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My Self-Publishing Toolkit: From Manuscript to Book Launch
20
items Self-publishing a book involves a LOT more than writing “The End.” 📚
These are the tools, resources, and supplies I’ve used - or found genuinely helpful - along the way from manuscript to published book and my first author event.
I’ve organized ev...
Sections
5
Writing & Editing
Art and Design
Publishing
Author and Vendor Event Supplies
Finish Line
Writing & Editing
I seriously don’t know why anyone would pay for a word editor when there are such great free tools that let you write and access your files from anywhere.
Google Docs: Online Document & PDF Editor | Google Workspace
Proofreading is key for any writer and I love the new feature that checks to see if your work sounds like it’s written by AI.
Grammarly
AI is controversial for sure but Claude helped me with many a tutorial and keeping me organized as I published and planned my first author events and social media posts.
Claude AI
Art and Design
Canva is my go to for design. It was perfect to create my book cover and marketing materials.
Canva
Reels and Videos are so easy in CapCut.
CapCut AI Video Editor: Smart Online Video Editing with Advanced AI Tools
Again I know it’s controversial but not being able to afford an illustrator this allowed me to create the characters in my story for cover art.
ChatGPT
Publishing
The path I chose for my first book. Note: Do not let seeing your book on a computer screen convince you that you’ve seen your book. Order the proof
Self Publishing | Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
I use Wordpress for my author website. It’s now easy with many free templates.
WordPress, Your Way
Mailerlite lets you have free email lists and landing pages to keep up with your fans, readers, and future readers.
MailerLite
Author and Vendor Event Supplies
Great pens for all those autographs. Archival ink. Be sure to practice!
SAKURA PIGMA MICRON 05 FINELINER PEN 2PK
These are perfect for informational signs and pricing guides.
3 Pack Acrylic Sign Holder 8.5 x 11 Inches, Vertical Flyer Display Stand | Clear Menu Holder Stand, Table Paper Holder, Desk Brochure Holder, Plastic Sign Display Stand for Restaurants, Office, Store
Great for signage and author bio for your table at events.
Deal: xydstay 8.5x11 Acrylic Sign Holder,T-Shape Double-Sided Menu Stand,2 Pack | Vertical Crystal Clear Plastic Frame 8.5x11 Menu & Photo Display for Restaurants,Offices,Schools,Weddings and table numbers
Make sure to have business cards and/or cards with how to purchase more copies of your book later. I like to include a QR code with a link for purchases and for mailing lists.
Uniclife Acrylic Business Card Holder for Desk, 1 Slot, 60 Card Capacity | Clear Business Card Display Stand for Men & Women Desktop Business Card Organizer Card Stand for Office Home Exhibition
A simple table cloth can really heighten the professional look of your setup.
sancua 2 Pack Black Tablecloths 60x102 Inch for 6 Feet Rectangle Tables | Stain and Wrinkle Resistant Washable Polyester Table Cover for Dining Tables, Wedding Buffet Parties and Camping
PayPal offers an affordable card reader so you can sell copies of your book at events.
Card Readers & Terminals | PayPal Hardware | PayPal US
A flexible phone stand is perfect for shooting product photos and unboxing videos when those first copies arrive!
Gooseneck Cell Phone Holder, Universal 360 Flexible Phone Stand Lazy Bracket Mount Long Arms Clamp for Phone 13 Pro Xs Max XR X 8 7 6 6s Plus and Other 3.5~6.7'' Device (Black)
Being prepared for anyone who wants to pay with cash is easy with a simple cash box. Also good for storing checks if you accept those.
Cash Box with Lock Key and Money Tray, Large Money Box for Cash Register | Metal Petty Cash Box for Money Safe, 4 Windproof Bill Clips, Auto-Pop Coin Tray for Garage Sale, Small Business, 11.8" Black
If you don’t haven any branded merch these are cute for a giveaway at your table.
Book shaped Foam Stress Toys
Sturdy book stands help you arrange your table with a professional flair.
3 Pack 8 Inch Plate Stands for Display - Decorative Book Stand for Picture | Metal Frame Picture Easels Holders for Tables Cookbook Photo Art Show - Strong & Sturdy Thicke Iron Construction, Black
Finish Line
Just proof that you can accomplish your dreams! My first book. 😊
Mosey and Friends: Stories in Stillstream Hollow