Write: 6 successful self-publishing strategies on a shoestring

by Caroline Hurry

Are you ready to turn that half-finished manuscript into a masterpiece?
Do you yearn to design and rule a self-publishing realm but balk at the potential cost? From DIY editing and formatting to transforming your book into audio, Write ‒ 6 Successful Self-Publishing Strategies on a Shoestring has everything you need to succeed.
Unleash your unique Fire, Water, Air, Earth, Metal, and Hygge blend to realize your writing dreams. You'll find oodles of free tools to forge ahead without financial fear. Embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth as you learn how.
What are you waiting for, author? Harness your butterflies, grab my hand, and let's go!

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2023

About the author

I write books. Sometimes I even remember to promote them.

My books blend wit, wisdom, and a touch of rebellion.

I’ve chased stories from South Africa to Switzerland, digging through rabbit holes in search of transformation and the occasional good laugh.

If you love smart, soulful writing with a side of sparkle, welcome to my world!

Reviews

[Wendy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the number 1 resource for potential Indie authors. As well as being jam-packed with practical advice and tips, it gives some top motivational tips. It is all set. out concisely and logically. I wish I had access to this resource before I published my book "Birds in the Nest." Before publishing, I read everything out there. I ended up more confused, and I did not welcome the advice about how to trick algorithms. If you are considering self-publishing, read this first. You will not regret it.

[Billy Fetzner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Treasure Trove of Self-Publishing Wisdom

"Write: 6 Successful Self-Publishing Strategies on a Shoestring" is a literary gem that unveils a treasure trove of invaluable knowledge for aspiring authors and self-publishing enthusiasts. Caroline Hurry masterfully guides readers on a journey into the world of self-publishing with this remarkable book. It's a comprehensive guide filled with insightful tips and actionable strategies that are a testament to Hurry's expertise in the field.

Caroline Hurry does a phenomenal job of unraveling the complexities of self-publishing, making it accessible even to those who are new to the subject. As I delved into the pages of this book, I was immediately struck by its well-researched content and the ease with which it presents sometimes daunting concepts. The book's clever use of elemental symbolism—Fire, Water, Air, Earth, and Metal—adds a unique and thought-provoking perspective to the creative and practical aspects of self-publishing.

One aspect that I particularly appreciated, and which was mentioned earlier in the chat, was the extensive glossary of 101 free resources. These resources empower authors, especially those on a tight budget, to explore their entrepreneurial realm. The book is a goldmine of DIY editing hacks, insider secrets, and chatbot prompts that can save time and money. Hurry's perspective on marketing tips for introverts is a breath of fresh air.

Caroline Hurry's passion for helping aspiring authors succeed shines through in every page. She shares not only practical techniques but also inspirational quotes that uplift the spirit of creative professionals. "Write" is a fast, easy, and comprehensive guide that leaves readers feeling both optimistic and educated about the self-publishing journey. It's a must-read for anyone embarking on or even considering the self-publishing route.

In conclusion, "Write: 6 Successful Self-Publishing Strategies on a Shoestring" by Caroline Hurry is a fantastic resource for both creative and business professionals. If you're an aspiring author looking to self-publish your work and are in search of concrete techniques, time-saving tools, and fresh perspectives, this book is for you. It's an educational, persuasive, and entertaining guide that will empower you to make your mark in the world of self-publishing, even on a shoestring budget. Highly recommended!

[Mervyn Fiford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved Caroline Hurry's latest book "Write" for all aspiring writers, established authors and anyone seeking to improve their writing and book-marketing skills.
It is a treasure trove of hints, tips, practical advice and good old-fashioned "How To" tips.
At 307 pages it could be almost an academic text book but the way she has written it with light-hearted quips, detailed information and an attractive open page layout with plenty of white space makes it very easy reading and a real pleasure to read.
Helpful tips and advice include preparing an outline of your book: a list of persuasive words to use; how to use social media; and colour schemes and typography.
She makes clever use of acronyms such as METAL and SPEAR and I almost rolled on the floor laughing at her description of trying to get friends and family to write a review of her book:
SEEKING BOOK REVIEWS FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY IS LIKE WALKING YOUR CAT ON A LEASH - THEORETICALLY POSSIBLE BUT COUNT ON SHARP CLAWS AND A LOT OF HISSING!!!
I personally go pale when I think of the amount of work she must have put into this
book but her experience and input will considerably benefit all aspiring authors and well-established authors. It would even be useful for people in the fields of Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing and Media.
I know that I for one would have learnt several valuable lessons had I had this book before I embarked on my own humble self-publishing journey - including the importance of after-care once your book has been published.
Write is a good buy!!!!

