Self-publishing your book is easier and more important than ever. As a seasoned professional, you have a unique perspective that, if shared, can help your clients and prospects as well as grow your business. Additionally, it gives you the opportunity to be seen as the expert authority in your niche.

The following are eight simple steps to self-publishing:

1. Write a book. This may seem obvious, but many people struggle with follow-through. Up to 80 percent of Americans want to write a book, but the majority never do. Congratulations on writing yours! This is the biggest step of all.
2. Proofread and edit. Proofreading and editing are to check content consistency, grammar and flow. Find someone with some grammatical knowledge to help finesse your book. It's well worth it. Proofreading also entails checking for language and typos.
3. Write a captivating title and subtitle. This may be the most important marketing decision you make. A good title should be not only informative but also easy to say and memorable. You want it to stand out and grab attention but also be appropriate for people to talk about in social situations. The title must snag their interest, and the subtitle should make them open the book and then buy it.
4. Choose quality design and layout. Design and layout are extremely important. Studies show that a book browser only spends eight seconds looking at a book cover before deciding to buy it. Poor layout and design can stop your sales, no matter how good the book is.
5. Don't forget copyright. Copyright is a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems or methods of operation, only the way these things are expressed.
6. Purchase an ISBN. ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a 13-digit number that's used as a unique identifier for books. ISBNs are used internationally.  You'll need one if you plan to sell through bookstores, to libraries or to online retailers so they can scan the book in the checkout lane.
7. Published! This is the exciting part: the actual printing of your book. There is no thrill like holding your own authored book in your hands. Instant Publisher is a reputable and experienced publisher that can publish quickly and affordably and can recommend the best size, paper weight, binding, trim size, pricing and so forth to meet your needs. I wouldn't think of having my books printed anywhere but there. Website: instantpublisher.com. Phone: 800-259-2592.
8. Market your book. People can't buy your book if they don't know it exists. You'll need a book/author website. Social media sites need to be part of the plan as well as Search Engine Optimization (SEO), media notifications, contact talk show hosts and speaking to groups where you read a small part from the book to the audience and answer questions. Having a helper at the book sales table is a good idea. When the box of books arrives, autograph every book with just your signature as soon as they arrive from the printer and put them back in the box. Signing ahead of time helps avoid writer's cramp. People who buy your book may ask you to add something personal. That's the fun part.

Chris Bradley is the president of Instant Publisher. Access your FREE Self-Publishing Guide for Professionals instantpublisher.com/signup.aspx

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