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Information to guide your first steps
Below are links to some of our Guides which may be of particular interest to our self-publishing authors. Just click on the title to find the link.
Self Publishing: the basics
Self-publishing: the basics – our guide with a brief overview defining and outlining the process.
Legal Requirements for self-publishers
Legal requirements for self-publishers – covering your responsibilities as a publisher, and what needs to go on the copyright page of the book.
ISBNs, AISNs and metadata
ISBNs, ASINs and metadata: What they are, what they do, and why you might want one.
Paid for services for authors
Paid for services for authors – from indexers to illustrators – the types of professional services you might want if you self-publish.
Publication format and getting your book stocked
The format in which you publish, and who might stock your book – helping you to make good choices when thinking about the format of your book.
Who will be publishing my book?
Who will be publishing my book? A guide to different types of publishers and a reminder of the importance of your contract.
Publicity and marketing
Publicity and Marketing
Our guide to publicising and marketing your books from beginning to end.
Other resources
Our podcast in which SoA Contracts Advisors Theo Jones and Johanna Clarke uncover the world of hybrid publishing and talk through the pros and cons of the various types of publishing deals available to writers. Click through to listen on the website, or look for SoA Sounds wherever you get your podcasts.
The commercial advantage of editing your work
Watch again as Adam Strange explains what commercial publishing editors are looking for, in terms of a ‘finished’ manuscript, and how authors can enhance their career success with their own editorial processes.
Finding confidence in your book marketing
Join communications specialist Anna Caig as she leads this session on equipping yourself with tools and techniques to embrace your individuality in your marketing.
In this session, marketing expert Anna Caig explores plenty of cringe-free ideas for finding and connecting with readers that suit a more introverted personality.
How to build your personal brand
Public Relations specialist, Ronke Lawal for this interactive and engaging session for authors and creatives to learn how to boost their personal profiles and maintain visibility with their readers and target audience.
Self publishing events showcase
A themed collection of recordings of past SoA events relating to self-publishing.