Complete your manuscript before you choose a self-publishing house. Create a business plan for your book. You can get free counseling and templates including a business plan from SCORE. You will need the plan to evaluate your audience, market demand, competition, profit goals -- as well as projected print order. Then, go to an online self-publishing house, like lulu.com. If you have not done so before, create a username and password, and fill in the requested information.
Select the "Publish" and then the "Book" options from the tabs or menus.
Select the desired size and binding. Lulu offers three different types of hardback books. Evaluate cost and quality and establish your profit margin and price range to cover the type you select.
Make sure that you have the copyright established. Order an International Standard Book Number -- ISBN -- which will identify your book with a unique 10-digit number. This is critical for marketing and distribution.
Download the template for the content, and format your manuscript according to the template. Techniques and requirements vary by publisher. Consult an experienced independent book editor if you need help. A mistake in content, format or design can be costly.
Select the appropriate options. Lulu will pre-select the most common options. Most self-publishing houses can only deliver hardback books in certain formats.
Upload the contents of the book after you proofread thoroughly.
Upload the cover. Spend time evaluating what makes a good cover that sells. Your book must stand out in the marketplace in stacks or online where a book lover spends only a few seconds. An effective cover must be simple and bold so that it is readable as a thumbnail on a book website as well as in a book store. Decide if you will use a photograph, art work or dominant typography. Or maybe a combination. Be sure your back cover and inside flaps work effectively.
Review the results on screen. Make edits if needed and cost-effective. Accept the result for publishing.
Establish your distribution and marketing plans while waiting for the delivery of the book, which takes one to four weeks. Delivery depends on shipping options and where you live. Establish a warehouse or distribution center where you can stage the books for delivery.