Resources

Here's what I wish I'd known before I started.

I'm not a publishing expert — I've said that from the beginning. But in the process of writing two novels and figuring out how to get them into the world, I've learned some things the hard way. This page is my attempt to save you some of that.

I'll keep updating it as I learn more. We're figuring this out together.

Publish Your Book

These are the real, reputable platforms where your book can live. All of them are free to use — they make money when you sell books, not before.

•  Amazon KDP — kdp.amazon.com
The biggest platform. Most readers will find you here. Create your own account with your own email and credentials. Do not let anyone else create it for you.

•  Barnes & Noble Press — press.barnesandnoble.com
The second-largest US retailer. Easy to use, free to publish, and important for readers who prefer shopping anywhere other than Amazon.

•  Apple Books — authors.apple.com
Essential for reaching iPhone and iPad readers. Large international reach.

•  Kobo — kobo.com/writinglife
Strong in Canada, Europe, and Australia. Especially valuable if your story has international appeal.

•  Google Play Books — play.google.com/books/publish
Reaches Android users and international markets.

•  StreetLib — streetlib.com
A distributor that can get your book onto multiple platforms at once, including smaller international ones.

Protect Yourself

This is the section I really wish someone had handed me earlier.

Get Your Own ISBN

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is the unique identifier that tells every bookstore and library in the world that your book exists. Here’s what matters: whoever’s name is on the ISBN is the publisher of record. Permanently. It cannot be transferred.

If someone else purchases an ISBN on your behalf and registers it in their name, they are the publisher of your book on every platform — forever.

Get your own. Register it yourself.

You need a unique ISBN for every format combination of your book. For example: ebook, paperback, hardcover, audio book, etc.

ISBNs never expire!

Bowker — myidentifiers.com

This is the official US ISBN agency. A single ISBN is $125. A block of 10 is $295 — worth it if you have more than one book.

Register Your Copyright

Your copyright exists the moment you write something. But registration matters for one critical reason: if someone infringes your work, you can only sue for statutory damages and attorney’s fees if the work was registered before the infringement occurred.

Without registration you can still sue — but only for actual damages, which are much harder to prove and rarely worth pursuing.

→ Official site: copyright.gov

Format & Distribute

•  Vellum — vellum.pub
The gold standard for formatting beautiful ebooks and print books on a Mac. Not cheap, but worth it for the professional results.

•  BookFunnel — bookfunnel.com
Delivers ebooks directly to readers. Essential for ARCs, reader magnets, and promotions. Used by thousands of indie authors.

•  Lulu — lulu.com
Print-on-demand for physical books. Good for getting printed copies without large upfront costs.

Not every company that offers to “help you publish” has your interests at heart.

Some warning signs to watch for:

•  They create publishing accounts “on your behalf” using their own credentials instead of yours

•  Royalties flow through them rather than directly to you

•  They purchased your ISBN (meaning it may be registered in their name)

•  You’re asked to pay significant upfront fees before your book is published

•  It becomes difficult to get access to your own files

Questions to ask before signing anything:

•  Will I always have access to my manuscript files, at any time, for any reason?

•  Will my Amazon KDP and Barnes & Noble accounts be in my name, with my login credentials?

•  Will royalties be paid directly to my bank account?

•  Who will the ISBN be registered to?

If the answers make you uncomfortable, trust that feeling.

Resources Mentioned in Podcast Episodes

Resources I’ve referenced on the podcast — so you don’t have to hunt for them.

Reedsy — reedsy.com

Mentioned in Episode 2. A marketplace connecting authors with vetted freelance publishing professionals — editors, cover designers, formatters, and more. Every professional on Reedsy has been reviewed, so you’re not just hoping you found someone good. Great starting point if you need help getting your manuscript ready.

Novella Publishers — https://www.novellapublishers.com/

Mentioned in Episode 2. An assisted self-publishing company also called a Vanity Press hybrid.

Have a resource you think should be on this list? Email me at yourbookisinthere@gmail.com