount of excitement for authors new to Self-publishing.

The most important thing to understand about self-publishing is that you will wear all the hats and you are the boss! And, with those designations, comes great responsibility and even greater reward!

This course will cover what essential steps are necessary to make the transition from a completed manuscript or nonfiction book idea to book publication.

COURSE TOPICS

• What’s the difference between a first draft and a submission ready manuscript?
• Writing the First Draft
• Preparing a Final Manuscript for Publication
• Hiring an editor & proofreader
• Printed vs Digital Editions
• Formatting of manuscript for publication
• Book covers (and be sure to check out  Using Canva Templates to Create Book Covers after this workshop at 12:30 pm)
• Marketing: Making contacts, networking with the book community, social media, ads, and managing sales

This workshop is being offered in partnership with the Indiana Writers Center (IWC). The IWC supports Indiana writers of all ages and backgrounds and reaches out to people whose voices are rarely heard.

Learn more about the Meet an Author, Be an Author event that will take place on October 19 at Central Library. The day will include workshops, the Local Authors Book Fair, The Readings Café, and networking events throughout the day!

This event is made possible by Friends of the Library through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. 

And to get prepped, here is a book list full of novels about writing and publishing: Books about Writers and the Publishing Industry.

Upcoming events