As a beginner writer, understanding the different publishing options available to you is crucial in the journey of getting your first novel published. Traditional publishing involves submitting your manuscript to publishing houses and going through a long process of acceptance and editing. Self-publishing, on the other hand, gives you full control over the publishing process, from editing to distribution.

It's important to weigh the pros and cons of each publishing option. Traditional publishing offers the credibility and resources of an established publishing house, but can be difficult to break into. Self-publishing allows for more creative control and faster publication, but requires more effort in marketing and distribution. There are also hybrid publishing options that combine aspects of both traditional and self-publishing.

Where to Get a Book Cover Designed

Your book cover is the first thing readers see — and if it looks low-quality, people will assume the writing is too.
Here are trusted options for every budget:

Budget-Friendly Options:

• Canva Pro (Great for beginners): Pre-made templates for ebooks and print
• Fiverr – You can find talented designers starting at $20–$50
• Creative Market – Buy high-quality, premade cover templates you can customize.

Professional Options:

• Reedsy – Find vetted, experienced book designers (a little pricier but top quality)
• 99designs – Run a design contest and pick the best one
• Premade Book Covers sites – Search “premade book cover fantasy/romance/etc.” for genre-specific designs at a lower cost

Always check licensing terms — especially for commercial use.

Where to Publish Your Book

You don’t need a traditional publisher to be successful. Many authors self-publish and build powerful careers. Here are the top platforms to consider:

Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)

• Free to use
• Publish ebooks and paperbacks (even hardcovers now)
• Your book is available on Amazon worldwide
• Print-on-demand (no need to order in bulk)

Amazon has the largest built-in audience and a low barrier to entry.

Other Platforms Worth Exploring:

• IngramSpark – Better for bookstore and library distribution
• Barnes & Noble Press – Great for getting on B&N’s website
• Draft2Digital – Distributes to multiple ebook stores like Apple Books, Kobo, and libraries
• Lulu – Print books, photo books, and more with customization

How to Order Copies in Bulk — and Save Money

If you want physical copies of your book (for events, giveaways, school visits, etc.), Amazon KDP is one of the cheapest and easiest options.

With KDP:

• You can order author copies at printing cost only (no royalties or markup)
• Books typically cost around $2–$4 per copy, depending on size, page count, and if it’s black & white or color
• You can print one book or 500 — no minimum

Pro Tip: Order a single copy first to proofread it before buying in bulk!