The Ultimate Guide to Self-Publishing a Book in 2026

If you’re self-publishing a book and you’re looking for a literal to-do list that you can follow and reference as you work through the publishing process, then you’ve come to the right place. At this point, I’ve published a pretty big backlog of books and I’ve broken down the publishing process into a literal to-do list for myself, and for you. Today we’re doing a broad overview of all the things you need to take into account when you’re self-publishing a book so you don’t miss a step in the process.

Links Mentioned:
My Book Launch Planner: https://amzn.to/45idpLd
Marketing for Authors Series: https://amzn.to/4aUxRFA
NetGalley co-op, Victory Editing: https://mandilynnwrites--victoryediting.thrivecart.com/netgalley-rental/

Videos Referenced:
Which print on demand company will you use? https://youtu.be/kr10Zgy-S6s
How do you want to distribute ebooks? https://youtu.be/RuSb_Vawchs
Free or paid ISBNs and where to get one: https://youtu.be/GImEALz264k
What goes on the copyright page: https://youtu.be/0S71rmMdxWU
How to file for copyright: https://youtu.be/0dA6qkUdlIg
How to use BookFunnel to grow your newsletter: https://youtu.be/d8HYJZqabiE
My experience with NetGalley:
Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing a Book - Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZpcZ9u8pb_pKpY16m-y82w696YVy93D-

→Book Cover Design Courses: https://stoneridgebooks.teachable.com/p/book-cover-design-course-bundle
→Book Formatting Course (print & ebook formatting): https://stoneridgebooks.teachable.com/p/formatting-print-books-and-ebooks-using-adobe-indesign
→Writing Stickers: https://stoneridgestickers.com
→Merch & signed books: https://stoneridgebooks.com/
→Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2ozIoRx

PLANNERS - - - - - - - - - -
→My Writing Planner: https://amzn.to/3EIi0tS
→My Novel Outline Planner: https://amzn.to/3DQMtVJ
→My Book Launch Planner: https://amzn.to/3HMrbuj
→2026 Writing Planner (paperback): https://amzn.to/4qcHF3c
→2026 Writing Planner (printable): https://stoneridgebooks.com/products/printable-2026-planner

NON-FICTION BOOKS - - - - - - - - - -
→How Your Book Sells Itself: https://amzn.to/2NRwufz
→Grow Your Author Platform: https://amzn.to/38vELxB
→Book Sales That Multiply: https://amzn.to/2sNdqb1
→Secrets to Selling Books on Social Media: https://amzn.to/38GMYBs
→Plan a Profitable Book Launch: https://amzn.to/3jFaHYO

FICTION BOOKS - - - - - - - - - -
→Read a free book, Change of Flight: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/quvsihi9ws
→Sparks in Iceland: https://amzn.to/4qfOktx
→Meet Me at the Summit: https://amzn.to/3zJfdLJ
→Let the Rubble Fall: https://amzn.to/3UgMxDx
→The Trail to You & Me: https://amzn.to/3X8vEiX
→Essence: https://amzn.to/2Rmv6CS
→I am Mercy: https://amzn.to/36bg73J
→She's Not Here: https://amzn.to/30RDy0W
→Mr. Moon's Big Move: https://amzn.to/3n8JZtE

FIND ME ONLINE- - - - - - - - - -
Content for writers: @mandilynnwrites
Content for readers: @authormandilynnbell

MY FAVORITE TOOLS- - - - - - - - - -
→Find KDP keywords and categories, PublisherRocket: https://publisherrocket.cartknox.com/buy-rocket?aff=165
→Send ARCs on NetGalley: https://mandilynnwrites--victoryediting.thrivecart.com/netgalley-rental/
→eBook Formatting, Kotobee Author: https://bit.ly/3ZzR4GR
→Social media graphics, Canva: http://partner.canva.com/XxNvK5
→Music in videos, Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/fpblic/
→Email software, Kit: https://partners.kit.com/8nvsos0bd95z

Mandi Lynn published her first novel when she was seventeen. The author of multiple books, Mandi spends her days continuing to write and creating YouTube videos to help other writers achieve their dreams of seeing their books published. Mandi is the owner of Stone Ridge Books, a company that works to help authors bring their books to life through cover design and digital book marketing. She is also the creator of The Book Launch Planner, a planner designed to help authors publish and market their books. When she’s not creating, you can find Mandi exploring her backyard or getting lost in the woods.

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links. By purchasing a linked product or service, Mandi Lynn will receive a small commission at no additional fee to you.

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Title: The Ultimate Guide to Self-Publishing a Book in 2026
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