BLOGS

 

📝 Blog Title:

How to Become a Self-Published Author: A Practical Roadmap

📅 Posted on: June 27, 2025

Author: William A. Price, WP Legacy Publishing

  • Have you ever felt like you had a story to tell, knowledge to share, or a lesson worth teaching—but weren’t sure how to get it out into the world?

    That was me not too long ago. After years in the real estate world—teaching, consulting, and writing CE courses—I knew there was more I could give. That’s when I discovered the power of self-publishing. Today, I want to help you start your journey with a clear path forward.

    Here’s how you become a self-published author—step by step.

    📌 Step 1: Start With Your Why

    Before you write a single word, ask yourself:

    Why do I want to publish a book?

    Are you writing to grow your business? Build authority? Teach others? Leave a legacy?
    Knowing your “why” will guide everything else—from your tone to your marketing.

    📝 Step 2: Choose Your Topic or Niche

    Pick a subject you know well and feel passionate about.
    For me, that was real estate—specifically, educating buyers, sellers, and new agents.
    Think of what people always ask you about. That’s your starting point.

    🔍 Tip: Research other books in your niche. What’s missing? What could you do better?

    🗂️ Step 3: Plan the Content

    You don’t need to be a professional writer—just organized.
    Start with a simple outline:

    • What’s the problem you’re solving?
    • What does the reader need to know first?
    • What lessons or case studies can you share?

    Each chapter should feel like a helpful step forward.

    ⌨️ Step 4: Write the First Draft

    This is where most people get stuck. Don’t aim for perfection—just write.
    Block off time weekly, or dictate your thoughts using tools like Google Docs voice typing.

    🗣️ Speak from experience. Real talk is more valuable than perfect grammar.

    📚 Step 5: Edit and Format

    Once your draft is done, review it with fresh eyes—or hire an editor to clean it up.
    You’ll also need to format your book for eBook (Kindle) and print.

    There are tools and services for this, but if you're just starting out, Kindle Create is free and easy to use.

    🎨 Step 6: Design Your Cover

    People do judge books by their cover.
    Invest in a professional design that looks clean, modern, and fits your genre.

    📦 For real estate books, I like covers that feel trustworthy, sharp, and professional.

    📦 Step 7: Publish on KDP (Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing)

    KDP is Amazon’s self-publishing platform, and it’s the simplest way to get your book online.

    You’ll:

    • Upload your manuscript and cover
    • Choose a price
    • Select categories and keywords
    • Hit “publish”

    Your book can be live within 24–72 hours.

    📣 Step 8: Promote Your Book

    Publishing is just the beginning. You need readers.

    Use:

    • Social media (LinkedIn, Threads, Facebook)
    • Email marketing (Mailchimp is a great start)
    • Your website and blog
    • Book promo sites (like BookBub or Freebooksy)
    • And yes, ask for reviews!

    The more consistent you are, the more momentum you build.

    🧭 Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for Permission

    One of the best parts about self-publishing?
    You don’t have to wait for a publisher, an agent, or some gatekeeper to approve your message.

    You can share your experience your way, on your timeline.

    If I can do it—while running a business and serving in my community—you can too.

    So if you've got a book inside you, start writing it. The world is waiting.

    Need help getting started?
    At WP Legacy Publishing, we help aspiring authors, real estate professionals, and subject-matter experts turn their knowledge into polished, published books.

    📩 Reach out if you’d like help with your first draft, layout, or marketing plan.

    Let’s build something lasting—together.

    —

    William A. Price
    Founder, Author, WP Legacy Publishing

💬 Join the Conversation

Have a question about homebuying? Want to share your journey? Drop a comment below or email us directly.
We love hearing from new homeowners and future buyers.

📧 Contact: wpbookinfo@wp-legacy-publishing.com
🌐 Website: www.wp-legacy-publishing.com