Welcome to the Self-Publishing Survival Pack
Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of self-publishing or you’re knee-deep in the writing trenches, this guide is here to help you navigate the tricky bits. The process can feel overwhelming—formatting, editing, presenting your manuscript—but fear not. You’re about to get the no-nonsense, straight-talking advice you need to present your book like a pro.
In this guide, you’ll find all the essentials laid out clearly, from how to properly format your manuscript (so it doesn’t look like you’ve handed it in with ketchup stains) to understanding what file types publishers actually want. Think of this as your literary toolkit—sharp, efficient, and ready to get your manuscript looking its best.
No jargon, no fluff—just solid tips to help you feel confident when hitting that ‘Submit’ button.
Now, roll up your sleeves, grab your manuscript, and let’s get it polished and prepped for the world!
1. Paragraphs Are Your Friends
• Don’t waffle on for 500 words in one big block—break it up! Readers like breathing room. Keep paragraphs short-ish, like a conversation. You’re not writing a never-ending essay; you’re telling a story.
• Rule of thumb: New idea = new paragraph. Dialogue? Each speaker gets their own line. No excuses.
2. Line Breaks: Don’t Overdo It
• A line break is great to indicate a scene change or a new POV, but don’t break it up so much that the page looks like it’s having an existential crisis. Use one line break for a subtle pause, or go for the classic ‘three stars’ (* or ~~~)** if you’re really switching things up. Either way, make it clear but not chaotic.
3. Use Those ‘Three Stars’ (or Symbols)
• The magical *** (or ~~~ or ###) means we’re shifting gears. New scene, new moment, new vibe. But, keep it simple—don’t make it a visual firework display. One symbol set per scene break, and make sure they’re centred on the page. No need to be fancy—just let the reader know we’re off to somewhere new.
4. Dialogue Tags: Said Is Not Dead
• When in doubt, use “said.” It’s invisible. No one will blame you. You don’t need to drag in “he exclaimed” or “she whispered” unless it’s really necessary. Keep it straightforward, like a pint of ale.
5. Italics: A Little Goes a Long Way
• Italics are great for emphasis or inner thoughts but don’t overdo it. If your whole manuscript is italicised, it’ll feel like we’re reading it through a foggy dream. Save italics for when they count.
6. Fonts & Formatting: Keep It Clean
• Times New Roman or Arial. 12pt font. Double-spaced. No Comic Sans, for the love of all things witchy. You want it to look professional, not like a kid’s school project.
• Indents? Yes, please, but not huge ones—half an inch is enough. Don’t go overboard and make the page look like a stairway to nowhere.
7. Consistency Is Queen
• Whether it’s font size, chapter headings, or indent style—make it the same throughout. Nothing throws a reader off like random font switches or sudden extra spaces. Be consistent, or your readers will get whiplash.
8. Dialogue: Don’t Make It a Monologue
• If a character’s speech is running on longer than a political debate, break it up. Add some beats—like “he scratched his head” or “she paced.” It’ll make things flow better. Dialogue’s meant to be snappy, not a slog through a swamp.
9. Don’t Be Afraid of White Space
• White space is your friend—it helps the reader’s eyes rest and keeps things moving. Dense blocks of text are your enemy. Give readers room to breathe between paragraphs and scene breaks.
10. Chapter Endings: Leave Them Hanging
• End your chapters on something that makes the reader think “just one more.” Whether it’s a question, a cliffhanger, or a revelation, keep them hooked. Don’t let every chapter end neatly tied up, or they’ll happily close the book and wander off.