6 Best Self-Publishing Courses - Learn How to Self-Publish Online

6 Best Self-Publishing Courses - Learn How to Self-Publish Online

Hey there, wordsmiths and storytelling enthusiasts! Are you ready to leap from the shadows of anonymity into the spotlight of published authors? Welcome to the empowering world of self-publishing, where the only gatekeeper to your literary dreams is your own drive to succeed.

In this blog, we're diving deep into the realm of the best self-publishing courses, designed to guide and inspire writers on their journey to literary success. These courses are not just about learning the technicalities of uploading a manuscript; they're about understanding the entire journey from crafting a compelling story to navigating the intricacies of book cover design, marketing, and the various online publishing platforms.

Whether you're scribbling ideas on the back of a receipt or you're sitting on a completed draft that's screaming to be shared with the world, our handpicked courses will guide you through every step of the self-publishing process. From designing a cover that captures hearts at first glance to mastering the marketing moves that'll have your book buzzing on social media, we've got all the insider secrets you need.

So, gather your notes, rally your creativity, and let's set sail on this exciting voyage. By the time we drop anchor, you'll be fully equipped to confidently hit that 'publish' button and watch as your story takes flight, reaching readers across the globe. Your authorial adventure starts now—let's make those publishing dreams come true!

Top Self-Publishing Courses List

  1. Bestseller Book Marketing: Amazon Kindle KDP Self-Publishing
  2. Self-Publish Your Book on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
  3. Publish Your Novel: Self-Publishing & Marketing Masterclass
  4. Write Your First Novel
  5. How to Create Low and No Content Amazon KDP Books - Self-Publishing Course
  6. Formatting and Design for Self-Publishers

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1. Bestseller Book Marketing: Amazon Kindle KDP Self-Publishing (Udemy)

This comprehensive course is crafted to empower individuals with the tools needed to thrive in the competitive world of self-publishing, ultimately positioning them as successful and bestselling authors on Amazon.

In this self-publishing course, you will learn the following:

  • Become a bestselling author on Amazon in 2024.
  • Sell more Kindle and paperback books than before! This course pays for itself!
  • Create an amazing resume piece of being a bestselling author.
  • Improve your personal brand and authority as a thought leader in your niche.
  • Become a multiple-time Amazon and Kindle KDP bestseller.
  • Self-publishing your own paperback and Kindle (KDP) books.
  • Learn how to make and sell Amazon and Kindle KDP low-content books.

The course is designed to guide participants on the journey to achieving the coveted status of an Amazon best-selling author. It covers essential strategies and techniques, providing insights into the key elements that contribute to a book's success on Amazon. Participants will learn about effective marketing, optimizing book listings, leveraging reviews, and implementing promotional strategies to boost their book's visibility and sales.

Course rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 (773 rating total)
Duration: 6.5 Hours
Certificate: Certificate of completion

2. Self-Publish Your Book on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (Coursera)

In this concise and focused 1.5-hour project, you'll embark on the journey of self-publishing a paperback book through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Guided step by step, you'll navigate the entire process – from selecting a trim size to downloading a template, formatting the book to meet Amazon KDP requirements, creating a book cover using the Cover Creator tool, and finally, publishing your masterpiece on Amazon KDP.

In this self-publishing course, you will learn the following:

  • Select trim sizes, download templates &  format the book according to the requirements of Amazon KDP.
  • Set up an Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing account & explore payment and tax requirements.
  • Optimize the listing with keyword research tools and explore trademarks & copyright protection.

The project doesn't stop there. You'll delve into crucial aspects such as keyword research and category selection to ensure your book gets the visibility it deserves in search results. Best practices for choosing a title and pen name will be discussed to prevent potential trademark and copyright issues in the future. Additionally, you'll receive guidance on handling tax and banking requirements when setting up your KDP account.

By the project's conclusion, you'll not only have successfully self-published a paperback book but will also possess the confidence and know-how to repeat this process for any future book projects through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.

Course rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 (5,510 total enrollments)
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Certificate: Certificate of completion

Self Publish Your Book on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
Complete this Guided Project in under 2 hours. In this 1.5-hour long project, you will be self-publishing a paperback book on Amazon Kindle Direct ...

3. Publish Your Novel: Self-Publishing & Marketing Masterclass (Udemy)

This comprehensive course serves as your dedicated coach and guide through the intricate journey of self-publishing. Designed to eliminate guesswork and ensure informed decision-making, it covers every crucial aspect of the self-publishing process.

