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)
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: