How to Become a Self-Published Author: A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Author Journey

How to Publish Your Own Book (Without Gatekeepers)

Welcome, darling scribes and story-summoners! 🌒
You have a story. A spark. A universe whispering inside you. But you don’t know how to take that first real step toward becoming a published author.
Let’s change that.
Self-publishing can feel overwhelming, especially when you're bombarded by conflicting advice and expensive “must-have” tools. But the truth is? You don’t need to do it all at once. You just need a map—and a little creative courage.
This guide will walk you through the foundational steps of becoming a self-published author—from idea to draft—with plenty of cozy witchy energy to keep you grounded.
Let’s begin.

Set Your Author Intentions

Before you dive into writing, publishing, or outlining, I want you to slow down and reflect. Yes, really. This step is overlooked far too often—but it's essential for staying focused and feeling fulfilled.
Ask yourself:

• Why do I want to publish this story?
  
• What does success look like to me?
  
• Who is this story for—and how do I want them to feel after reading it?
  

This is your author north star. Your intentions will guide your decisions and keep your creative energy aligned, even when self-doubt creeps in. Write them down. Decorate the page. Treat it like a spell. 🔮

Choose Your Writing Method

Every author has their own style—and there’s no wrong way to create.
Which one feels most like you?
🖋️ Plotter – You love structure and outlines. You plan your chapters, plot points, and character arcs ahead of time. Tools like Notion, Milanote, or Scrivener will be your familiar.
🌙 Pantser – You write by vibe. No outline, just intuition and mood. Keep a notebook handy to track spontaneous ideas as they flow.
🌗 Plantser – You enjoy a light outline but leave room for discovery. Think of it as writing with a compass, not a map.
None of these are more “correct” than the others. The best method is the one that helps you finish.

Build the Bones of Your Story

Once you’ve chosen your method, it’s time to prep the foundation.
Use this as your prewriting checklist:

• Working Title
  
• Genre & Tropes (Know what you’re promising readers!)
  
• Narrative Style (Single POV? Dual? First person?)
  
• Basic Premise (1–2 sentences max)
  
• Main Characters + Their Goals
  
• Main Conflict
  
• How It Ends (even if it changes later—start with a vision!)
  

Write it all down in a central place (your Project Bible, a folder, or a pretty notebook). Keeping things organized early will make editing and marketing so much easier later.

Start Your First Draft (a.k.a. The Wild Messy Magic)

Here’s your permission slip: your first draft is allowed to be bad.
It’s supposed to be.
This is where you let the story take form. Don’t worry about grammar, pacing, or perfection. Focus on telling yourself the story first.
Tips for surviving the first draft:

• Use timers or sprints to write in short bursts.
  
• Don’t stop to edit—save that energy for later.
  
• End each session with a note about what happens next so you’re not stuck tomorrow.
  

Some days, you’ll write a few hundred words. Other days, nothing at all. That’s okay. Progress is progress, friend.

Surround Yourself with Support

Writing is often a solitary act—but publishing doesn’t have to be.
Join writing groups, find writing TikToks that inspire you, or follow authors on Instagram who are on the same path. You don’t need a huge community—just a few people who get it.
And yes, you’re welcome in my coven anytime. 🖤

Try My Author’s Ultimate Toolkit!

Starting your author journey and already overwhelmed? Friend, I’ve got the perfect little bit of magic for you.
You’re reading a blog about becoming a self-published author, which means you're probably juggling a million ideas, twenty tabs, and possibly one slightly judgmental pet.
That’s exactly why I created the Author’s Ultimate Toolkit—to help you organize your chaos and actually enjoy your writing process.
Inside, you’ll find:

• 🎮 A Gamify Google Sheet to track your progress and feel like a productivity wizard
  
• 📚 A Project Bible to keep your story world from vanishing into the abyss of your brain
  
• ✍️ A Publishing Prepbook to walk you through the whole publishing process (no gatekeepers here)
  
• 🗓 A Publishing Planner in both Monday-start and Sunday-start formats because, yes, you deserve options
  
• 📝 A Genre Prompt Book full of writing inspiration when your creativity decides to vanish
  
• 📋 Three Milanote Templates to bring your plans to life:
  
  • Book Series Planner
    
  • Social Media Planner #1
    
  • Social Media Planner #2
    

What have you got to lose? Nothing.

But if it does work for you? You’ll stop forgetting key details, finish that draft, and maybe even get a little excited about your author brand again.
✨ So go on, friend. Grab the Author’s Ultimate Toolkit and start writing like the main character you are.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Permission to Begin

You don’t need a publisher’s approval. 
You don’t need to be a bestselling author before you call yourself one. 
You don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. 
You just need to say yes.
To your story.
To your magic.
To your beginning.
So take a breath, light a candle, and write that first sentence.
Because the world needs your words—even the messy ones.
💌 But just in case you’re waiting for a sign… here’s one anyway:
I made you a Permission Slip, sweet friend. Save it, screenshot it, use it however you need to.
📲 Tag me or send me a DM on TikTok or Instagram if you post or use it—I'd love to see your writing magic in action.
@author_lynifer_craft on both

TL;DR

Becoming a self-published author starts with intention. Choose your writing style, lay the foundation of your story, and allow your first draft to be messy and magical. Surround yourself with community and don’t forget—you are the magic. The only permission you need is your own.