[Matthew Scigousky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Like This!

At first I thought here we go a book full of hyperbole and nonsensical things to do with silly analogies but once you dove into this book you realize it is spot on in many ways and ads a spiritual and elemental element to strategies.
I hope reader don’t get lost in some of it because this is a pretty kicks as book with solid advice and how to.

[Lucille McNamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot over-emphasize how amazing Caroline Hurry’s Write is – it literally walks a newbie through the steps needed to become a KDP author. Jam-packed with a wealth of information, Write has saved me weeks, maybe even months, that it would have taken me to uncover and discover. Her ChatGPT prompts are nothing short of genius and, as usual, her style of writing captivates throughout. The release of Write could not have come at a better time for me. And to think that I was contemplating spending hundreds of dollars on an online KDP course when, for just a few dollars, I have gleaned the information that will arm me for my entry into the world of eBooks.

[Lyndi Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I had already self-published seven books of my own, I picked up a copy of Write - Successful Self-Publishing Strategies on a Shoestring, by Caroline Hurry, to get some advice on marketing my books. Hurry does a good job of outlining and breaking down all the tasks of getting one’s writing to publication and then to the market, and trust me there a lot of them. Though it can be a tad overwhelming to consider them all, the book provides a step-by-step guide, which breaks down the tasks into manageable parts.
I really enjoyed the framework of organizing the test around the elements of alchemy and how these elements became extended metaphors. It enlivened what could otherwise be a dry how-to-text. In addition to providing the steps, Hurry also provides pdf handouts to guide you through the steps and additional resources to support you. A recommended resource for anyone who is considering writing and self-publishing a book.

[Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an indie author trying to navigate self-publishing without breaking the bank, this book was exactly what I needed. Write: Successful Self-Publishing Strategies on a Shoestring delivers practical and encouraging advice that feels achievable, even if you don’t have a huge budget to throw around.

What I appreciated most is how down-to-earth the author is. There’s no sugar-coating or unrealistic promises—just smart, step-by-step strategies for editing, covers, marketing, and getting your book out into the world without wasting money. It really emphasizes resourcefulness and creativity, and shows you where to spend wisely and where you can DIY effectively.

I’ve read a lot of guides that felt overwhelming or aimed at people with big budgets, but this one is genuinely empowering. I came away with a clear plan and new motivation to actually publish instead of getting stuck worrying about costs.

Highly recommend for any aspiring indie author, especially if you’re working on a shoestring budget like me!

[Tracey Gerrard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A self-publishing guide every author should have!
6 Successful Self-Publishing Strategies on a Shoestring by Caroline Hurry contains so much information that it will blow your mind—well, it blew mine. It has everything an author needs to get started with publishing their book, and much more—tips and resources galore. From front covers, A+, blurbs and social media. And if you’re into AI, it has that as well. I loved it, and because I purchased the e-book, I have it there to return to if I ever need advice. Definitely, worth a read!

[Tanya Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS RESOURCE FOR AUTHORS! I loved this book by Caroline Hurry. It is like a bible for writers. It has so many great recommendations for publishing and marketing. I have highlighted passage after passage and hope to implement the suggestions. If you're an author, get this book NOW.

[Avril Serene · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something disarming—refreshingly human—about Write 6 Successful Self-Publishing Books on a Shoestring. Caroline Hurry doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out, but she has been in the trenches: writing through grief, navigating the wreckage of traditional publishing, and bootstrapping her way to a string of Kindle category bestsellers. This book is part memoir, part how-to, part kick-in-the-pants—and it works on all three levels.

Instead of preaching from a pedestal, Hurry invites you into her world with a mix of humor, hard-won advice, and unapologetically personal storytelling. You’ll find yourself laughing on one page at the absurdity of a TikTok “twerkathon” marketing suggestion, then bookmarking the next for its genuinely useful insight into title crafting or reader targeting.

The book is cleverly divided into elemental sections—Fire, Water, Air, Earth, Metal, and Hygge—each representing a stage or energy in the publishing journey. It’s not just a gimmick. The metaphorical structure adds rhythm and depth, making the practical advice feel organic rather than instructional.

What sets this apart from the flood of self-publishing guides is its tone. It’s not sanitized. Hurry isn’t afraid to admit when she got suckered by shady “promoters” or when her early efforts flopped. Nor does she shy away from naming the emotional stakes of writing—loneliness, doubt, and the persistent temptation to quit. This makes her encouragement feel earned rather than generic.

That said, this isn’t a plug-and-play blueprint. It's rich with anecdotes, inspiration, and links to resources, but you'll need to do some heavy lifting to apply it all. The author assumes you’re serious about writing and willing to think critically, not just follow step-by-step recipes.

