Book Creation
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Practical help for planning, writing, editing and finishing your book, from an author who has published 230 of them.
Chris BairdSelf-publisher and coach. He has published 230 books and sold over 50,000 copies. About Chris
Can I Dictate My Book Instead of Typing It?
Yes. Word and Google Docs both have dictation, so try those before paying for anything. How to use them, dictate a chapter and handle handwriting.
How Do I Self-Publish a Cookbook?
Decide colour or black ink before the photos, because it sets print cost, price and format. KDP print costs for a 120-page cookbook, plus recipe copyright.
Should I Write to Market?
Yes, in one sense: know what readers of your subgenre expect. No, don't copy the top of the list. How I read a list and keep what I'd love to write.
How to Fill In the KDP Tax Interview If You Don't Live in the US
How to fill in the KDP tax interview from outside the US: the W-8 it creates, the tax number question, why it can still say 30%, and when to update it.
How to Self-Publish on Amazon From Outside the US
Yes, you can self-publish on Amazon KDP from outside the US. The US paperwork comes first: ID check, tax profile, bank account, ISBN, then your book.
How Much Does a Children's Book Illustrator Cost (and What If You Can't Afford One)?
In my experience several hundred to a thousand dollars or more, based on how many illustrated pages you need. How to count spreads, and a short budget.
Start with the free checklist
The checklist is the 12 steps I follow for every book I publish, from choosing a topic that already sells to setting up the book's marketing. It is free, and you get it straight away.