The Self-Publishing Roadmap: Everything You Need to Know About Becoming an Indie Author

by Jenna Rose Robbins, Sara Stratton

Self-publishing has never been so easy. “What every author must know about getting books published today.” — Michael Levin, “the Michael Jordan of ghostwriting”“[featuring] painstaking detail and in-depth guidance…9.75/10” —The BookLife Prize
Unlock the secrets to self-publishing success with The Self-Publishing Roadmap—the comprehensive companion to bringing your book to life in print, e-book, and audiobook formats. Authored by industry veterans Jenna Rose Robbins and Sara Stratton, the step-by-step guide is tailored for both first-time authors and seasoned writers alike.

Discover insider tips, practical advice, and real-life examples from successful indie authors and industry experts, empowering you to navigate every stage of the publishing journey with confidence. Whether you're setting realistic publishing goals, building your author platform, or designing a professional book cover, this book provides the essential guidance you need.

After reading this book, you’ll have a detailed blueprint of how to get your finished manuscript into published form. From choosing the right editorial team to implementing effective marketing strategies, The Self-Publishing Roadmap covers it all.

Topics covered

Setting realistic goals and expectations for self-publishing success

Building your author platform to establish a strong online presence

Choosing the right editorial team, including editors, ghostwriters, and co-authors

Crafting a compelling title that captures readers' attention

Fact-checking and ensuring legal compliance and

Comparing self-publishing, traditional publishing, and hybrid publishing options

Designing a professional-looking book cover and interior layout

Producing your own audiobook or hiring a professional narrator

Selecting the best printing and distribution channels for your self-published book

Implementing effective marketing, PR, and social media strategies to boost visibility


Choose between a vibrant hardcover edition in full color or a more economical paperback in black-and-white. E-book also available.

Jenna and Sara are also co-hosts of the Book-A-Go-Go podcast, which covers all of these topics and also features interviews with industry experts. Check it out wherever you get your podcasts.

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2026

About the author

Jenna Rose Robbins is a writer and editor who has ghostwritten more than 12 books, including two New York Times bestsellers, and is the author of Faithful and Devoted: Confessions of a Music Addict, which was a BookLife Prize finalist. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Jenna went on to receive her Master's of Professional Writing from the University of Southern California. When she's not getting eyestrain at her computer, Jenna can generally be found trying to avoid emergency rooms around the world.