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Creative Self-Publishing: ALLi’s Guide to Independent Publishing for Authors & Poets
It has never been easier to publish a book, but publishing a book is never easy.
Creative Self-Publishing is a comprehensive guide to every step in the publishing process, written by the Director of the Alliance of Independent Authors, and drawing on the experience of thousands of members, from those who are just starting out to those who are staggeringly successful.
The book takes an individual approach, beginning with you. Your ambitions, your passion, and your sense of purpose not just as a writer, but also as a publisher, and as a creative business owner.
In an engaging, easy to read format, you’ll
- How to negotiate the seven processes of publishing to reach more readers and sell more books
- The business models successful authors are using today
- How to overcome resistance and block by fostering creative flow.
- The history of authorship and self-publishing and where you fit
- How to find your ideal readers and ensure they find your books
- A proven planning method so you effortlessly bring together your passion, mission and purpose as a writer and publisher
Whether you write fiction, nonfiction, or poetry books, the principles and practices outlined in this book will work for you. You’ll make better books, find more readers, turn them into keener fans, and grow your income, impact and influence as a self-directed and empowered indie author. The creative way.
Creative Self-Publishing is a comprehensive guide to every step in the publishing process, written by the Director of the Alliance of Independent Authors, and drawing on the experience of thousands of members, from those who are just starting out to those who are staggeringly successful.
The book takes an individual approach, beginning with you. Your ambitions, your passion, and your sense of purpose not just as a writer, but also as a publisher, and as a creative business owner.
In an engaging, easy to read format, you’ll
- How to negotiate the seven processes of publishing to reach more readers and sell more books
- The business models successful authors are using today
- How to overcome resistance and block by fostering creative flow.
- The history of authorship and self-publishing and where you fit
- How to find your ideal readers and ensure they find your books
- A proven planning method so you effortlessly bring together your passion, mission and purpose as a writer and publisher
Whether you write fiction, nonfiction, or poetry books, the principles and practices outlined in this book will work for you. You’ll make better books, find more readers, turn them into keener fans, and grow your income, impact and influence as a self-directed and empowered indie author. The creative way.
421 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2020
8 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 13, 2025
The latest edition is the best guide to the current state of indie publishing out there. Pair this with The Artisan Author and The Author Ecosystems, and you have the "Bible" of modern indie pub. Enjoy.
August 24, 2021
I've just joined ALLi, and they came highly recommended by another author. I can see why. I've been listening to the podcasts for the last few weeks, which are excellent and full of useful knowledge for any one on the path to being an independent, self-published author.
That's an increasingly viable means of making a living these days, and ALLi is full of information about how to make it happen, and a membership of people doing so.
I'll be combing this thorough, detailed, well written book for a long time to come, and can see it becoming an essential manual, constantly referred to through each step of the way.
I published three years ago with in independent, innovative publisher, and have flailed about a bit with marketing and promotion for my book. Last Saturday morning, I started reading Creative Self Publishing, which I downloaded for free as a member of ALLi, and can safely say I learned more in the next 24 hours than ever before. As I combed the chapters on marketing and promotion, it emerged as the thorough, step-by-step guide I've been looking for, for ages. There is more well directed, consolidated, detailed advice here than I've found anywhere else.
As a result of what I read over the weekend, I've been able to identify my readers more closely, brainstorm a list of blog content I can write to target them. I wrote the first of those posts, published it and shared it into relevant groups on Facebook. I had stacks of engagement, likes for my page, and comments.
I don't have much capacity to keep track of how my books are selling, since that info goes to my publisher; all I have is the indication of where they're tracking in the categories on the Amazon entry. But since I began listening to ALLi podcasts and reading their material, and putting more well-directed effort into my marketing, my book has begun charting in the top fifty again.
I have a long way to go, but see ALLi as the key point of contact for me in guiding me through every aspect of being a self-published, independent author. Membership of the organisation, and this book (just one of around eight available), are far better value than I've ever had before from organisations like author societies and writers' centres.
Thoroughly recommended and outstanding value.
That's an increasingly viable means of making a living these days, and ALLi is full of information about how to make it happen, and a membership of people doing so.
I'll be combing this thorough, detailed, well written book for a long time to come, and can see it becoming an essential manual, constantly referred to through each step of the way.
I published three years ago with in independent, innovative publisher, and have flailed about a bit with marketing and promotion for my book. Last Saturday morning, I started reading Creative Self Publishing, which I downloaded for free as a member of ALLi, and can safely say I learned more in the next 24 hours than ever before. As I combed the chapters on marketing and promotion, it emerged as the thorough, step-by-step guide I've been looking for, for ages. There is more well directed, consolidated, detailed advice here than I've found anywhere else.
As a result of what I read over the weekend, I've been able to identify my readers more closely, brainstorm a list of blog content I can write to target them. I wrote the first of those posts, published it and shared it into relevant groups on Facebook. I had stacks of engagement, likes for my page, and comments.
I don't have much capacity to keep track of how my books are selling, since that info goes to my publisher; all I have is the indication of where they're tracking in the categories on the Amazon entry. But since I began listening to ALLi podcasts and reading their material, and putting more well-directed effort into my marketing, my book has begun charting in the top fifty again.
I have a long way to go, but see ALLi as the key point of contact for me in guiding me through every aspect of being a self-published, independent author. Membership of the organisation, and this book (just one of around eight available), are far better value than I've ever had before from organisations like author societies and writers' centres.
Thoroughly recommended and outstanding value.
