So, you’ve finished writing your book. First of all, congratulations! That’s no small feat. You have poured your heart, mind, and likely many sleepless nights into bringing your story to life. But now, the big question is staring at you like a blank page once did: How do I actually get this thing printed? 

Well, if you find yourself in a similar situation, you are in the right place. In this article, I am about to walk you through the process step by step, and I promise it’s going to be fun (okay, may be the paperwork won’t be fun but we’ll get through it together). By the end of this guide, you will know exactly how to turn your manuscript into a real-life, hold-it-in-your hands, printed book. 

Let’s go!

{We have a blog post about the Cost of Printing a Book in India that you may want to check out!}

Step 1: Polishing Your Manuscript- The Final Edit

Before you even think about printing your book, the most critical step is to make sure your manuscript is absolutely ready for it. You have spent months (or maybe years) writing your book. It’s like a baby to you at this point. This is your final draft- the one that will be read by people all over the world.

Here’s what to do:

• Editing, Editing, and more Editing: I get it- you are tired of reading your own words. But here’s the thing: readers will notice every tiny typo, awkward sentence, or misplaced comma. Read through your book multiple times or hire a professional editor to spot mistakes you might have missed. 
• Feedback: Find a few brave souls to read your book before you print it. These beta readers will give you feedback on things you might not have thought about. May be there is a plot hole in chapter 5, or the ending could use a little more punch. 

Step 2: Choosing a Book Size and Format

Now that your manuscript is ready to go, it’s time to think about the physical book itself. What will it look like? You have probably seen this scenario play out in a bookstore: someone picks up a book, flips it over, check out the cover, may be sniffs the pages (or is that just me). This is why size and format are important. 

• Book Size: There are standard book sizes but the size of your book will depend a lot on the genre and the type of reading experience you want to create. The most popular size for novels is 6 x 9 inches. It’s easy to hold, fits well on bookshelves, and has that classic paperback feel. If you have written something that involves images, illustrations, or anything that needs a bit more space to shine, consider a larger size like 8.5 x 11 inches. 
• Paperback or Hardcover? Here’s where it gets interesting. Do you want the soft feel of the paperback or the heirloom vibe of a hardcover? Each has its own charm. Paperbacks are cheaper to print and lighter to carry. On the other hand, if your book is a special edition, a coffee table book or something that people will want to keep, hardcover might be worth the investment. 

{We have compiled a list of 15 Print on Demand Companies in India}

Step 3: Designing Your Cover

Let’s be honest- we all judge books by their covers. A great cover can make someone pick up your book, while a messy design can make it invisible. So, this is one of the most important parts of the process. 

So how do you design the perfect cover?

Option A: Hire a Professional- If you are not a designer (and let’s be real, most of us aren’t), this might be the best way to go. A professional cover designer knows how to make your book pop. Plus, they understand all the technical things like resolution, file types etc. so you don’t have to. 

Option B: DIY with Tools- But hey, if you are on a budget or skilled in design, go for it! Use tools like Canva or Adobe Spark to create a cover that screams buy me! Make sure the fonts are readable and the title stands out. And remember, simplicity is often key. 

What to keep in mind?

• Make sure your cover is visually striking, grabs attention and gives a hint of what lies inside. 
• The colors and fonts need to match the tone and genre of your book. A thriller might use dark, bold colors, while a romance novel might have softer, pastel tones. 

Step 4: Formatting the Interior

Let’s get nerdy for a second because this step is where the magic happens inside the book. Good formatting is like invisible art. You don’t notice it when it’s done well, but when it’s done poorly- yikes- it sticks out like a sore thumb. 

When you open a book, the words should be inviting, well-spaced, and easy on the eyes. It’s not just how the text looks but how readers experience the book. 

Software to use: 

• Adobe InDesign: Most authors use Adobe InDesign to handle formatting. It allows for precise control over every aspect of your book’s layout. 
• Microsoft Word: If you are on a budget, Word can be used to format your book, but you might want to have a professional take a look afterward. 

Things to consider:

• Make sure there’s enough margin for people to hold the book without covering the text. 
• Stick to simple, readable fonts like Times New Roman. Fancy fonts might be fun, but they can make the text harder to read. 
• Be consistent! If you have bold chapter titles, stick with them throughout. Readers love consistency because it makes the reading experience smooth. 

{Are you considering the self-publishing route, but quite not sure? We have A Beginner’s Guide to Self Publishing in India that you may want to check out.}

Step 5: Get an ISBN

If you plan to sell your books in stores (including online retailers like Amazon), you will need an ISBN (International Standard Book Number, a 13-digit unique number). 

How to apply for ISBN in India?

• In India, ISBN is provided for free by the government. You can apply for it on the official website of the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN. 
• Some print-on-demand services, like Amazon KDP, offer a free ISBN but you will be tied to their platform for distribution. 

Pro Tip: If you are publishing different formats (paperback, hardcover, eBook), you will need a separate ISBN for each. 

Step 6: Choose a Printing Method- Print-on-Demand or Bulk Printing?

Ah, the million-dollar question (or at least the cost-per-copy question): how should you print your book? There are two main methods for printing your book, and each has its own pros and cons. 

1. Print-on-Demand: This method is great for authors with smaller budgets or for those testing the waters. You upload your book files to a platform (like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark), and when someone orders your book, it gets printed just for them. 

Pros:

• No upfront costs for printing.
• No inventory management.
• You can make updates to your book with minimum hassle.

Cons:

• Higher per-book cost and lower profit margins.
• Limited options for customization (e.g., paper type, special finishes).

2. Offset Printing: If you plan to sell a lot of copies (500 or more), you might want to consider offset printing because of its cost-effectiveness. With this method, you print a large number of copies at once, which reduces the per-book cost. 

