Self-Publishing 101: A Black Editor’s Guide to Getting it Done

Self-publishing has opened the door for more authors to tell their stories on their own terms. No gatekeepers. No waiting for permission. Just your voice — raw, real, and ready to reach readers. But knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Between editing, design, choosing a self-publishing platform, and marketing, it’s easy to lose momentum before your book ever launches.

At Next Page, a Black- and woman-led publishing studio based in Hampton Roads, Virginia, we’ve helped authors across the country navigate this process with confidence and creative control. This guide breaks down what self-publishing really means — and how you can bring your story to life while keeping ownership of your work.

What Is Self-Publishing?

Self-publishing means you’re in charge of your book — from the writing and editing to the final design and distribution. Instead of handing over rights and royalties to a traditional publisher, you take control of the process and profits.

When you publish through platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Barnes & Noble Press, you decide how your book looks, where it’s sold, and how it’s marketed. This freedom allows you to stay true to your voice, your message, and your readers — something especially powerful for Black authors telling underrepresented stories.

Why More Authors Are Choosing Self-Publishing

Representation matters — not just on the page, but behind the scenes. Many authors are choosing to self-publish because they want to share their stories without compromise. Traditional publishing can limit access and creative freedom, while self-publishing lets you define success on your own terms.

Self-publishing also allows you to:

• Keep full ownership of your copyright and creative work

• Earn higher royalties (typically 60–70% instead of 7–15%)

• Collaborate with editors and designers who understand your voice and vision

• Build your brand as an author or entrepreneur, not just a writer

  
  

At Next Page, we believe every author deserves the tools and guidance to publish confidently — whether you’re based in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, or beyond.

How to Self-Publish Step by Step

If you’re new to publishing, the process might seem complicated — but it’s actually pretty straightforward once you understand the key stages. Here’s what it looks like from start to finish:

Step 1: Write and Revise Your Manuscript

Before anything else, focus on getting your story down — then refine it. This might mean several rounds of self-editing or getting beta reader feedback. The goal here isn’t perfection; it’s progress.

Step 2: Hire a Professional Editor

Every great book starts with great editing. A professional editor helps you strengthen your message, structure, and flow. At Next Page, we specialize in proofreading, content, and developmental editing for authors, helping your voice shine through while ensuring your message lands with impact.

Step 3: Design Your Book

Next comes design — both the interior layout (how your text appears on the page) and cover design (the visual first impression). A well-designed book shows professionalism and care for your reader’s experience.

Step 4: Publish to a Platform

Most independent authors publish through Amazon KDP, which makes your book available on Amazon and other online retailers. You can also expand to platforms like IngramSpark or Apple Books for broader distribution. Next Page's self-publishing packages include platform setup and one-on-one guidance to help you navigate your options.

Step 5: Market Your Book

Marketing begins the moment you decide to publish. Create an author website, build an email list, and share your journey on social media. Readers want to connect with you — not just your book.

Common Myths About Self-Publishing

There are a lot of misconceptions about self-publishing, especially for first-time authors. Let’s clear up a few:

• Myth 1: “Self-publishing means you’re not a real author.” → Truth: Many bestsellers are self-published. It’s not about who prints your book; it’s about who connects with your words.
  

• Myth 2: “Self-publishing is too expensive.” → Truth: You control your budget. You can publish affordably without sacrificing quality, especially when you partner with a studio like Next Page that tailors packages to your needs.
  

• Myth 3: “You’ll never reach readers on your own.” → Truth: You absolutely can. With the right strategy — editing, design, and marketing — indie authors often outperform traditionally published ones in niche communities.

Working with a Black-Owned Self-Publishing Studio

Choosing a Black-owned editing and publishing team means working with people who understand your story on a deeper level. Representation in publishing goes beyond diversity; it’s about collaboration, trust, and cultural understanding.

At Next Page, our Black- and woman-led team partners with authors to help them:

• Share authentic, unfiltered stories

• Retain 100% of their royalties

• Build author brands that last

• Publish professionally with pride and purpose

  
  

Whether you’re in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, or anywhere across the U.S., our mission is to help you publish on your own terms — without giving up ownership or creative control.

Your Story Deserves to Be Told

Self-publishing isn’t just about selling books — it’s about ownership, empowerment, and legacy. Your story could be the one that inspires someone else to start theirs.

If you’re ready to take the next step, we’d love to help.

 👉 Schedule a free publishing consult with the Next Page team and let’s turn your story into something powerful, lasting, and beautifully yours.