April 15, 2025
Any author who’s decided to self-publish a book will soon realize how many decisions are involved in the process. If you intend to sell to the public, you are suddenly more than an artist. You are a businessperson. That revelation can be overwhelming and the source of much doubt, frustration, angst, and expense. Publishing offers a variety of options these days, and this book provides useful exercises to help authors put things into perspective and clarify their wants and goals. Links are provided to specific articles and topics.
This practical guide gives readers plenty of opportunities to explore new ideas and learn how self-publishing can be a rewarding, life-changing experience. Author Orna Ross does caution, however, that most authors don’t make a living at it. This is partly due to a lack of planning, or not understanding how to create a business model that suits an author’s specific goals. Self-publishing doesn’t need to be done alone. In fact, it probably shouldn’t be. Creative Self-Publishing makes it clear that there is not only plenty of support out there, but that it’s easily accessible. Highly recommended.
This practical guide gives readers plenty of opportunities to explore new ideas and learn how self-publishing can be a rewarding, life-changing experience. Author Orna Ross does caution, however, that most authors don’t make a living at it. This is partly due to a lack of planning, or not understanding how to create a business model that suits an author’s specific goals. Self-publishing doesn’t need to be done alone. In fact, it probably shouldn’t be. Creative Self-Publishing makes it clear that there is not only plenty of support out there, but that it’s easily accessible. Highly recommended.
August 14, 2021
Lots of great advice and food for thought in this ALLi guide to indie publishing. I liked the strong focus on creativity as a underpinning principle which runs through the book, as a way of creating meaning and purpose to fulfil the writer’s intentions. A good balance between the whys and how-tos makes this very practical as well as motivating.
August 7, 2023
Chock full of useful information for planning your writing business. Including things you wouldn't normally think about like what kind of author and publisher you are, your author and business vision, mision and values, as well as finance and marketing. There's so much information here, you'll need to read it again and again.
August 10, 2023
I feel simultaneously so called out and so seen by Orna Ross. She spoke so directly to the specific problems I was facing trying to launch my publishing career. I’m definitely going to read everything she puts out!
September 25, 2021
Thorough research and well laid out.
December 13, 2024
This book is a must-read for anyone just starting out on their self-publishing journey. Brava, Orna!
January 31, 2022
In this outstanding resource, Orna Ross, founder and director of the global nonprofit organization Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi, pronounced “al-eye”), offers a comprehensive guide to self-publishing.
Ross points out that “writing a book was a big deal” about a decade ago but today, as Ross notes, writing a book is more viewed as trying to sell a product. Ross shares her personal experiences, both struggles and successes, while also projecting much confidence in the self-publishing industry and the ability of an Indie author to launch a successful book and/or have a steady income source. For example, she notes that authors have much greater creative and commercial independence today, and even easier access to readers in particular “niches” to build an author platform. I love Ross’ confidence that she projects in the self-publishing industry and Indie authors.
Ultimately, this book has something for everyone from the novice writing their first book to someone who has a mission to educate and inspire others to the author who relies on self-publishing as a full-time career. This offers plenty of good information for those going through the early stages of the publishing process, as well as those in the stages of marketing and promotion. I also found the sections on copyrights and rights transfers very informative.
With so many expensive “author services” out there that are catering to the newbie, self-published author – and making them go broke in the process! - it’s important to know who you can trust for sound information. “Creative Self-Publishing” fills this void. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout.co, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ross points out that “writing a book was a big deal” about a decade ago but today, as Ross notes, writing a book is more viewed as trying to sell a product. Ross shares her personal experiences, both struggles and successes, while also projecting much confidence in the self-publishing industry and the ability of an Indie author to launch a successful book and/or have a steady income source. For example, she notes that authors have much greater creative and commercial independence today, and even easier access to readers in particular “niches” to build an author platform. I love Ross’ confidence that she projects in the self-publishing industry and Indie authors.
Ultimately, this book has something for everyone from the novice writing their first book to someone who has a mission to educate and inspire others to the author who relies on self-publishing as a full-time career. This offers plenty of good information for those going through the early stages of the publishing process, as well as those in the stages of marketing and promotion. I also found the sections on copyrights and rights transfers very informative.
With so many expensive “author services” out there that are catering to the newbie, self-published author – and making them go broke in the process! - it’s important to know who you can trust for sound information. “Creative Self-Publishing” fills this void. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout.co, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2021
This is a practical guidebook. The book is about the act and craft of publishing books when you are also the author of the book. The author and her husband founded ALLi (the Alliance of Independent Authors) and the book is tightly integrated using that organization's principles. Major topics include: self-publishing today, creative publishing success, the craft of publishing, firm foundations , creative business planning and had an exceptional glossary. Highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2022
I was delighted with this book. Not only did it cover many practical aspects of self- publishing where I am a newcomer, Orna Ross writes so beautifully. I love her perspective on how the business aspects of publishing are also part of our creative practice. She includes some helpful free writing questions and one completely transformed my understanding of my first book that I just completed. Wonderfully helpful. Thank you!
December 12, 2021
Good source of information. Easy to read and comprehend. The book has a good narrative. The author was down to earth in advice giving. I was well instructed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2021
Great Over View Of What It Takes To Be A Self Publisher
This book gives a good over view of what it takes to be a self publisher. It gives you a good beginning starting point.
This book gives a good over view of what it takes to be a self publisher. It gives you a good beginning starting point.
December 11, 2023
Extremely helpful!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews