Free Self-Publishing Resources

Self-publishing is growing by leaps and bounds. More authors are exploring the benefits of self-publishing: greater flexibility, more control and the ability to print on demand.

But how do you achieve those goals?

At 48 Hour Books, we’ve created a variety of self-publishing resources, to take you from an idea to a beautifully printed book. If you’re a self-published author, or aspire to be one, we have tips, tools and information, plus a team of knowledgeable people who want to help.

Keep reading to discover the best self-publishing resources, and be sure to sign up at the bottom of this page to receive even more valuable (and free!) resources.

Get an Instant Quote

How to Make a Book

We’ve collected some of our best tips and advice on how to make a book. We cover everything from formatting a book, tips for writers, book design, marketing and promotion.

See How to Make a Book
Hardcover book with rock background

Writer's Tips

Get all our best tips and tricks in the 48 Hour Books blog. We cover all topics related to writing, self-publishing, marketing your work and more.

Read the Blog
Paperback book - The Day She Cried

Author Tools

48 Hour Books offers a variety of tools to assist self-publishing authors. Check out our:

Author with book

Need To Hire a Professional?

The free book publishing resources available at 48 Hour Books make it easy to publishing your own book. However, your book could always benefit from a professional's help. We work with thousands of authors, publishers, designers, and other vendors every year, and we're happy to point you in the right direction if you're looking for some additional help.

Note: 48 Hour Books is not responsible for any work, communication, payments, or other interactions with the listed parties. The parties listed are not affiliated directly with 48 Hour Books. Contact them directly for rates, timetables, and services.

Recommended Book Design & Specialty Services

Painted Wings Publishing Logo

Painted Wings Publishing

Owned and operated by an indie author, Painted Wings Publishing focuses on creating beautiful books. Their mission is both to make breathtaking special edition books and to make every edition of a book special. While mostly known for their embedded page edge designs, they also offer several other services.

Contact Painted Wings Publishing for:

  • Printed/Embedded Edge Designs
  • Manuscript Formatting
  • Cover Design & Typography
  • Other Specialty Book Design Requests

Stay tuned for more recommended professionals!

Recommended Book Editing Services

Kara Bernard

Kara has been editing professionally since 2018, academically since she was in grade school, and for fun since she was old enough to read. She has worked for authors, B2B/B2C businesses, and students. You can find a list of projects she has edited, her qualifications, services, and more at her website.

Contact Kara for:

  • Manuscript Critique
  • Proofreading
  • Line Editing
  • Developmental Editing
  • Blurb Edit

Callie Walker

Are you printing a religious or spiritual book? Callie Walker may be the perfect editor for you. Callie Walker is on a mission to help Christian authors create polished manuscripts. As a writer herself, she knows the pain and fear of handing your “baby” over to someone else; therefore, she always makes corrections and notes with this in mind. Callie specializes in novels, memoirs, self-help books, and any book that points to God.

Contact Callie for:

  • Proofreading
  • Copy Editing

Beth Wojiski

Beth Wojiski confesses to being a bit nerdy when it comes to the written word and was given the nickname of “The Comma Commander” by her husband. She was inspired to become a professional editor when her own reading enjoyment was being marred by blatant errors. She has worked with clients ranging from best-selling authors, local businesses, and consulting companies to students. She is a member of ACES (the American Copy Editors Society) and the EFA (Editorial Freelancers Association).

Contact Beth for:

  • Proofreading
  • Copy Editing
  • Writing
  • Consulting

Karen Cleghorn

Karen Cleghorn edited medical documents for many years before editing book manuscripts. She enjoys making sure the details are correct while preserving the author’s voice. Karen works on nonfiction, self-help, family histories, memoirs, clean fiction and romance, devotionals, and more. Her memberships include The Christian PEN and American Christian Fiction Writers.

Contact Karen for:

  • Proofreading
  • Copy Editing

Pam Greer

Pam provides line editing, copy editing and proofreading for independent authors with a focus on fiction and nonfiction, inspirational manuscripts, and education-based content. She edits in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, WordPress and more using Chicago Manual of Style, AP Style Book, APA Style Guide and Merriam Webster’s Dictionary. In addition to editing and proofreading, Pam is proficient in manuscript reviews, editing citations, fact-checking and research. Her authors appreciate her gentle approach to editing and continue to trust her instinct and judgment when they veer out of the lane of standard English grammar. Sometimes she guides them back into the lane; sometimes she allows them to wander into other lanes to find their voice and rhythm.

Contact Pam for:

  • Proofreading
  • Copy Editing
  • Line Editing

Stay in touch to receive more resources and information to guide your self-publishing journey.

Ready to start printing

I'm Ready to Print My Books

To place an order, fill out a simple form to tell us about your book. After the order is placed, you'll be able to upload your files directly to us.

Start Printing