Thinking about self-publishing your first book in 2026? Before you upload your manuscript to KDP, there are a few important things you need to have in place.

In this video, I walk you through the complete self-publishing checklist I would follow if I were publishing my first book today. We’ll talk about finishing and revising your manuscript, getting feedback, editing, book covers, KDP keywords and categories, pricing, reviews, launch planning, and marketing your book before release.

Self-publishing is not just about uploading your book to Amazon. It is about making sure your book is ready for readers, easy to understand, easy to find, and professionally presented.If you are an aspiring author, indie author, or first-time writer trying to publish your book, this video will help you understand the full process before you hit publish.

Subscribe for more videos about writing, self-publishing, book marketing, author platform growth, productivity, and building a sustainable author career.

💬 What part of self-publishing feels most confusing to you right now: editing, cover design, KDP setup, keywords, reviews, pricing, or marketing?

✨Timestamps ✨

00:00 Intro

01:20 Start with the reader

03:36 Finish the manuscript

05:32 What do DIY and when to hire a professional

08:53 Crafting a great blurb

11:12 Research before KDP

15:15 Build a platform in advance

19:07 Getting reviews

21:46 Time to upload

23:01 Marketing after launch