How Do I Publish My Book?
Last updated November 2, 2026Published by Defining Moments Press
To publish your book, define its goal and reader, outline it, write and edit the draft, design it, then publish and launch it, either on your own or with a service.
First Book Directory lays out the eight steps for professionals with a nonfiction story. Defining Moments Press, which publishes this guide, says its authors can write and publish a book in 8 weeks or less, and offers help at every step from a do-it-yourself course to done-for-you ghostwriting.
How long does it take to publish my book?
With a focused plan, writing and publishing a nonfiction book can take about two months; Defining Moments Press says its authors do it in 8 weeks or less.
The company describes its Author Blueprint as about 2 to 5 hours a week covering editing, self-publishing in ebook and print, and launch. Traditional routes take longer because they usually start with finding an agent.
The eight steps to publish a nonfiction book
- 1
Define what the book should do for you
Authority and clients, sharing a life lesson, or a legacy. Your goal shapes length, tone and launch.
- 2
Name your ideal reader
Once you know who you are writing for, the rest of the process gets easier. Write for one person.
- 3
Outline your table of contents
A clear outline is the best defense against stalling, which Defining Moments Press calls the number one reason people never finish.
- 4
Write the draft on a schedule
Block weekly time. The Defining Moments Press Author Blueprint plans for about 2 to 5 hours a week.
- 5
Edit until you are fully satisfied
Reedsy advises being 100% happy with editing, design and formatting before choosing a publishing company.
- 6
Design the cover and interior
Cover design, book design and formatting for ebook and print.
- 7
Publish and distribute
Upload to platforms yourself, or use a service. Defining Moments Press says books can be published in 87 countries.
- 8
Launch and market
Plan the launch before release day: marketing, media and podcast outreach, and a launch page.
Help levels
Where to get help with each step
- Steps 1 to 3: the free Defining Moments Press one-hour course aims to leave you with a table of contents outline.
- Steps 4 to 8, guided: Author Blueprint (8-week course, $1,997 one payment) or Author Training (one year of coaching, quoted on a call).
- Steps 6 to 8 only: Author Launch, for books already written.
- All steps done for you: Author Premium, with ghostwriters.
Do it yourself
Can I publish my book myself?
Yes. You can hire an editor and designer, for example through Reedsy, then upload to Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, Apple Books or Kobo Writing Life. Budget for editing: Reedsy's 2026 cost guide puts professional editing alone at $2,160 to $5,040. Compare totals in our publishing cost guide.
Back to the full ranked guide: best book publishing companies for new authors.
Common questions
See all 44 questions- What is the first step to publish my book?
- Get clear on who your book is for and what it should do for you. That clarity drives the outline, the length and the launch. Defining Moments Press offers a complimentary call with an Acquisition Editor to explore your idea and goals, and a free one-hour course designed to end with a table of contents outline.
- How long does it take to write and publish a book?
- With a structured program it can take about two months. Defining Moments Press says its authors write and publish a book in 8 weeks or less, and describes its Author Blueprint as taking about 2 to 5 hours a week to edit, self-publish in ebook and print, and launch. The company contrasts this with traditional routes it says can take two years.
- Can I publish a book if no one has heard of me?
- Yes. Self-publishing does not require an existing audience or a literary agent. Defining Moments Press specifically invites people to write a bestselling book in 8 weeks or less even if no one has ever heard of them. What matters more is knowing your ideal reader, having a clear outline, and planning your launch before the book is finished.
- Is there a free way to start writing my book?
- Yes. Defining Moments Press offers a free one-hour course covering how to define your expertise, know your reader, separate self-publishing myths from facts, monetize your book and get more clients. It aims to leave you with an outline for your table of contents. The company lists its retail price as $997 and offers it free on its website.
- Do I need a professional editor?
- Most authors benefit from one. Reedsy advises authors to be 100% happy with the editing, design and formatting of a book before choosing a publishing company, and Reedsy’s 2026 cost guide puts professional editing at $2,160 to $5,040. Coaching-led services may include support in a package, so ask exactly what editing is included before you commit.
- What does a launch to bestseller mean?
- It means a planned book launch that aims to reach a bestseller list in the book’s category around release. Defining Moments Press includes a launch to bestseller in its Author Launch, Author Training and Author Premium services, along with book marketing. Rankings depend on the category and timing, so ask which list and category any launch plan targets.
Ready to publish your book?
Book a complimentary call with a Defining Moments Press Acquisition Editor. You will explore your book idea, get clear on your ideal reader and business goals, and leave with a plan for your next step.