6 Steps to Create and Print a Book for Beginners

When you finish writing a story, that feeling is indescribable. The last line, the final punctuation mark—it’s done.

Of course, for most authors and creators, finishing the manuscript is just the beginning. You’ve put words on paper, but now you need to turn them into a book that can be sold and shared.

Self-publishing has never been easier, but turning your manuscript into a finished product can still feel overwhelming. I’ve said this before—just writing a great book isn’t enough. You have to present your book to readers. Think of it like framing a piece of art: the design of your book is as important as the perfect frame.

Whether you’re working on your first book or adding another to your indie catalog, this guide will walk you through everything you need to design your book:

1. Complete Your Manuscript

• Ensure your draft has been revised and proofread multiple times, with complete and error-free content.
• Ask others to read it and gather feedback to further refine your work.

2. Use Dedicated Design Software

• Choose a book layout tool, such as Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign, or online platforms (like Vellum, Reedsy).
• Set up formatting according to publishing standards, including fonts, line spacing, and margins.

3. Add Your Book’s Metadata

• Fill in essential information like the title, author, blurb, ISBN, and keywords.
• This information will be used for the copyright page and online sales platforms.

4. Lay Out Your Book’s Pages

• Design elements like the table of contents, chapter titles, and page headers/footers to ensure clean and attractive formatting.
• Pay attention to white space and balance to enhance the reading experience.

5. Create a Book Cover

• Design an eye-catching cover using tools like Canva or Fiverr, or hire a professional designer.
• The cover should match the book’s content and have visual impact.

6. Create and Publish Your Book

• Choose a printing method (like Print-On-Demand or bulk printing) and distribution channels (e.g., Amazon, bookstores).
• Publish through self-publishing platforms (like KDP, IngramSpark) or traditional publishers.