The Stages of Publishing: What Every Self-Publishing Author Should Know

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes before a book lands in a reader’s hands? If you're thinking of self-publishing, understanding the stages your manuscript must pass through can help you plan, budget, and avoid burnout. It’s a process—and every step matters.

1. Write the Book

It all starts here. Don’t overthink the process—just write. At this stage, you’re laying the foundation. (And while you’re at it, start setting aside a little money each month to invest in the later stages.)

2. Beta Reading

Beta readers are your first feedback team. They’ll help you identify the strengths and weaknesses in your work-in-progress (WIP) from a reader’s perspective. Their insights can be invaluable for your next draft.

3. Developmental Editing

This is the big-picture stage. A developmental editor will look at your manuscript as a whole—structure, plot, pacing, character arcs, consistency—and help you shape your story into its best form.

4. Line Editing

Now we zoom in. Line editing focuses on the rhythm, flow, and tone of your writing at the sentence and paragraph level. It’s where clarity meets creativity.

5. Copyediting

Time to polish! A copyeditor will ensure your manuscript is consistent and accurate—checking grammar, punctuation, spelling, and fact consistency. This is where your writing gets cleaned up and sharpened.

6. Cover Design

People really do judge books by their covers. Invest in a professional designer if you can—or at least take the time to create something that reflects your genre and tone. Don’t leave this until the last minute.

7. Formatting

Proper formatting ensures your book is readable and professional—whether in print or digital form. Font choices, spacing, page numbers, indents, headings—it all adds up to a smooth reader experience.

8. Proofreading

The final pre-publication stage. A proofreader will catch any remaining typos, punctuation slips, or formatting glitches. This is your last chance to tidy up before your book goes out into the world.

9. Publish

Once your book is ready, you’ll need to format it for eBook and/or print platforms. Upload, set a price, and hit publish—exciting!

10. Promote

You’ve done the hard work—now shout about it! Use social media, author networks, newsletters, or ARC readers to help spread the word and generate reviews.

A Word of Encouragement

It’s unlikely you’ll be able to afford every stage listed, especially on your first book. And that’s okay. The key is to know what’s involved and plan ahead. If you anticipate what you'll need and set aside a small amount regularly while you’re still writing, the process won’t feel so overwhelming.

Above all, write the damn book, have fun with it, take your time, talk to other writers, and publish when you are ready. There’s no one-size-fits-all route—just your own pace, your own path.

If you're unsure where to begin with editing, or you'd like a second pair of eyes on your manuscript, feel free to drop me a message. I'd love to help bring your words one step closer to publication.