100 Publishing Tips
Practical advice from 25 years of producing books and products for independent creators
These are the things we watch work, and watch go wrong, across thousands of projects. Some are about production, some are about selling, and a good number are about the habits that keep a publishing business going after the excitement of the first launch wears off.
Read them straight through or skim for the ones that apply to where you are right now. Nothing here requires a big budget, and most of it costs nothing but attention.
Want the printable version? All 100 tips are laid out on a single page you can print and keep on your wall. Download the poster.
Part 1 of 4
Foundations
Decisions that shape everything after them. Get these right and the rest gets easier.
01
Sell Directly From Your Own Website
You keep more of the profit and you own the customer relationship.
02
Own Your Files
Always own your manuscript, cover design, and print-ready files.
03
Choose an Experienced Printing Partner
Experience, reliability, and support matter.
04
Invest in Professional Editing
Clear, polished content builds credibility and trust.
05
Focus on Quality, Not Just Price
Quality printing reflects your brand and keeps readers coming back.
06
Design a Professional Cover
Your cover is the first impression of your message.
07
Check Your Spine Width
Spine width depends on page count and paper. Confirm it before you design the cover.
08
Design for Your Binding
Wire-o, spiral, and perfect bound each need different margins.
09
Use High-Quality Paper
Good paper elevates the reading experience.
10
Format for Readability
Clean, consistent formatting keeps readers engaged.
11
Order a Proof Before You Print
A physical copy catches what a screen never will.
12
Know Your Cost Per Unit
Real margin starts with knowing what one copy costs to make.
13
Price For Value
Price to reflect the value you deliver, not just the cost.
14
Build Your Email List
The most important thing you can do is create and build an email list.
15
Understand Your Audience
Create content and products that solve their problems.
16
Set Clear Goals
Define what success looks like and map your path.
17
Offer Multiple Products
Diversify your offerings to grow your reach and revenue.
18
Plan Your Launch
Plan ahead, build excitement, and create momentum.
19
Ask for Reviews and Testimonials
Social proof builds trust and credibility.
20
Leverage Social Media
Social media is for conversation, not only announcements.
21
Repurpose Your Content
Turn one idea into many formats and reach more people.
22
Build Strategic Partnerships
Partner with others to expand your reach.
23
Copyright Your Work
Register your own work, and respect other people's intellectual property.
24
Offer Excellent Customer Service
Happy customers become loyal advocates.
25
Stay Organized
Systems and organization save time and reduce stress.
26
Keep Learning
The best publishers never stop growing.
27
Deliver on Your Promises
Consistency builds a brand people can trust.
28
Maintain Work-Life Balance
Sustainable success matters most.
Part 2 of 4
Building and Promoting
Turning one product into a catalog, and getting it in front of the right people.
29
Create a Series
Series keep readers engaged and coming back.
30
Use Professional Graphic Design
Good layout enhances readability and impact.
31
Choose the Right Trim Size
Different sizes serve different purposes.
32
Provide Bonus Material
Extras create value and delight your audience.
33
Optimize For Mobile
Make your website and offers easy to access on any device.
34
Test Your Ideas
Validate your ideas before investing heavily.
35
Get Professional Photos
Quality images build trust and elevate your brand.
36
Offer Digital Products
Digital products have high value and low overhead.
37
Automate Your Marketing
Automations save time and nurture your audience.
38
Write a Compelling Description
Your description sells your book before the reader buys it.
39
Use ISBNs Correctly
You need a separate ISBN for every format and every new edition.
40
Distribute Widely
Make your book available where your audience shops.
41
Offer Bulk Options
Bulk sales are great for events and organizations.
42
Protect Your Brand
Use your logo and branding consistently.
43
Create a Media Kit
Make it easy for others to promote you.
44
Speak in Public
Stage time builds authority faster than advertising does.
45
Network With Intent
Build real relationships and offer genuine value.
46
Join Relevant Communities
Engage where your audience hangs out.