In this self-publishing course, you will learn the following:

  • A detailed, step-by-step road map of the entire publishing and marketing process.
  • How to successfully self-publish your novel in eBook, paperback, and hardcover.
  • How to make your book available for sale on popular vendors like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play, Indigo, and more.
  • The foundations and strategies you need to successfully market your book and increase your sales, revenue, and fanbase of loyal readers.
  • How to give your book the best chance for potential distribution in physical bookstores and libraries.
  • All the tools, strategies, and resources you need to not only publish one book but launch a thriving author career.
  • How to make the right decisions for you, your book, and your budget (and avoid costly mistakes).
  • How to build your own customized self-publishing plan to ensure you never miss a step or forget a task.

The course delves into the crucial decisions of selecting the right title and genre for your book, setting the stage for reader engagement. You will explore the considerations of using a pen name, weighing the implications of this choice. Navigate the realm of editing, mastering the art of ensuring top-notch quality through tips on finding, hiring, and collaborating with professional editors.

Upon completion, you won't just possess the secrets to self-publishing success; you'll have crafted a detailed publishing and marketing plan and, most importantly, have a published novel to your name. This course is not merely about self-publishing a single book; it equips you with the tools, strategies, and resources needed to embark on a thriving and sustainable author career.

Course rating: 4.8 out of 5.0 (305 rating total)
Duration: 9 Hours
Certificate: Certificate of completion

4. Write Your First Novel (Coursera)

This is a comprehensive program designed to guide individuals through the process of writing their first novel. Comprising 26 modules, this course caters to a diverse audience, including full-time students, professionals, and individuals with family commitments.

In this self-publishing course, you will learn the following:

  • How to form a basic idea into a structured discipline for novel writing.
  • The process of creating, writing, and completing a fully realized novel.
  • Techniques to break down your creative endeavor into manageable components.
  • The art of producing a 50,000-word novel.
  • Strategies for selecting the right title and genre for your book.
  • Considerations for using a pen name and its implications.
  • Editing skills to enhance the quality of your novel.
  • Designing a captivating and professional book cover.
  • Crafting a compelling book description that entices readers.
  • Formatting the interior of your book with both free and paid options.
  • Choosing the right publishing platforms, vendors, and formats.
  • Decision-making regarding the use of free or purchased ISBNs.
  • Strategic release planning and utilizing preorders for sales.
  • Developing the right marketing mindset for success.
  • Creating and implementing a customized marketing plan.
  • The secrets to self-publishing success and launching a thriving author career.

The course adopts experiential learning, with short, focused lectures that follow a step-by-step process essential for success as a writer. The instructor encourages active writing as the primary means to become a proficient writer. Throughout the course, you'll learn how to transform a basic idea into a structured discipline, enabling you to create, write, and complete a fully realized novel ready for publication.

Course rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 (148,951 total enrollments)
Duration: 127 Hours
Certificate: Certificate of completion

Write Your First Novel
Offered by Michigan State University. WRITE YOUR FIRST NOVEL From Inc.com - The 30 Most Popular Online Courses of 2020 “Write Your First ... Enroll for free.

5. How to Create Low and No Content Amazon KDP Books - Self-Publishing Course (Skillshare)

Embark on a lucrative Amazon KDP journey with our comprehensive course led by an experienced educator turned successful online entrepreneur. With over 30,000 No and Low Content Books sold, including best-sellers in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, the instructor brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights.

In this self-publishing course, you will learn the following:

  • The Simple Steps to Create KDP Books For Free Using the Global Distribution Giant of Amazon.
  • How to Get Started with Free Software to Become a Self-Publisher.
  • How to Create a Global Business Using the Largest Online Bookstore in the World Regardless of Your Location.
  • The Best Strategy to Find High Need but Low Competition Niches for the Highest Sales.
  • Strategies and Tips to Scale Your Self-Publishing Business.
  • Free KDP Software That Will Save You Time and Money.

The course not only provides a step-by-step guide for starting your KDP journey within hours but also offers a preview of the Introduction or one of the Modules to showcase the instructor's successful approach. You will explore the concept of Low and No Content books, understand their potential, and discover a free method to download book interiors without creating them.

Course rating: 4,565 total enrollments
Duration: 6 Hours
Certificate: Certificate of completion

6. Formatting and Design for Self-Publishers (Skillshare)

In the world of self-publishing, your book cover serves as its resume, making it crucial to comprehend exterior design for optimal sales success. Equally vital, yet often overlooked, is the interior formatting, a significant aspect of the design process. This course delves into the intricacies of formatting and designing your manuscript, ensuring it is well-prepared for self-publication.

In this self-publishing course, you will learn the following topics:

  • Introduction
  • Book Covers
  • Exterior Design Process
  • Interior Design Process
  • Conclusion

Whether you're grappling with cover design or navigating the complexities of formatting, this course guides you through the essential steps, provides valuable resources, and imparts best practices to streamline your journey toward releasing a high-quality project to the world. Save time, save money, and elevate the overall appeal of your book with the insights offered in this comprehensive course.

Course rating: 536 total enrollments
Duration: 48 minutes
Certificate: Certificate of completion


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