Writing a book vs. Selling a book

There’s a difference between writing a book and selling a book. 🌹

I put together a checklist with the exact steps I followed to self-publish.

From writing to publishing, everything you need to stay on task.

Comment CHECKLIST and I’ll send it to you.

If you’ve been sitting on that book, this is your sign to start.

#selfpublishing #author #writingcommunity #christianauthor #booktok

7/9 Edited to

... Read moreHaving gone through the journey of self-publishing myself, I can truly say that writing a book and selling it are two very distinct challenges. Writing is deeply personal and creative, often requiring focus, discipline, and perseverance to get your story or message fully developed. On the other hand, selling your book involves strategic marketing, understanding your audience, and consistent promotion—skills that many first-time authors may not initially have. One of the most valuable tools I found was having a detailed checklist that laid out each step from manuscript completion to launching the book on various platforms. This checklist helped me stay organized and ensured I didn’t overlook important details such as formatting, cover design, ISBN registration, and marketing plans. For authors starting out, here are a few tips that made a real difference: 1. **Understand your target audience**: Knowing who your readers are will guide your marketing and even some aspects of your writing. This helps when creating promotional content that truly resonates. 2. **Leverage social media**: Platforms like Instagram’s #booktok, Twitter’s writing communities, and niche groups on Facebook can help build your audience before your book is released. 3. **Invest time in cover design and formatting**: Professional-looking covers and properly formatted books significantly increase buyer confidence. 4. **Consider multiple sales channels**: Using Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and other self-publishing services can widen your reach. 5. **Collect reviews early**: Getting honest reviews from beta readers or early buyers provides social proof that encourages sales. If you’ve been hesitant to take the next step with your manuscript, treat this as your encouragement to start using a self-publishing checklist to keep you on track. By breaking down the process and focusing on both writing and selling, you increase your chances of success. Remember, becoming an author is a journey that combines creativity with entrepreneurship—embracing both roles will help your book find its audience.

Related posts

Writing your first book?
Here’s a few tips on how to write your first book! And things you may need to know! #writingabook #relatable #howtowriteabook #tips #writingidea
Mrs.Writer101

Mrs.Writer101

275 likes

The image features a collection of book covers with the bold text "SPICIEST BOOKS EVER" and five chili pepper emojis, indicating a list of highly recommended romance novels. The background shows various book titles like "Haunting Adeline" and "God of Malice."
A grid displays 12 book covers for spicy romance recommendations, including titles such as "Priest," "Den of Vipers," "The Ritual," "Does It Hurt?," "Icebreaker," "Haunting Adeline," "St. Mary's Beating," "Pucking Around," "Praise," "Twisted Love," "God of Malice," and "The Predator."
This image presents 12 book covers for romance novels, featuring titles like "Flock," "Love Redesigned," "Bride," "Consider Me," "The Deal," "It Happened One Summer," "Butcher & Blackbird," "Credence," "Flawless," "Forever Never," "Mile High," and "The Sweetest Oblivion."
100+ spicy romance book recs
how many of these have you read? in honor of reaching 3k followers i thought i’d drop some of my spiciest book recs. i hope you love all these books. #bookrecommendations #lemon8bookchallenge #lemon8bookclub #booktok #darkromance
romance books

romance books

5340 likes

A hand holds 'The Courage to Be Disliked' by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga, a self-help book about changing your life and achieving happiness, suggested for the 75 Hard challenge.
A hand holds 'You Can Heal Your Life' by Louise L. Hay, an international bestseller, presented as a book suggestion for the 75 Hard challenge.
A hand holds 'Clever Girl Finance' by Bola Sokunbi, a book about ditching debt, saving money, and building wealth, recommended for the 75 Hard challenge.
75 Hard Book Suggestions 📚🔥
#reading📖 #read📚 #75hardchallenge #bookcluboflemon8 #lemon8bookworm
Brandi Nikkale