47
Offer a Lead Magnet
Give something valuable in exchange for email sign-ups.
48
Nurture Your List
Build relationships, do not just send promotions.
49
Launch With Incentives
Bonuses and limited offers increase action.
50
Get Booked on Podcasts
Podcasts are a powerful way to reach new audiences.
51
Run Targeted Ads
Use ads to reach the right people with the right message.
52
Stay Adaptable
Markets change. Be willing to change the plan you started with.
53
Innovate and Experiment
Do not be afraid to try new things.
Part 3 of 4
Selling and Customer Experience
What happens between someone finding you and someone becoming a repeat customer.
54
Create a Signature Process
A clear process builds trust and sets expectations.
55
Use Print-on-Demand Wisely
Print on demand reduces risk and inventory.
56
Plan Your Reorders
Know your lead times so a sold out product does not stall your launch.
57
Offer International Shipping
Expand your reach globally.
58
Localize When Needed
Consider translations and cultural nuances.
59
Make Your Website Easy To Navigate
A simple site converts better and builds trust.
60
Use Strong Headlines
Great headlines grab attention and drive action.
61
Proofread Everything
Typos damage credibility and professionalism.
62
Create a Style Guide
Consistency strengthens your brand across all platforms.
63
Offer Payment Options
More payment choices mean more sales.
64
Build an Affiliate Program
Affiliates can help you reach new audiences.
65
Provide Excellent Packaging
A great unboxing experience creates raving fans.
66
Add QR Codes
QR codes connect print materials to digital content.
67
Encourage User-Generated Content
Let your audience share your message.
68
Be Visible and Consistent
Show up regularly so people remember you.
69
Share Behind-The-Scenes
People love the story behind the work.
70
Offer Personalized Products
Personalization increases perceived value.
71
Cross-Promote Strategically
Promote complementary products and services.
72
Host Webinars or Workshops
Teach, connect, and build authority.
73
Create a Community
A strong community creates deeper loyalty.
74
Use Email Segmentation
Send the right message to the right people.
75
Focus on One Platform At A Time
Master one platform before expanding.
76
Optimize Your Checkout
A smooth checkout reduces abandoned carts.
77
Follow Up
Follow up leads to more sales and stronger relationships.
78
Give Back
Serve others and support causes you believe in.
79
Include a Strong Call To Action
Guide readers on what to do next.
Part 4 of 4
Growing for the Long Term
The habits that separate a one-time project from a publishing business.
80
Keep Your Customers Informed
Communicate updates and build trust.
81
Refresh and Update Content
Keep your content relevant and valuable.
82
Create Limited Editions
Scarcity can drive demand and excitement.
83
Offer Gift Options
Make it easy for others to buy and gift your products.
84
Monitor Your Reputation
Online reviews and feedback matter. Respond and learn.
85
Create a Reading Guide
Help readers apply your message and go deeper.
86
Provide Discussion Questions
Great for book clubs and coaching programs.
87
Include a Resource Section
Point readers to the tools, books, and links that helped you.
88
Collaborate on Projects
Co-creation expands your reach and creativity.
89
Be Patient and Persistent
Success rarely happens overnight.
90
Focus on Long-Term Impact
Build a legacy, not just a quick win.
91
Use Analytics
Data helps you make smarter decisions.
92
Create Evergreen Content
Timeless content keeps working for you.
93
Surround Yourself With Great People
Your network shapes your results.
94
Stay True to Your Message
Authenticity attracts the right audience.
95
Delegate and Outsource
Focus on what you do best.
96
Document Your Process
Systems make your business scalable.
97
Practice Gratitude
Gratitude keeps you grounded and motivated.
98
Enjoy The Journey
Celebrate the journey, not just the destination.
99
Keep Making an Impact
Your message has the power to change lives.
100
Celebrate Milestones
Acknowledge progress and keep moving forward.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Whatever stage you are at, here is where to start.
