How to self-publish a book with <$200 (by Olumide Ogunsanwo)

Since FIREDOM was released, I’ve received many questions from people interested in self-publishing their own books. They are intrigued by the fact that Samon and I spent $200 and released FIREDOM in 4 months 👀

This post is for: People who want to self-publish a book and want some general info.
This post is not for: People looking to release books through traditional publishers. I never had an interest in that and don’t know anything about it.

In this post: (1) Book purpose (2) Goals & content (3) Recording and editing (4) Distribution, marketing and sales

Let’s. Fucking. Go.

Why should you take advice from me about self-publishing a book?

Because I (& Achani Samon Biaou) created & self-published the FIREDOM: Financial Independence Stories of African Immigrants book. The book is available in Audio, ebook & print (paperback & hardback) in 9 languages in 100+ countries around the world.

My biases

• I had been running a podcast (Afrobility) for 3 years before starting the book so I have a strong preference for audio. Please take that into account while you consider my approach which is very audio centric.

• I’m very into efficiency and maximizing what I get for money. In fact, Samon and I made a conscious effort to minimize costs wherever possible.

Macro questions to consider (before you start)

1. Purpose (what is your "why"?): Most potential writers say they want to write a book but never actually deliver. I think that’s because they don’t have a clear “why” that pushes them to finish when they get demotivated and distracted. Don’t bother writing a book if you don’t have a clear “why” for yourself. Here are some potential reasons you may  writing a book: 

   1. Are you writing a book for fame? If you are, then forget about it, most likely no one will buy your book because the median self-published book sells 100-200 copies.

   2. Are you writing a book for money? If you are, don’t bother, most books don’t make any money.