Self-publishing a book in Mexico may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and strategies, it is entirely possible. I say this from experience: in December 2022 I published my first book, Espelustrófico, and the process was a journey of learning, challenges and satisfactions. In this article, I will share my experience with self-publishing and guide you step by step so that you can also publish your work.
Benefits of self-publishing
Publishing a book through a traditional publisher is not always easy. Publishers often receive hundreds of manuscripts, and not all authors make it through the filter. However, self-publishing has changed the rules of the game. Today, any writer can share his or her work without relying on third parties, while retaining full control over his or her content and earnings.
When I decided to self-publish Espelustrófico, I had doubts about how to do it professionally. I researched, I made mistakes and I learned. Thanks to this process, I can now share these tips with you.
Key steps to self-publishing in Mexico
1. Writing and proofreading the manuscript
Before thinking about publishing, it is essential to have a well-structured and error-free manuscript. Proofreading and editing are essential to ensure that your work is of professional quality.
Tips for this stage:
- Write fearlessly in the first draft; editing will come later.
- Revise your work several times and, if possible, seek feedback from beta readers.
- Hire a professional proofreader to make sure your text is polished.
When I finished my first draft, I thought it was ready. It wasn’t. After reading it several times, I found mistakes and parts that could be improved. Thanks to the opinion of colleagues and professionals, I managed to polish the text before taking the next step. Among others, I thank my friend Hugo García Michel, for always being my first reader; and Felipe Soto Viterbo, professor of creative writing at the Claustro de Sor Juana, for his editing suggestions.
2. Layout the work in the appropriate format.
The layout is the design of the book and the layout of the pages. Depending on the type of publication, different tools are used and exported to specific formats. For example, for a printed book, a PDF is created, while for an ebook, an ePub file is created. The printed book is static, with fixed pages, while the ePub offers greater flexibility: the text adapts to the size of the screen and allows the typography and font size to be adjusted according to personal preferences or visual needs. In both cases, it is recommended to hire a designer to ensure that the work meets publication requirements.
In addition to print and digital formats, a book can be presented as an audiobook, ideal for those who prefer to listen rather than read or for those who cannot see. There are also interactive books, which combine text, images and sounds, and versions adapted in Braille or with audio description for the visually impaired. In these cases, you can hire specialized accessibility services to ensure that the work can reach your target market.
In my case, as I only published my book in print and as an ebook, I used the InDesign tool to create the layout of my work and then exported it to PDF and ePub formats, which I later uploaded to sales platforms.
3. Design an attractive cover
A good cover is crucial. Remember that readers judge a book by its cover, so invest in an attractive and professional design. In addition, the layout inside should be comfortable to read, whether in print or digital format.
Options for cover design:
- Design it yourself with tools like Canva or Photoshop.
- Hire a professional designer.
If you can put an original illustration or hire a professional graphic design, your book will be unique and will also make it a more desirable object. Publishers like Almadía, besides having an interesting catalog of authors, are characterized by having very original covers that make collectors want to fill their bookshelves with their publications. Perhaps these details, which we normally cannot access without the intervention of design professionals, are what the average self-published writer may resent the most.
But if you want your work to see the light of day and you don’t have a big budget or the skills to do a professional illustration yourself, you can always use free stock images, such as Pexels. You can even buy them in paid stocks where you will find a wider variety, just make sure you have a commercial use license or extended license so you don’t get into copyright problems.
That’s what I did with Espelustrófico. I chose an image, used a Canva template and inserted it on the cover. On the legal page I acknowledged the photographer who captured this image. In the end, I got a cover that captured the essence of my book and has caught the attention of many readers.
4. Copyright and ISBN registration
And speaking of legal issues, before publishing your work, it is highly desirable that you register it with the Instituto Nacional del Derecho de Autor (INDAUTOR). Although the laws will always be on the side of the creator, it is a protection that does not hurt, it is not obligatory but it helps you in case of possible controversies about authorship. Imagine how terrible it would be if the book that took you so much effort to publish were to be exploited by third parties without your consent.
What is mandatory is to have an ISBN, which you can obtain through Agencia ISBN Mexico. This is, in colloquial terms, like the birth certificate of your book. If you do not know how to process it, Letras Laetas can handle all the legal procedures to publish a book, click here and learn more about our services.
5. Publication on platforms
Publishers undertake an exhaustive process to publish a book, ranging from market research to identify which works might be in demand, to accompanying authors in revisions and editions, managing the design and production of the book, defining initial and subsequent print runs, and distributing the work at points of sale. This comprehensive work ensures that the book reaches the final readers in an effective manner.
However, with the rise of the Internet, writers now have the ability to self-publish their books on global platforms such as Amazon or Google, distributing them digitally in a matter of minutes, reaching readers around the world without intermediaries.
When I published my first book of short stories, after months of writing and revising, I made the decision to release it independently. I was nervous, I didn’t know what to expect, but the moment my work was available online was indescribable. At that moment, I realized that the traditional path of publishing houses was not the only way for an author; the Internet had opened new doors and there were no obstacles to being a published author.
6. Marketing and sales strategies
Publishing a book is just the beginning. To get it in front of readers, you need an effective marketing strategy. Some techniques that worked for me include:
- Social media: I created content on Instagram and Twitter to connect with my audience.
- Blog and SEO: I wrote articles about my book, optimized for Google searches.
- Events and fairs: Thanks to the support of Frëims, a restaurant and cultural space that opens its doors to emerging artists, I was able to present my book in Mexico City. I financed through the sale of my book and t-shirts a trip to New York, where I presented it at the Barco de Papel Cultural Center, a space for the Latino community in that metropolis. And finally, I realized one of my biggest dreams by presenting my work at the Guadalajara International Book Fair, which gave it international exposure and boosted sales.
- Public relations: I looked for people interested in literature, gave away some copies and got mentions on Canal Once, participation in some podcasts and an interview in the culture section of Proceso magazine.
Although at the beginning it is hard to generate sales, with persistence and well-implemented strategies, results come. If you want me to help you promote your book, contact me and I will gladly give you a consultation.
Final reflections
Self-publishing a book in Mexico requires patience, effort and strategy, but it is an enriching experience. If you are thinking of taking this step, here are some key recommendations:
- Don’t rush. Make sure your manuscript is well edited before publishing.
- Invest in design. A professional cover makes all the difference.
- Choose the right platform. Evaluate the options according to your audience and objectives.
- Protect your work. Register your copyrights and get an ISBN.
- Promote without fear. Use social networks, blogs and events to publicize your book.
I hope this article will help you take the leap if you are looking to self-publish a book in Mexico. If you have any doubts or want to share your experience, I’ll be happy to read you in the comments. Good luck with your book!