Brandi Nikkale

982 likes

A hand holds a Kindle device displaying the Kindle Unlimited interface, with book covers visible. Overlay text reads "BookTok ON KINDLE UNLIMITED? Yes, please." A green wreath hangs in the background.
A collage of seven book covers by Elsie Silver, including "Flawless," "Heartless," "Powerless," "Reckless," "Hopeless" from the Chestnut Springs series, and "Wild Love," "Wild Eyes" from the Rose Hill series.
A collage of eight book covers. Titles include "The Fine Print," "Terms and Conditions," "Final Offer," "Love Redesigned," "Love Unwritten" by Lauren Asher, and "The Cruel Prince," "The Wicked King" by Holly Black.
BookTok on Kindle Unlimited!
Don’t we love it when we can read for (basically) free? Kindle Unlimited is the best way to do that and here are all the best Booktok books on KU! Now keep in mind, a couple of these aren’t out yet but will be in the next few months and KU is kinda like a streaming service so books can come and
Aurora Kretsch

Aurora Kretsch

4868 likes

ya mystery book recs!
#books #bookstagram #booksoflemon8 #booktok #reading #readingaesthetic #bookaesthetic #readersoflemon8 #mysterybooks #bookrecs
joline

joline

4143 likes

Im writing a book and i need your help
Hello book girlies. I am about 60 pages deap into my new book A whisper of shadows and starlight! I am looking for a test reader that would like to look over it! Im slowly writing through this and there are still areas im editing so it isnt a finished product. It is a spicy fantasy that takes place
Verronica❤️

Verronica❤️

1044 likes

Tips you need to know before writing a book
But most importantly have fun! #youngauthor #bookworm #reading and writing📗
𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚

𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚

180 likes

What I wish I knew before writing a book
For everyone struggling with writing right now #writingtips #writingcommunity #aspiringauthor #writer #writing
Margaret Graves

Margaret Graves

292 likes

An overhead shot of books, plants, and candles, featuring the title 'books to help you be a better writer' and 'craft book recommendations that aren't on writing by stephen king lol'. A search bar shows 'how to write a book'.
A book recommendation for 'The Anatomy of Story' by John Truby. Text describes it as breaking stories into 22 parts, rejecting the 3-act structure, and using books/movies as examples, noting his use of absolutes.
A book recommendation for 'Wired for Story' by Lisa Cron. Text explains it uses psychology, evolution, and neuroscience frameworks, guiding readers to research rather than dictating, and is an accessible, conversational read.
writing / story craft book recs ☘︎ ݁˖
Part 2 of my craft book recs! All opinions are my own obviously, so take them with a grain of salt. No hate to SK’s On Writing, I just see it rec’d constantly so I thought I’d change it up! #writersoflemon8 #writingcommunity #writingtips #authorsoflemon8 #writingmotivation
Tara Maggs | Writer

Tara Maggs | Writer

197 likes

5 things i wish i knew before writing a book 📖
Doing something new is scary but rewarding! I learned and gained a lot from writing a book… but there a few things I wish I would have known before hand. 1. Hire a cover artist early (or any artwork you want done)! Artists book out far ahead of time. There was one I reached out to last year tha
hannah hamrick

hannah hamrick

127 likes

How I Started My Digital Coloring Book Business
I started my coloring book side hustle just to make a little extra income, but I quickly realized it was something I truly enjoy doing. Along the way I tried so many complicated methods that didn’t help me at all. Eventually, I discovered a simple and affordable way to create digital coloring books
The Coloring Tome

The Coloring Tome

235 likes

Anyone writing their first book??
While writing my first novel I struggled with the where to begin. These tips helped me so I thought I’d pass them along. Make a list and write all your thoughts down first. Once you see it all written down it’s easier to make them flow into a story. #writersoflemon8 #write #novel #beginne
Amanda Kay

Amanda Kay

190 likes

I’m writing a book. This is the aesthetic.
Edit 2/282026: My book is officially published! You can check it out on Amazon! Link is in my bio :) Edit 12/31/25: I have the book fully written just waiting to publish until my editor tells me it looks good! thank you all for your support and patience. This is my first novel so I want to ma
AbigailRanee

