How to Publish a Book for Free and Get Paid for It

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a published author but felt discouraged by high publishing costs? The good news is that in today's digital era, you can publish a book for free and still make money from it. Thanks to self-publishing platforms, print-on-demand services, and smart marketing strategies, getting your book out into the world without spending a dime is easier than ever. This guide will take you through the entire process, from writing and publishing to earning royalties.

Step 1: Write & Format Your Book

1.1 Finish Your Manuscript

Before thinking about publishing, ensure your book is complete and polished. Here’s how:

Edit and proofread: Self-edit multiple times and use free tools like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor to refine your writing.

Beta readers: Have a few people read your book and provide feedback.

Professional editing (optional): If you can’t afford a paid editor, swap manuscripts with another author for mutual editing.

1.2 Format Your Book Properly

Different platforms have specific formatting requirements. The easiest way to format your book for free:

Use Kindle Create (for Amazon KDP) or Draft2Digital's free formatting tool.

Convert your file to EPUB (for eBooks) and PDF (for print-on-demand).

Step 2: Design a Professional Book Cover (For Free)

A well-designed cover is crucial for sales. Even if you don’t have design skills, you can create a stunning cover using free tools:

Canva (Offers free book cover templates)

Adobe Express

BookBrush

Fotor

If you want a more professional look, you can find affordable designers on Fiverr or Upwork.

Step 3: Choose Free Self-Publishing Platforms

3.1 Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

The biggest self-publishing platform: Amazon KDP.

3.2 Draft2Digital (D2D)

Distribute your book to multiple stores like Apple Books, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.

3.3 Google Play Books

Google Play Books offers up to 70% royalties.

3.4 Smashwords

Smashwords distributes to additional markets, including libraries.

3.5 Publish on Your Own Website

If you have a website or blog, consider selling directly using:

Gumroad (Great for digital sales, keeps 90% of profits)

Payhip (Easy integration with PayPal and Stripe)

Step 4: Market Your Book for Free & Get Paid

4.1 Enroll in Amazon KDP Select

By enrolling in KDP Select, you allow Amazon to make your book exclusive to Kindle for 90 days.

4.2 Promote on Social Media

Leverage social platforms like:

Facebook Groups

Twitter/X and Instagram

TikTok (BookTok)

Pinterest

4.5 Submit to Free Promotion Sites

Submit your book to free promo sites like:

BookBub

Freebooksy

BookBelow (Great for indie authors.)

Step 5: Earn More Money from Your Book

5.1 Audiobooks (ACX/Audible)

Convert your book into an audiobook using ACX.

5.2 Print-On-Demand (KDP Print & Lulu)

Sell paperback versions with no upfront cost via KDP Print or Lulu.

Conclusion

Publishing a book for free and making money from it is more achievable than ever. With platforms like Amazon KDP, Draft2Digital, Google Play Books, and Smashwords, you can publish without spending a dime.

Follow these steps, publish your book for free, and start earning from your writing today!