Pros:

• Higher-quality Printing.
• Lower per-book cost for large orders.
• More customization options.

Cons:

• High upfront costs.
• You’ll need to manage inventory and shipping. 

{Check out our post on Amazon or Self Publishing in India: 3 Important Options.}

Step 7: Where Will Your Book Be Sold?

Now that your book is almost ready to hit the world, it’s time to think about where you want it to be sold. Are you going to sell it on Amazon? In bookstores? Directly to your readers? Where your book is available can have a huge impact on its reach, sales, and success.

Here are a few options for getting your book out there:

1. Selling On Amazon

Let’s be honest- Amazon is the giant of the book-selling world. If your book isn’t on Amazon, you are missing out on a massive pool of potential readers. If you are self-publishing, this is probably the easiest route. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the go-to platform for most indie authors and here’s why:

• Amazon operates in numerous countries, which means your book can be sold internationally without you having to do anything extra.
• Whether you are publishing a paperback, hardcover, or eBook, Amazon has you covered.
• They will print your book and ship it to readers for you. 

2. IngramSpark

If you want to see your book on the shelves of bookstores, libraries, or local shops, then IngramSpark can be a great choice. They are the biggest distributors to both online retailers and physical bookstores. Here’s why you might consider IngramSpark:

• If you want to go the traditional route and see your book on physical shelves, this is where you need to be.
• They offer a variety of customization options for printing, so if you are looking for hardcover, premium paper, or other advanced features, they have got you covered.

However, IngramSpark isn’t as easy to use as Amazon KDP and does require upfront fees for uploading your book. They also don’t have the same visibility on Amazon’s website that KDP books do, so you might need to work harder to market your book there. 

3. Selling on your own website

Want more control and higher profits? Selling directly from your own website gives you the highest profit margin, as you are cutting out the middleman. It also helps you to build a direct relationship with your readers. Here’s why you should consider this option:

• You set the price, you keep the profits, and you build a direct connection with the readers.
• You will need to handle shipping, fulfillment, and customer service yourself (which can be a lot of work).

Step 8: Uploading your Files

We are getting close to the finish line! You have got your manuscript polished, cover designed, and you have chosen how you want to print and distribute your book. Now, it’s time to upload your precious files. This step might sound technical, but don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Before you upload, your book needs to be in the right format. 

Each platform has its specific requirements, so here’s what you will typically need:

• The inside of your book- chapters, text, and any images- should be in PDF form. This keeps everything looking exactly how you want it, whether someone reads it on a tablet or in a printed book. If you are publishing an eBook, it will be an EPUB or MOBI file. 
• For the Cover file, you will have to upload it as a full-wrap PDF, which includes the front cover, the back cover, and spine in one file. Most platforms will provide templates so you can ensure the cover dimensions are correct. 

Pro Tip: Always double-check the platform’s file requirements- whether it’s the margin sizes, bleed areas, or file size. 

Double check for errors: This is your last chance to catch any mistakes before the world sees your book. Trust me, nothing’s worse than ordering a proof copy and realizing you misspelled your own name on the cover (yes, this happens). 

So, before you upload, please check:

• Are all the chapter headings in the right place? Are the margins and spacing consistent?
• Does your cover look sharp? Are all the elements aligned correctly?

Now comes the fun part: uploading your files to the world’s biggest bookstores! Depending on which platform you chose, the steps will slightly vary, but most follow a simple step-by-step process to upload your files.

Pro Tip: Always order a proof copy before you officially launch (we’ll talk more about that next). 

{Here’s a list of 50 Self Publishing Companies in India. And how to choose the right one.}

Step 9: Proofing Your Book

Ah, the proof copy. Before hitting that final “Publish” button, it’s critical to order a proof copy of your book. This is your last chance to catch any formatting errors, typos, or alignment issues. 

Why order a proof copy?

• Sometimes what looks good on a screen doesn’t look great in print. Maybe the colors are off, or the font is too small. 
• Yes, you have proofread your manuscript a dozen times already. But errors have a funny way of slipping through when you least expect it. Now is your last chance to spot them.

Once everything looks good, you are ready to hit “Publish”. 

Step 10: Launch and Promote

Now comes the fun part- launching and promoting your book. You have worked hard to write and prepare your book, and now it’s time to present your baby to the world. Here’s how to do it:

1. Pre-orders: If you are launching on Amazon or other platform that allows pre-orders, this is a great way to build anticipation. Start promoting your book a few weeks before the launch.
2. Launch Event: Depending on your style and budget, you can host a launch event. This could be a physical event at a bookstore, café, or library, or a virtual launch party on Instagram Live, Facebook, or Zoom.
3. Spread the word: Announce your book on all your social media platforms. Share the link to buy, thank your supporters, and ask readers to leave reviews. Send out review copies to book bloggers or influencers in your genre. Offer free signed copies to readers who share your book or leave a review. Positive reviews can help get your book in front of new readers. 

{Here’s a list of The Seven Steps of Self Editing Fiction that may help you polish your manuscript.}

Concluding up!

After all the hard work, don’t forget to celebrate. You’ve just published a book- a huge achievement! Whether you’ve sold one copy or 1,000, take a moment to enjoy your success. Before we wrap up, here are a few points to keep in mind:

• Keep track of your sales to track your book’s performance and adjust your marketing strategy as needed.
• Connect with other authors, both online and in-person. Networking with other authors can open up opportunities for collaboration and promotion. 
• Don’t be discouraged by critical reviews or slow sales at the beginning. Every author faces bumps in the road. Take feedback as a chance to grow and improve your future work.

Happy writing!