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How to Write and Publish Your Book for Free
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How to Write and Publish Your Book for Free

If you are trying to figure it out, this might be good for you

J.R. Heimbigner
Oct 19, 2022
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How to Write and Publish Your Book for Free
jrheimbigner.substack.com
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You don't have to spend money to publish a book.

I do suggest every writer pay for an editor and a book cover designer.

However, when you don't have the money, it can be hard to spend it, especially if you aren't sure if you want to write a bunch of books.

In this instance, why not try it out for free? So, I thought I would share a few ways that you could write and publish your book for free.


I was inspired to write this post thanks to Joe D'Eramo from My Home Office Hacks. He recently posted about creating a book on a Saturday. You should jump over and feel connected in the work-from-home life.


Writing a Book for Free Is A Good Start

Before I published my first book on Amazon, I created several short eBooks I gave away for free. They were valuable short books.

Most of all, they helped me get used to the process of writing books before I ever intended to write and publish a book.

So, if you are considering writing a book but are not sure you want to get into it, this is an excellent first step. If you like it, you go for it. If not, you leave it be.

You won't know unless you try.

This is the greatest lesson from writing those free books. And then, with my first book. Each time I write a new one, I'm ready to write the next one.

I talked to a guy the other day, and he didn't feel the same way. He spent $1,000 on his book. He wrote it and hired the editor and cover designer.

When he published it, he decided he never wanted to do it again. Ultimately, he was unhappy he spent the money on the book.

So, let's start writing your book for free.

How to Write and Publish Your Book for Free

The steps are more straightforward than you might think, but let's dive right into it. After all, you could do it on the weekend. Though I would suggest, you do it in seven days at least.

#1 - Choose Your Topic

Do a little research on three topics you would be interested in writing about. See which ones might do well. In the end, pick your topic.

#2 - Map Out and Outline Your Book

After you pick your topic, it's time to map out your book or write an outline. This will help make the writing process way more manageable.

#3 - Write Your Book

Use your outline as the basis for your writing. Stick to the outline and focus on writing regularly. Get through this part of the process, and you will publish a book.

#4 - Edit Your Book

However long it took you to write your book. Take twice as long to edit your text. Also, you need to make sure you cut out as many extra words as possible. Then edit three times and move on to the next step.

#5 - Create Your Cover Design

The best free tool available for a cover design is Canva. Head over there, start with a template, but make it your own. Get opinions from five people who have published a book. Then finalize your design.

#6 - Format Your Book

In this step, you are working on making your content easy to read. Create white space, format it with the proper headers, and help people keep their eyes moving through your book.

#7 - Final Product

Bring your final product together. Add your book cover to your formatted book. Turn it into a PDF. And you have the final product.

#8 - Launch Your Book

Now, put your book up on Gumroad. Or make it a free item to go with your email list. You can put it anywhere but out there and share it with everyone.

#9 - Share Your Book

Send it to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Medium, or anywhere you create online. Share your book regularly and start asking for feedback.

#10 - Evaluate Your Experience

Alright, you've written and published a book. You have shared it with the world. And you have gotten some feedback. Did you like it? Was it a great experience? Do you want to do it again?

Final Thoughts on Writing a Book for Free

Yes, you can do this in a day. However, I suggest you break it down to at least seven days. If you try that, I will break it down like this:

  • Day One: Pick your topic and write your outline.

  • Day Two: Write your book

  • Day Three: Writer your book

  • Day Four: Edit your book

  • Day Five: Edit your book

  • Day Six: Create your cover design and format your book

  • Day Seven: Complete your project, launch, and share your book.

You might have to burn a few hours daily to make it happen, but it can happen. I have completed several books short, free books just like this.

You can do it too.

Do you want to write your first book? Share in the comments below.


J.R. Heimbigner is a #1 Bestselling Author on Amazon who loves helping people grow in their faith and help writers become authors. You can connect with him on Medium, his website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Substack!


P.S. I am getting ready to launch a new book. I will share my launch process with the paid subscriptions over the next month. Consider joining paid subscribers today and get my paid resources for free and mentioned in the special thanks sections of all my books!

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6 Comments
Dale L. Roberts
Writes Self-Publishing with Dale
Oct 20, 2022Liked by J.R. Heimbigner

I love this! Everyone has a story to tell and I don't think money should stop them from telling it.

Of course, I don't want to see the market flooded garbage books, but that's possible at every turn regardless! I agree with you completely and I tell my audience, if you can afford to outsource, do it. If not, do it yourself and order a $5 cover from a specific designer.

But don't refrain from telling your story because some book snob said you can't unless you meet their criteria.

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Jackie Houchin
Writes Jackie’s Newsletter
Oct 19, 2022Liked by J.R. Heimbigner

Thanks. Yes it helped a little. I'm looking forward to the book/course you are writing. Jackie

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