First Steps

Where do I begin?

If you're thinking of publishing a book and doing it on your own, this is a good question to ask. You'll need to know if you're ready to do it or if you need more research. I work with clients who are self-starters, who are willing to put in the hours of research and study needed to become a professional publisher. As an indie author, you become a publisher. You hire the team you need to take your book from start to finish, but the project manager is YOU! Yes, I coach authors, but before I come into the picture, I want you to understand the business side of writing well! Wondering if you have what it takes? Here are the first steps to take before contacting me about your book project:

  1. Take the assessment below to see where you land on the spectrum of indie author to traditional author.
  2. Watch the tutorials below. If they seem overwhelming, it means there is some study to do yet.
  3. Talk to your writing coach. Do they think you're ready for publishing? Or are you hoping to skirt around their advice and "go for it" anyway?

If all of that didn't scare you away, let's chat! You might be my next ideal client. If it terrified you, that's ok. You're welcome to email me and say you're looking for a recommendation for a self-publishing company that might take some of the DIY out of the equation. That isn't me, but I have peeps I can send you to! There are publishing options for a wide spectrum of author skills. I'm here to cheer you on, no matter what route you take.

Ready, set, go!

—Michelle Rayburn

Free Resource

How do you know if you’re equipped to independently publish your own book? What’s the difference between traditional publishing, self-publishing, and indie publishing? Which option is best for you?

So many questions! Here’s a perfect place to start. With this simple free assessment, you’ll discover your strengths and weaknesses and figure out your next publishing step based on your unique profile. Knowing more about the options is the first step toward becoming a publishing PRO.

Get your download:

Explore KDP Publishing

KDP is Amazon's publishing platform for independent authors. This means YOU are the publisher, and KDP is a book printer and distributor but is not a publishing company. Independent authors establish their own publishing company.

When you're ready for the editing, cover design, and typesetting, that's where I come in. You don't have to fumble around trying to do it yourself. I become your editing and design team while you manage the business side of being a publisher.

Ready to take a next step? Email me!

What Michelle's Clients Have Said