As a self-taught, self-published author, I love the creative freedom of doing it all: designing my covers, formatting my pages, and releasing my books through my own imprint. But there’s one thing I’ll never DIY: editing. A good editor doesn’t just fix mistakes; they elevate your writing, ensuring your book feels professional and polished. If you remember one piece of advice from me, let it be this—hire an editor. Quality matters, especially when you’re an indie author building your legacy one book at a time.

Congratulations, you’re publishing your book! Here’s how to get your ISBN in the US or Canada and take ownership of your story as an indie author.

Publishing under your own imprint is more than a technical step; it’s an act of sovereignty. It gives your stories a home, builds credibility, and lays the foundation for your legacy as an indie author. Creating a publishing company allows you to plant roots that will carry your words forward for years to come.

Self-publishing your first book is exciting and a little overwhelming. When I decided to publish my debut, I learned quickly that writing the manuscript was only half the journey. From budgeting and hiring professionals to navigating distribution and marketing, here are seven lessons I wish I’d known before hitting “publish.”