From idea to published book
A short guide through the journey most indie authors take — with a free tool recommendation at each stage. Pick a step below to get started.
| 1 |
Book idea
Create a mindmap of your book idea before you start writing. |
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| 2 |
Plan your book
Track your story's structure, lay out your plot, and build a writing timeline. |
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| 3 |
Write your document
Turn your plan into a finished manuscript. |
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| 4 |
Get it edited
Find a vetted editor through the AuthorTools services directory. |
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| 5 |
Get early reviews
Line up reviews before launch with NetGalley. |
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| 6 |
Publish your book
Get your finished manuscript onto Amazon KDP and Draft2Digital. |
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| 7 |
Promote your book
Get your book in front of readers — TikTok, BookBub, and the discount-deal newsletters. |
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| 8 |
Receiving spam emails?
Once you're published, book-promotion scams start arriving. Check any suspicious email for free. |
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