Publish my book
How to publish my book: a plain guide for business owners
To publish your book, decide what it must do for your business, get the manuscript written, choose a publishing path, and plan marketing before launch day.
This guide from Big Impact Books answers the questions people ask most: how do I publish my own book, how can I publish my book if I do not have time to write, and how to find a book publisher to publish my book. It is written for CEOs and business owners who want a book that builds authority.
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How do I publish my own book?
You publish your own book in seven steps. You can do each one yourself, hire help step by step, or work with an independent publisher that handles the process with you.
Define the goal and the reader
Name the reader you want to reach and what the book should do for your business: attract clients, support speaking, or position you for a next move.
Outline the book
Turn your expertise into chapters: the problems you solve, the frameworks you use, and the stories that prove them.
Get the manuscript written
Write it yourself, hire a ghostwriter, or use an interview-based process like the one at Big Impact Books.
Edit
Have the manuscript edited for structure, clarity, and mistakes.
Design and format
A cover, interior layout, and the formats you need, such as print and ebook.
Choose your path and publish
Self-publish on a platform such as Amazon KDP, pursue a traditional deal through an agent, or publish with an independent publisher.
Market before and after launch
Build an audience early, then keep promoting so the book stays relevant.
How can I publish my own book if I do not have time to write?
Talk it instead of typing it. Big Impact Books built its process for leaders whose calendars are already full: about one hour a week of guided interviews, while the team turns your conversations into a manuscript in your voice. It is not ghostwriting in the usual sense. Your ideas, stories, and phrasing are the raw material, and the team organizes them into chapters.
I knew I wanted to share my story and reach more people, but with my schedule and other commitments, I felt overwhelmed and never thought I would have the time to sit down and write.
How to find a book publisher to publish my book
The route depends on the kind of publisher you want. For a traditional publisher, most nonfiction authors first find a literary agent by sending a query and a book proposal; the agent then pitches publishers. Independent publishers such as Big Impact Books work directly with authors, without an agent.
Whichever route you take, ask every publisher the same questions before you sign:
- Who writes the manuscript, and whose voice will it carry?
- How much of my time will the process take each week?
- What marketing is included, and what will I be expected to do myself?
- What are the royalty and rights terms, in writing?
| Path | How you get in | Who manages the work | Marketing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent publisher (Big Impact Books) | Work directly with the publisher | The Big Impact Books team, with about one hour a week from you | Promotion such as podcast placements and media outreach |
| Self-publishing platform | Upload a finished book yourself | You, plus anyone you hire | Planned and paid for by you |
| Traditional publisher | Usually through a literary agent | The publisher, after acquiring the book | Varies by publisher; authors commonly help promote |
What should I plan before my book is published?
Plan the audience before the book. Big Impact Books has written for years that most new authors only think about marketing when the book is almost or already published, which costs them valuable time. Building a community of ideal readers early helps validate your ideas, gives you feedback on your messaging, creates pre-launch buzz, and gives you a supportive network ready to buy, review, and share the book.
For a broader outside overview of publishing routes, Jane Friedman’s The Key Book Publishing Paths is widely used by authors. For costs, see what book publishing and marketing cost.
Questions about publishing your own book
- How do I publish my own book?
- Decide what the book must do for you, outline it, get the manuscript written, edit it, design and format it, choose a publishing path, and plan marketing before launch. You can do each step yourself, hire help step by step, or work with an independent publisher such as Big Impact Books that handles the process with you.
- Does it cost money to publish your book?
- It can cost little or a great deal. Do-it-yourself platforms such as Amazon KDP let authors upload a book without an upfront fee, but professional writing help, editing, design, and marketing cost money. Prices vary widely: Manuscript Report’s 2026 review of 16 book marketing companies found published prices from $10 to $9,499.
- How do I find a book publisher to publish my book?
- For a traditional publisher, most authors first find a literary agent with a query and, for nonfiction, a book proposal. Independent publishers such as Big Impact Books work directly with authors. Whichever route you take, confirm whose voice the book will carry, what marketing is included, and the royalty and rights terms.
- What is the difference between self-publishing, traditional publishing, and an independent publisher?
- In self-publishing, you manage every step and hire help as needed. In traditional publishing, you usually need an agent, and the publisher controls much of the process. An independent publisher such as Big Impact Books works directly with the author on development, publishing, and promotion. Jane Friedman’s publishing paths guide is a useful overview.
- What is the 3 book rule?
- There is no single official “3 book rule” in publishing. Authors use the phrase in different ways, often to mean that readers need several encounters with an author before buying, or that series sales tend to build after a third book. Treat it as a rule of thumb rather than a requirement.
- Is selling 5,000 copies of a book good?
- For many nonfiction titles, 5,000 copies is a meaningful result, though “good” depends on genre, price, and goals. For a business owner, sales are only part of the picture: a book that brings in a handful of ideal clients or speaking engagements can be worth far more than its royalties.
- How much does a beginner author make per book?
- A beginner earns whatever their royalty rate produces on each sale. Writer Cosmos notes that self-published authors can keep up to 70% royalties on ebooks, while traditional royalties are set by contract. Multiply your list price by your rate to find your per copy earnings, then compare that with your goals.