If you’re the kind of writer who lights up at metaphors and motivation, who’d rather bootstrap with creativity than fork over cash to consultants, this is your handbook. It's imperfect in the way that real, lived experience always is—but it’s generous, gutsy, and grounded in truth.

Highly recommended for any indie author with more passion than polish and the nerve to go all in.

Rating: 5 stars
(And yes, I’m keeping the printed version by my desk for the days when I need a reminder that sovereignty beats validation.)

[Vanessa Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caroline Hurry’s Write: 6 successful self-publishing strategies on a shoestring has many useful features but in this reader’s view could be a lot better.

The upside: the book is replete with helpful, up-to-date advice on a wide range of topics including audiobooks, podcasts, Goodreads and other authors’ platforms, Amazon A+ content, Facebook groups, review sites, ChatGPT prompts for those who wish to engage with AI, and lists and links to resources galore for writers of both fiction and non-fiction.

The downside: I found the style somewhat grating — a bit too florid, too ‘look at me’ for this me, unexpectedly so for what is billed as an essentially practical step-by-step guide. Much about the structure of the book appears artificial — the constant acronyms feel reverse engineered, as does the shoehorning of various strategies into different elements (Fire, Water, Air, Earth, Metal and Hygge). And there’s a fair amount of repetition.

Finally, for a guide to self-publishing that frequently enjoins the reader/writer to ensure that their text is polished before pressing the ‘publish’ button there are a surprising number of formatting errors, typos and inconsistencies of, for example, capitalization, use of quote marks — and even the title, which contains ‘6’ on the Amazon page but not on the Kindle or printed book cover.

But all in all there are many useful suggestions beneath the churning froth.

[Sal · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter the topic, Caroline Hurry’s varied books are always worldly, filled with facts, and contain plenty of levity. In this one and her others, there’s always this sense that life doesn’t have to be taken so seriously.

There were many moments in Write where I felt like I was reading a book on writing in general and not specifically geared toward just self-publishing. But that’s an indication of all the great advice in Hurry’s book.

Hurry, an accomplished writer, has written a book in the past through traditional publishing but is a longtime journalist who can breezily talk about the benefits of self-publishing as well. Her optimism and humor throughout Write are contagious, and I think many aspiring writers will be inspired by this book.

Writers, Hurry says, should be curious, observational, and passionate about what they are doing. It doesn’t hurt, she says, to be able to take feedback in a mature way and hone in on what it takes to excel at writing, no easy task. I loved the sections on audiobooks and the importance of coming up with the perfect title.

There’s something in this book for all serious writers who also have a sense of humor, and I’m sure I will refer to Write a lot in the future.

[David Dodds · Rating 5 out of 5]

At last! A self-publishing guide for authors that combines useful information with original content! There are dozens of generic 'How to self-publish' books, most of which regurgitate the same hackneyed content. Caroline Hurry has taken a fresh look and combines very useful information for the author who is new to self publishing or for those who, like me have already been round the block and are looking for new ideas. Half a dozen times whilst reading this book I put down my Kindle to go to my laptop and follow up a suggestion that was too interesting to wait.

Carolines approach is also fresh. She uses a lot of mnemonics, to help the reader keep a hold on her advice (me, I'm going to buy the paperback and keep it on my desk.). She also adopts an emotional self-help style in places which, though not my thing is well-written and I can see that aspect being really valuable to many writers.

Overall this is a well-written, well-researched, useful and thought-provoking guide that will be invaluable for the new author and for those who are looking for new ideas.

[William Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline Hurry’s book Write offers a lot of useful information. The first part of it is a pep talk, encouraging you to send procrastination a one way ticket to hell, jump in the ocean, ride the waves of creativity, and write yourself into a sustainable income. I like her writing style. Fluid prose replete with metaphors and rich in imagery.

A former journalist, she teaches us the finer points of grammar and editing as well as how to write a press release. I’m over a decade in on my writing journey now, so I’m only reading the relevant sections of Hurry’s guide.

But, I have to say, so far I’m impressed. I had no idea of all the free tools available to self-published authors. This book lists a ton of options. Everything from free websites to hang-out groups for writers and journalists. I also enjoyed reading all the words of wisdom from other authors, which she quotes throughout this self-publishing guide.

Very informative and useful. I award Hurry five well-deserved stars.