AbigailRanee

737 likes

I’m writing a book…
It has been my dream to write a book for as long as I can remember! This is going to be a long long process, but I can’t wait to share it with you guys! Stay tuned for sneak peeks! 🩷🩷📖📚 #writingabook #lemon8bookclub #booktok #reading #books
joline

joline

434 likes

Writing a book? Easier than you think
Many aspiring writers believe that writing a book is an insurmountable task, but the truth is, it's easier than you think. With dedication, passion, and a few practical tips, anyone can turn their ideas into a compelling manuscript. Firstly, start with a clear plan. Outline your book, jottin
Seize it

Seize it

84 likes

📚 Target Book Haul 📚
Thank you to my man! ❤️ #books #bookhaul #targetbookhaul #targetbooks #booktok
Arelyy ᥫ᭡

Arelyy ᥫ᭡

396 likes

Day 2 of me writing a book in 10 days!
Go give it a read for free at the link in my bio! #book #booktok #booktokbooks #writing #writer #writersoflemon8
Ethan Jennings

Ethan Jennings

17 likes

How can I start writing a book?
I have had this story in my head for the longest time but every time, I try to write it the words won’t come. My mind goes completely blank. I have tried a lot of things to make let myself write but it doesn’t work and I don’t know what else to do. Any advice is very much appreciated.
Grace Jimenez

Grace Jimenez

41 likes

A pair of hands holds an open book titled "50 BOOK RELEASES THIS YEAR," displaying text from a romance novel excerpt on both pages.
Six book covers are displayed with their release dates: Spiral, Out of the Woods, Dream Girl Drama, Unloved, Deep End, and First-Time Caller.
Six book covers are displayed with their release dates: Scythe & Sparrow, You Between the Lines, The Charlie Method, Book Boyfriend, Wild Side, and Story of My Life.
2025 book releases
save for later 🤍 so many good books coming this year <3 ——— (these are mostly romance but the last slide has some fantasy/sci fi) #lemon8bookclub #lemon8bookchallenge #lemon8challenge
mads

mads

1497 likes

I am writing a book 🙊🙉🙈
Well actually I have a few in mind 😏 I am no author and I am certainly not the grammar police so this has been interesting. I am just someone how has crazy stories flowing through my head and finds it therapeutic to write. I haven’t told anyone in my real life yet, just y’all. Cheers
Nicole

Nicole

9 likes

A person stands with their back to the camera, facing a vibrant mural filled with illustrations and text like "The Romantics," "Florida," and "reputation," in a Taylor Swift-themed bookstore.
The interior of a bright bookstore features long white shelves packed with books. Two light pink armchairs with heart-shaped pillows offer a cozy seating area in the foreground.
A person sits smiling on a pink velvet couch in front of a pink wall with a purple arch. A neon sign above them glows with the words "baby, we're the new romantics."
taylor swift themed book store in orlando!
I recently went on a trip to orlando florida with my family for a wedding and on a free day i wound up at a book store completely selling romance books!! this place was SO CUTE!! i was obsessed and stayed for almost an hour. between the custom paints and picture spots and the great book selection !
josie

josie

339 likes

book recs 📖
#lemon8bookclub #booksoflemon8 #bookrecommendations #romancebooks #fantasybooks
ava ⋆˙⟡

ava ⋆˙⟡

533 likes

An open language learning book titled 'LEARN A LANGUAGE BOOK SERIES TO TRY *BY LEVEL', displaying Portuguese exercises, vocabulary related to travel, jewelry, crafts, and tiles, with illustrations.
Three language book covers: 'Colloquial Icelandic' by Routledge, 'Assimil Perfectionnement Allemand Deutsch', and 'Practice Makes Perfect French Vocabulary' by McGraw Hill, each labeled with its series name.
Three language learning resources: 'Portuguese in 10 minutes a day', 'Lonely Planet Turkish Phrasebook & Dictionary', and a Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 exam prep book.
6 Book Series to Try for Language Learning
Here are some language book series that you can find in multiple languages. While I havent used them for every language, I have used atleast a couple from each series. If you’re US based, most booksellers will have books from these brands in stock. 1. McGraw Hill (Beginner-Intermediate) Th
Study Seal

