A Book is Born: Guide to Self-publishing

By Div Manickam

Are you looking to write your first book and not sure where to start? Are you doing all the small tasks at home or work but sitting down to write and commit to self-publish the book.

Join me on a journey through the world of writing and self-publishing. Let’s get started on the steps - how I went from writing barely 100 words in 2016 to self-publishing a book of 150+ pages in 2021. And continue to self-publish books and share my experiences with the world.

Step 1: Book Structure
Step 2: Define your Why, Milestones, Goals and Timelines
Step 3: Curate the Themes and Topics for each Section
Step 4: Edit like Every Word Counts
Step 5: Collect References for Bibliography
Step 6: Design the Book Cover
Step 7: Find a Community to Self-publish
Step 8: Share the Excitement with the World
Step 9: Define Success on your own Terms

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jul 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9781387808496

Book preview

Introduction

Thank you for joining me on this writing journey. This book is a reflection on my first-time experience as a writer and my journey over 5+ years as I forayed into self-publishing.

If you are wondering why should I read this book:

(or why did I write this book)

I am committed to be a voice for the unspoken and break the stigma.

I am learning to speak up and share my perspective with the world.

There are many books on writing, but very few become a guiding light. I read books on writing, habits and mindfulness, and found my true north amidst them all.

There is a bigger calling, that is inspiring me to share my experience on self-publishing. I am lucky to have the support and guidance through communities. Thank you for the opportunity to share my learnings with you.

I loved Malcolm Gladwell’s simple writing style and it resonated with me as a reader. I hope to inspire you, like Malcolm inspired me to share in my own authentic voice.

Surround yourself with people who are only going to lift you higher – Oprah Winfrey

I love inspirational quotes and flowers.

I would like to share my writing experiences in hopes to lift you higher in finding your purpose.

Thank you for embarking on this journey with me.

I wish you the very best in your journey!

Writing this book makes me smile, gives me an inner purpose and pure joy that I cannot describe. My first step was to write blogs and focus on what truly matters. As much as I have my days of doubt, this is about touching people’s lives in ways I couldn’t imagine. This is my ikigai.

To create a mindful world, where everyone’s voice is heard and foster a safe space.

A heartfelt thank you to all of you for this humbling experience. As we say in our fearless community, a sacred bow to you - you are amazing!

This moment is a true blessing – here is what a caring friend shared and I truly believe in the power of words.

Words and thoughts can change the world.

Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Robin Williams

PART I: Inspire

https://miro.medium.com/max/700/1*duOP-JEuKPhsi-bZMFRNlg.png

We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever

becomes a master. Ernest Hemingway

My friend was amazed that I self-published 2 books in the past 6 months. Little do they know the second book was to distract me from the anxiety and expectations of the first self-published book.

Today, I am sharing my story and my writing journey from 2016: when I could barely write a hundred words to today, where I self-published two books (five years later).

A Broken Teacup: Filling the cracks with mindfulness, essentialism and self-care [ebook | paperback]

Fearless: Be the Authentic Leader you will Follow [ebook | paperback]

Fearless | A Broken Teacup - Paperback Print Books

I've learned a lot about the art and science of writing, but the biggest lesson is discipline and consistency. 

It's the art of the craft. It's making sure you show up with your true authentic self.

Every time you sit down