14 Steps to Self-Publishing a Book

I liked that it was laid out step by step. It could have been a little more detailed I thought.

14 Steps to Self-Publishing a BOOK ISBN 9780997994643, Lecture PRO Publishing, an e-book by Mike Kowis, Esq.This book presents the specifics of the author’s process of publishing his first book. An introduction explains why he decided to self-publish – his only option after receipt of numerous rejections from traditional publishers - and follows with extolling the advantages that ultimately accrued as a result of the decision. Chapter One then recites the 14 steps to be taken; Chapter Two, each of the Writing, Self-publishing, and Marketing Costs; Three, enumeration with detailed description/explanation of Ten Lessons learned from writing the first book; A Conclusion; Appendix containing a Self-Publishing Checklist that largely is repetitive; A short biography of the author again with some repetition.Discussion: Evaluating this book as a whole is somewhat dichotomous. Its main thrust - to provide specific details required for the novice to self-publish a book that is ‘properly done’ with the fewest possible errors – is excellent. It is short and really addresses all pertinent details. However, this reviewer has questions with the second theme – the suggested time line that admittedly may be faulty interpretation, but if so would seem to profit from extensive clarification. He states in the introduction that upon receipt of his last rejection from a traditional publisher in August 2016, he proceeded with the self-publication that occurred on October 21, 2016. AND in his conclusion he states “To summarize, simply follow the 14 steps above and you should be able to self-publish your tome in about one to two months.”This time line would seem to be quite difficult to achieve. Not only is time required to write the book, but the publishing process often extends time required simply because of the need to hire quite a number of additional personnel and pursue a number of additional steps. A cover design professional, a graphic designer to format the book, an editor, a proof reader and a printer for the physical act of publishing (especially in all three formats the author employed) all are required which adds not only the time required to perform their activity, but also that needed for ‘fitting your request into their own busy schedule’. Good cover designers are quite in demand as are good editors AND further time is required simply to ‘see how well you can work with a particular individual’. A cover designer and even more especially an editor with whom an author is ‘not on the same page’ can be disastrous. Then the author also lists the need for the activities of “establishing a new business to publish and market” your book, buy a domain and establish a web site, buy ISBN numbers, apply for a Library of Congress number, find a merchant account at your preferred shipping company, and create a social media platform (to promote your book). For these rather numerous requirements listed, it is extremely difficult for this reviewer to visualize how this self-publication could have been accomplished in two months. And incidentally by a man who, according to his short biography, includes functioning as an “Adjunct Faculty Member for one of the largest community colleges in the Lone Star State… ENGAGING COLLEGE STUDENTS in Business Law and Corporate Tax classes” as well as being employed as a “Tax attorney at a Fortune 500 company in Texas.”Conclusion: A short book (that could even have been shorter by excluding repetition) that definitely provides 5* ranking for presentation of most important material for the novice. However and most regrettably, a proposal that provides a time for book completion that in this reviewer’s opinion would be most difficult to reach.

Very informative! helps you get going in the right direction. A must have for someone who is looking to publish.

It seems easy enough… write a book, publish the book, earn money. Sadly, it really isn’t that easy. The internet is loaded with information; however, it can be confusing as well as time consuming to sort through all of it. Personally, I was ready to give up thinking my dream wouldn’t come to fruition.Luckily, I found Mike Kowis’ tremendous book. He not only has sorted through all the massive, confusing mess of information, but also has narrowed it down to 14 believable as well as doable steps that he has proven to work for him. I loved his easy to read writing style that was like talking to a friend for advice. The steps are very easy to follow as well as extremely informable leaving no question unanswered – as if he was reading his readers’ minds as to what they needed. Not only does he give us 14 steps that cover everything from creating a business, setting up a website, info on getting ISBN numbers, and suggestions on how to market your book but he also tells us his own journey and the lessons learned, he also gives us other links for information (and unlike other books the links work!). Overall, I was highly impressed that he could narrow everything down to 14 steps in such a way I don’t believe one can find a more comprehensive guide. Perfect for all writers regardless of what stage your process may be. Instead of stumbling through and making mistakes or becoming overwhelmed, follow Mike’s 14 steps and make your book a winner!“Here’s the bottom line. If I can do it, anyone can.”

I am a writer and I am close to self publishing my first book, have a second book I am editing and have begun a third.I found this book very informative and agree with the authors assessment of "It's not cheap"but I write on.

I like the fats and the realization that it's not rocket science but it's not easy either.Will use it in the future as I did not use it during the pandemic time frame.

This book is a well-written, to-the-point tutorial on how to publish your own book. The author cuts through all the fluff and gets right to the core of what you want to know: exactly how to publish your book! He does it in an easy-to-read format of steps, set out logically. He explains why the steps are important and how to accomplish them. When you need to obtain information from outside sources, he even gives you the URLs and addresses of where to obtain the items you need. He also tells you how much things cost, so you're not left wondering or having to do extensive research. His book reads like having a conversation with a friend that's holding your hand and leading you through a potentially difficult process--each step of the way. I'd definitely recommend reading this book before you begin if you are interested in self-publishing your own book!

I wish I would have known about this book before I self-published earlier this year. Like the author, I too just had to figure it out as I went through the process of publishing my book. I thought, “I’m a smart guy. How hard could it be?” If you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s very hard. Mike Kowis’ 14 step guide is spot on. There are a couple of steps I don’t think I’ll use for my next book, but that’s just me and my personal preferences. But, there are also a couple of areas that he talks about that I didn’t think of during my process that could have been very helpful. If you are planning to self-publish, you need this book. There are so many moving parts to the process that it’s nice to have a reference guide if and when you get stuck. That’s the main reason I bought this book and it’s well worth the small price. Plus, you can sit down and read this book in under an hour. It’s crammed full of great information that you can actually use. I’m recommending this book to anyone wanting to self-publish a book!

Dear author, I loved your sweetness, the way you presented your book-publishing story is outstanding. Yes I do agree that people don't support in the starting state. Therefore creator must focus on creating quality stuff.

High value! This is well worth the money!