Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Thinking about self-publishing your book? Be careful—many first-time authors fall into traps set by expensive vanity presses that can leave you with high fees, limited control, and little to no royalties. In this video, I’ll break down the key differences between legitimate self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Lulu, and vanity presses that can take advantage of inexperienced authors.

Download The Self-Publishing Handbook w/bonuses: howtowriteabook.samcart.com/products/self-publishing-handbook

00:00 Introduction
00:41 Self-Publishing vs. Vanity Press?
01:40 Step #1: Do Your Research
01:59 Step #2: Understand the Contract
02:35 Step #3: Understand the Fees
03:10 Step #4: Look for Control
03:46 Step #5: Look for Red Flags 🚩
04:19 Step #6: Ask for Recommendations


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☎️ WORK WITH ME: Apply for a free strategy session 👉🏾 howtowriteabookthatsells.com/writing-coach

Stefanie Newell is the go-to writing coach for the first-time writer looking for direction on writing, publishing, and marketing a non-fiction book. Her experience has paved the way for her to coach Hollywood film and television producer Madison Jones, Womeneur founder Sharon Beason, Grammy award-winning music producer S1, and hip hop artist, philanthropist, and politician Rhymefest!

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*🎁 RESOURCES FOR YOUR BOOK 🎁*

📄 FREE AUTHOR CHECKLIST 📄

Learn the step-by-step strategy for writing your first book! write-one-publications-inc.kit.com/ba784a7f1a

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*🔥 COACHING & SERVICES 🔥*

☎️ WORK WITH ME: Apply for a free strategy session 👉🏾 howtowriteabookthatsells.com/writing-coach

📑 DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING 👉🏾 howtowriteabookthatsells.com/developmental-editing

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*📚 BOOKS & TEMPLATES 📚*

HOW TO WRITE YOUR FIRST BOOK: howtowriteabook.samcart.com/products/how-to-write-your-first-book?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=htwyfb_paperback&utm_content=all_videos

Also available on Amazon: amazon.com/How-Write-Your-First-Book/dp/1540593487?maas=maas_adg_538EB8E863E6B7E6A0C1B4E2E5C366FA_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas

WRITE THE DAMN BOOK: howtowriteabook.samcart.com/products/write-the-damn-book?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=wtdb_paperback&utm_content=all_videos

THE AUTHOR’S JOURNAL: howtowriteabook.samcart.com/products/the-authors-journal?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=authors_journal&utm_content=all_videos

MANUSCRIPT FORMAT AND OUTLINE TEMPLATES (GOOGLE DOCS AND WORD): howtowriteabook.samcart.com/products/outline-format-templates?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=manuscript_template&utm_content=all_videos

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*CONNECT WITH ME*

WEBSITE: HowToWriteABookThatSells.com
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thelifeofawriter
PERSONAL WEBSITE: stefanienewell.com
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: amazon.com/author/stefanienewell
MY FAVORITES (Amazon Shop): amazon.com/shop/thelifeofawriter
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