Study Seal

353 likes

booktok hype📚📚
over hyped, under hyped, and appropriately hyped book tok books!! *these opinions are purely my own* let me know if you’ve read any!!📚🩷 #books 🫶🏼 #favoriteauthors #BookReview #booktok #reading 📖
mckenna 📚🤍🩰

mckenna 📚🤍🩰

181 likes

Things I’ve learned writing my first book so far
So grateful to be on this journey! Here are things I’ve learned so far 1.Notes are super helpful for scattered ideas, I keep a notebook and a list on my phone to keep track of everything 2.You can edit a bad page, but you can’t edit a blank page. Just get it on the paper and there will alway
shaleyauthor

shaleyauthor

247 likes

I’m Writing A Book
I’ve started writing a book about a very traumatic and life altering experience that I have gone through. I have only written the back cover and have taken notes to map out the layout of the book. This is going to be my dedication page. #embracevulnerability #book #bookaesthetic #b
Hailey Shea Hamilton

Hailey Shea Hamilton

14 likes

Im writing a book 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤍
#wattpad #wattpadbooks #romancebooks #billionaireromance #romancebooks #baby #pregnancy #booktok #books #lemon8bookclub
Glorianna_ruiz

Glorianna_ruiz

11 likes

major book haul 📚
hello there! welcome to my page, I plan on doing a formal introduction soon but for now please enjoy this haul as much as i enjoyed spoiling myself to it hehe. Let me know if you have read any of these or if they are also added to your never ending tbr 🫠! I would love to chat :) ✧・゚: *✧・゚:
jade ˖ . ݁𝜗𝜚. ݁₊

jade ˖ . ݁𝜗𝜚. ݁₊

1350 likes

Three UK edition books by Becka Mack, 'unravel me', 'play with me', and 'consider me', with watercolor covers, stacked on a white textured blanket. Text overlay reads 'your sign to buy books from Blackwell's'.
A close-up of three Becka Mack UK edition books with watercolor covers: 'unravel me', 'play with me', and 'consider me'. Text overlays mention 'beautiful UK covers' and 'Blackwell's prices are super similar to US'.
Two UK edition books by Stephanie Garber, 'Once Upon a Broken Heart' and 'The Ballad of Never After', with ornate covers, lying on a white textured blanket. Text overlays mention 'these are also the UK covers' and 'Blackwell's has FREE SHIPPING to the US'.
the best way to get UK Book Covers!
i’m definitely late ⏰ on the train 🚂 but i recently discovered that Blackwell’s is AMAZING 🤩 i really wanted the watercolor UK covers of the Becka Mack Hockey series & the UK covers for Once Upon a Broken Heart, but didn’t want to spend an arm & a leg getting them shipped to the US 😒
Chloe Palmieri

Chloe Palmieri

93 likes

Start writing that book!
Here’s an idea for how to finally start writing that book.😃 #writingtips
Alba Arango

Alba Arango

8 likes

The cover of a spiral-bound book titled 'Crochet Techniques & Tips,' featuring a collage of crochet images and an overlay text stating 'Crochet Basics Helpful Book (I am not selling this, nor will I profit from sales.)'.
The Table of Contents from the 'Crochet Techniques & Tips' book, listing sections such as Supplies, The Basics, Stitches (like Double Herringbone, Popcorns), Finishing, Joining Pieces Together, and Finishing Touch.
A page from the crochet book explaining 'Counting Chains,' with text descriptions and illustrative photographs showing the front and back of a crochet chain and how to count the stitches.
Crochet Basics ~ Helpful Book
If you are looking for a reference tool that offers similar lessons to my Crochet Basics, this book may be helpful. I did not write it, am not selling it and I will not profit through any purchase, anywhere. It can be found for $6.15 right now. This is FYI. I have only had one brief crochet less
Life in the Scrapatch

Life in the Scrapatch

38 likes

Im writing a book!
Im writing a book as a thirteen year old and its very hard! I thought I would share this with yall because I’m trying to get the information spread just a little more about my book! I don’t really know what the title will be, I’m thinking “the story of us.” But it’s about Mariah ( aka Lucy ) who gr
JordanReads