[Inna Tamir · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS PURE GOLD!
Imagine an amazing buffet for writers, where you can find just anything. No matter if you’re just considering starting your very first draft, or your book has been warming Amazon shelves for years, you’ll find here countless valuable insights that will save you both time and money. Every deliberation, every little question you encounter along the way—this book’s got you covered.
What makes it stand out is that it doesn’t just stop at writing tips. It walks you through the entire process of self-publishing: drafting, editing, design, formatting, publishing, and marketing. Each stage is explained with clarity and packed with practical advice you can actually put to use, making the whole journey feel much more achievable.
This is one of those rare books you’ll want to keep within arm’s reach and return to again and again. Highly recommended to aspiring authors as well as seasoned ones—it truly is a treasure chest for anyone walking the self-publishing path.

[James Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the book ‘Write: Successful Self-Publishing Strategies on a Shoestring’ that was written by Caroline Hurry. This book is packed with wisdom, tools and tips that make the hard world of self-publishing easier to handle. What stood out most to me was how down-to-earth the author is. She shares her own mistakes and real stories from other writers, which makes the advice feel honest and practical. The book covers everything from writing and editing to formatting and marketing, with a focus on keeping costs low. I liked the many free tools, checklists and templates, as well as the creative way the author organizes the process around natural elements like Fire, Water, Earth and Air. It sounds quirky, but it actually helps the steps stick in your mind. The tone is friendly and encouraging, never dry or boring and even includes clever tips on using AI and networking as an introvert. I think some people will find the information useful.

[Neal Schaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Creative Guide to Self-Publishing

There are lots of books on self-publishing out there, but none is quite like this one! This fiction author provides a unique way of looking at writing and marketing your book through the use of natural elements, clever use of acronyms to explain things, quotes from famous authors for inspiration, as well as case studies from other authors to illustrate her points,

While the page count is long, it is a relatively quick read. It is quite a comprehensive take on the subject, and I appreciate the inclusion of AI, and the author’s transparency about her use of it, in this book. The prompt library in the appendix alone should give you lots of inspiration to include AI as part of your process.

Whether you are new to self-publishing or have some experience under your belt, you are bound to find some new knowledge by reading this book!

[Ollie Kayuro · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You Are the Dragon” and This Book Proves It

The book "Write: 6 Successful Self-publishing Strategies on a Shoestring" is a treasure for any writer. Whether you're planning your first publication, in the process of writing, or already have books on the market, you will find this book invaluable. Each chapter is filled with thought-provoking ideas and prompts.

I downloaded sixteen worksheets and checklists from the provided resources, and they have already become part of my writing routine. The author Caroline Hurry helped me to discover excellent Facebook groups for writers and join creative communities I didn't know existed.

This is one of those rare guides that is both inspiring and practical. I now carry this wonderful quote with me: "You are the dragon. That’s your mantra now."

[Ray Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packed with Practical Tips and Fresh Insights – A Must-Read for Indie Authors!


'Write: 6 Successful Self-Publishing Strategies on a Shoestring' is a game-changer for any author looking to publish smartly without breaking the bank. It’s clearly written, incredibly easy to follow, and full of actionable advice. I’ve read quite a few self-publishing guides, but this one offered fresh insights I hadn’t seen before. The section on AI prompts was especially useful—those alone were worth the read. Highly recommend this book to both new and seasoned indie authors looking to level up their strategy.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Successful Self-Publishing Strategies on a Shoestring is exactly what I needed as an indie author on a budget. Caroline Hurry offers a wealth of practical advice, all presented in a way that feels encouraging rather than overwhelming. I especially appreciated the creative use of the elements to frame different aspects of the publishing process—it made the book both memorable and enjoyable to follow. Beyond inspiration, it’s packed with concrete resources and actionable tips that I can put into practice right away. This book left me feeling motivated, supported, and much more confident about moving forward with my own projects.

[Lisa Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author provides a wealth of tips and resources that serve as a valuable reference manual for self-publishing. I thoroughly enjoyed her upbeat, can-do attitude and humorous style, which support every phase of writing, publishing, and marketing a book. I particularly appreciated her understanding of the challenges and pitfalls that independent authors often encounter. One common issue is attempting to get reviews from friends and family, and she explains why these strategies often fall short, so you won’t feel alone in that struggle. Her stories about how other authors successfully increased their sales were also very insightful!

[Ajay Howarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing

Practical, easy to follow, and written with real warmth. Perfect for first-time self-publishers who want straight answers without the fluff. Great starter guide if you’re on a budget.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for aspiring authors! The advice is clear, practical, and easy to apply even on a tight budget. I appreciated the author’s honesty and straightforward tone — it really motivates you to take action

[Jeanné Olivier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all 3 books in the Sovereign Series, and this one was definitely my favourite. Caroline writes with so much insight and empathy, and her easy-to-follow advice is very useful!