How to self publish a book

Basics every aspiring author should know
How do people become authors?
What, or how should I write?
How do I get myself published?
How do I get paid as an author?
Who owns the copyright to the book?

How to write a book?
How to write a fiction novel?
How to write non-fiction?
How to write a children’s book?
How to write an auto-biography?
How to write science fiction?
How to write a romance novel?
How to write a short novel?

How to get published?
What is the difference between a Publisher & Literary Agent?
How to find a Publisher/Literary agent?
How to publish a poem?

How to self-publish & sell your books?
How to decide whether to self-publish?
How to self publish a book?
How to self-publish without spending a cent!
How to market a book?
How to get an ISBN and barcode?

Useful Resources and Links
Warning on scams for aspiring authors
List of Literary Agents' Websites
Facebook Poets & Writers Registry
Literary magazines directory

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How to self-publish a book?

Introduction

So you’ve written a book or plan to write one. If you choose the self-publishing route, below are some steps and recommendations to follow. There are plenty of resources and advice and the internet on self-publishing, and it would be worthwhile to learn from other writers’ experiences before attempting. Also be careful of dodgy websites and printers who exploit the eagerness of aspiring writers.

Steps

Plan your book title and content carefully from a marketing point of view. There are hundreds of thousands of titles published every year. Invest time and effort into researching for similar books and how to position your book and get noticed in this overcrowded market. Tap into your professional expertise or personal hobby. Credentials help to sell! Make sure you write a compelling sales pitch on the cover or back page.
Get feedback and reviews. Always solicit reviews family and friends, and anyone in the publishing industry you may know. We all get lost in our own dreams sometimes and are not objective about the real potential of a book or our writing abilities. Self-publishing misses out on the professional advice of publishing executives who are highly knowledgeable about the book industry and market. So before you sink your money, make sure you get all the advice and feedback you can get on your book!
Invest in proper editing, layout and cover design. The biggest problem with self-published books is you can spot the flaws and mistakes straight away. Do not save money and effort on editing, layout, and cover design. Self-published books attract a “no-quality” prejudice the minute people realise it. Your book will sink no matter how great the idea or content! Spend the money to hire professionals to do it for you. They can also advise you on formatting requirements for printers and distributors. Freelancers are easily available through the internet, but recommendations from people who have used someone before are preferable.
Apply for an ISBN for your book. You will also need a barcode if you intend to sell your book in bookstores. (see topic "How to get an ISBN and Barcode") Some countries may also require copyright registration, library cataloguing registrations etc. Search the internet for advice, ask experienced self-publishers on forums or check with friends in the publishing business.
Choose a printer carefully. Printers are well known to rip you off especially if you are new to the book business. Get quotes from at least three . Ask to see books they have printed to ascertain quality of production. Use local printers if you have a small print run. The transportation cost isn’t worth the savings even if an overseas printer gives you a dirt cheap quote.
You may or may not need to undergo the hassle of registering a business. Individuals can sell books in their personal name without being a business entity. I would say register one only if you are going to be self-publishing many books.
Come up with a marketing plan! As with any product, no matter how great it is, it will not sell without marketing . Using the Internet can cut down on marketing and production costs, but talks, book signings and workshops in person are always better.

Tips

Print on Demand is a viable option , but be prepared to fight the perception of the vanity publishing label.
It’s hard to get your book reviewed by the media when it’s self-published.
Self-publishing is very risky as a financial venture. Consider the money you've spent on it written off and any revenue made as a bonus. It's mentally easier that way!
Fiction, children's books and poetry collections are difficult to self-publish and sell. Books tied to a business, product or workshops or non-fiction on knowledge sharing etc. often works better, especially if you have professional credentials to list on the book and spend time promoting the book with physical talks and seminars.
Getting famous individuals, professionals with strong credentials, or established writers to give you accolades to put on your book cover will make all the difference in getting your book sold. It is worth the effort even if you have to beg and wait!

Useful Websites
Detailed advice from individuals who do self-publishing big time.
www.parapublishing.com
www.fonerbooks.com

Important Warning!
Authors who intend to self-publish or look for publishers/literary agents are well advised to read this excellent website by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc's excellent website on scams, frauds, dodgy publishers/literary agents, writer services, writing contests, copyright issues and other important information. http://www.sfwa.org/beware