JordanReads

64 likes

I started writing a book in April
#writingabook #booktok #book #bookish #writing
Lily Fairwood

Lily Fairwood

11 likes

7 Tips for Writing Your First Book
So, you’ve got a story to tell or an idea to share, but you’re not sure where to start? Writing your first book might feel overwhelming, but it’s 100% possible! Here are 7 tips to help you turn your dream into a reality: 1️⃣ Start with a Plan Before you write a single word, outline your ideas
IAMCHRISTENMILLER

IAMCHRISTENMILLER

36 likes

IM WRITING A KIDS BOOK! 📚
**Sneak Peek Alert! 📚✨** Parents, are you struggling with your kid's curly hair care? My upcoming book is just for you! 🎉 It’s a step-by-step guide designed to teach you how to love and care for your kid’s curls, while also helping them embrace and adore their natural hair. Stay tuned fo
tatiiii 🫧🪴

tatiiii 🫧🪴

9 likes

I’m writing a book this Summer eeee🎀🎀
The aesthetic I’m going for is like spring and summer and college and it’s going to be different it’s not going to be the typical romance book I’m going to change everything OMFG IM SO EXCITED to finally start I will give updates every time I get them🎀
(☆Boo𝙺diaries(☆

(☆Boo𝙺diaries(☆

35 likes

I’M WRITING A BOOK! ✍🏾🖤📖
I’m so excited to share this journey with yall 🥰🖤 #firsttimewriter #fantasybooks #newbookjourney #lemon8bookclub #blackbooksmatter
AsyaNicole

AsyaNicole

97 likes

Tips on writing a book
This if your sign to START YOUR BOOK ALREADY 🎀 Tip 1: write even a sentence… every day 🎀 Tip 2: who cares if this is your first book, write it as if it makes you those 6 figure careers 🎀 Tip 3: remind yourself, just because a story has already been written—it hasn’t been written by you.
Sarah Wheeler

Sarah Wheeler

7 likes

A visually appealing image of bookshelves illuminated with colorful lights, featuring the title "Useful Reading Apps Worth the Hype" in a decorative font. The image sets the theme for book-related app recommendations.
A screenshot of the App Store listing for "Libby, the library app," showing its icon, 4.9-star rating from 3.6M ratings, Editor's Choice award, and age rating of 4+. It also displays the 'What's New' section.
A screenshot of the App Store listing for "Goodreads: Book Reviews," displaying its iconic 'g' logo, a 4.8-star rating from 638K ratings, and an age rating of 12+. The 'What's New' section is also visible.
Useful Apps for Book Lovers
Libby: Free audiobooks and digital books available if you have a library card to your local library. I’ve been able to find really recent popular books like quicksilver, shatter me, twisted love and the things we leave unfinished completly free! Some books/ audio books are available right away, oth
Taylor Knight

Taylor Knight

109 likes

A handwritten list in a notebook titled "best beginner writing apps!", featuring a list of potential writing applications like Google Docs, FocusWriter, and Scrivener, each marked for future rating.
apps for writing abook as a beginner!!
I’m Thinking About Making a Book! 📚 Hey everyone! Lately, I’ve been thinking about trying something new and creative—I want to make a book! I’m not sure where this journey will take me, but I’m excited to explore the process. To get started, I’ve been looking for apps that can help with writi
crazy art lady

crazy art lady

30 likes

Book ideas to read!
Six sevennnn
Yourpookietherian

Yourpookietherian

14 likes

A digital book cover design titled 'THE BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE 3 Generations Of Wisdome' for 'Avrey' and 'Ava', featuring their zodiac signs and a pink and gold background. An overlay states 'I started writing my kids a book 📚' with a stack of books emoji.
I started writing mykids a book 📚
A few months ago I started writing my kids a book. A book filled with 3 generations of knowledge, powerful sayings & affirmations, the type of people to look out for, psychology and family recipes. I plan to gift them this book on their 18th birthday! #books #Lemon8Diary #readingjournal
ImTheLoveWitch777

ImTheLoveWitch777

5 likes

See more