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Self Publishing 101

Hands on a green typewriter on a wooden desk

Welcome to Self Pub 101

You’ll find all of the course content and resources linked below.

I originally created this course for paid subscribers. After one year I decided to remove the paywall. If you’d like to support my work you can pledge as little as $5 a month. Paid supporters get snail mail zines from me (in your actual real life mailbox) once a month.

Please remember this course is for personal use only.

Do not screenshot, share, or cite without asking my permission.

Thanks for respecting the time and energy it has taken to create this resource.

Transcripts

Each module includes a short podcast.

If you need transcripts download them below.

SS-SelfPub101-TranscriptsDownload

Part One (Making the Book)

This first half of the course will take you from the reflective space after writing a book through the publishing process for physical books, ebooks, and audiobooks.

Each module will have a short podcast. You can listen or tap transcript to read. I’ll also include a short summary with some reflection prompts and links to any resources I might have mentioned in the module.

Self Pub 101 (Space)
Self Pub 101 (Reflection)
Self Pub 101 (Funding)
Self Pub 101 (Choose Formats)
Self Pub 101 (Binding)
Self Pub 101 (Printer)
Self Pub 101 (Shape & Size)
Self Pub 101 (Book Cover)
Self Pub 101 (Editing)
Self Pub 101 (ISBNs)
Self Pub 101 (Selling Your Book)
Self Pub 101 (Shipping Your Book)
Self Pub 101 (Pricing)
Self Pub 101 (Printing)
Self Pub 101 (Look at a Book)
Self Pub 101 (Audiobooks)
Self Pub 101 (Ebooks)
Self Pub 101 (Print Books)
Self Pub 101 (The Copyright Page)
Self Pub 101 (Bits & Bobs)

Part Two (Selling the Book)

This module will cover the process of selling your book and telling people that it exists.

Self Pub 101 (Intro to Marketing)
Self Pub 101 (Inspiration)
Self Pub 101 (Why)
https://sarahshotts.com/2025/03/self-pub-101-preorders
Self Pub 101 (Sharing the Process)
Self Pub 101 (The Long Game)
Self Pub 101 (Expand Your Reach)
Self Pub 101 (ARCs, Blurbs & Reviews)
Self Pub 101 (Events)
Self Pub 101 (Mental Health)
Self Pub 101 (Book Signings)
Self Pub 101 (SEO)

Part 3 (Crowdfunding)

Here’s a separate course for crowdfunding any creative project.

Crowdfunding 101 (Start Here)

Guest Speakers

This section includes modules by guest speakers sharing their own expertise and experience in the realm of book publishing.

Please reach out if you’d like to contribute a video or podcast.

How to Collaborate with a Cover Designer
How to Work with a Book Editor

Author Spotlights

Punk Ethos & Autonomy in Self Publishing
We are all storytellers.

Bonus Material

I’ll keep this page updated with resources you may find useful.

Self Pub 101 (Additional Resources)
Self Pub 101 Bonus (Personal Reflection)
IG Timeline

Cross Pollinate 🐝