As we close the chapter on another year, it’s the perfect time to start a brand new one—literally. Whether you’re working on your first manuscript or ready to self-publish your magnum opus, 2025 is your year to take control of your writing destiny. Think of it as the opening lines of a brand new book, where the plot is in your hands, and the ending? Well, that’s up to you.

In this post, we’ll walk you through actionable steps to help you write, publish, and market your book like a pro. Here’s your blueprint for turning those writing and publishing dreams into a reality next year.

Step 1: Set Clear, Manageable Goals

First things first—write down your goals. Here’s how to break down the massive task of writing and self-publishing into bite-sized, manageable chunks.

• Be Specific: “Write a book” sounds great, but “Write 2,000 words a week” is something you can actually track. Make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
• Create Milestones: Write 10,000 words? Celebrate. Finish your first draft? High five yourself. Set achievable milestones so you can feel a sense of progress along the way.
• Get Organized: Whether you love spreadsheets, notebooks, or fancy apps, find a system that works for you. Trust us, there’s something magical about crossing things off a list!

Step 2: Prioritize Writing Time (Because Life Doesn’t Stop)

The world won’t pause just because you’re writing a book. Kids, work, laundry (ugh)—life has a way of taking up space. But to make 2025 the year of your book, you need to prioritize writing time.

• Find Your Best Writing Window: Are you a morning person or a night owl? Embrace your natural rhythm and carve out time during your peak hours.
• Stop Waiting for “Inspiration”: As much as we would like it to, inspiration isn’t going to knock on your door when you want it to. You’ve got to show up and work. Even if you’re feeling uninspired, write anyway. Sometimes the magic happens when you push through the block.
• Write Everywhere: Got 10 minutes before your meeting? Jot down a few sentences. Stuck in traffic? Try brainstorming ideas. You’d be surprised how many words you can sneak in between life’s busy moments.

Pro Tip: Set a timer for short, focused writing sessions. Aim for 30-minute bursts of writing. You’ll be amazed at how quickly those words add up.

Step 3: Publish Like a Pro

Now that you’ve written your masterpiece (yay!), it’s time to take the next step: publishing. But no need to panic—the publishing options available in 2025 are diverse and there is something for everyone.

• Interested in traditional publishing? Do some research and connect with a literary agent who will work to pitch (and sell!) your manuscript to a publisher. Keep in mind that if you sell your manuscript, you’re also relinquishing your rights to the book.
• Looking to DIY? Amazon KDP is a quick way to get your manuscript to the masses if you aren’t interested in having professional formatting, design, or editing before your book goes to market.
• Curious about a happy medium? Assisted self-publishing with a reputable company (like us!) allows you to retain your creative control while receiving global distribution and putting your best foot forward through professional design, illustrations, formatting, editing and book marketing services.

Step 4: Market Like You’ve Got a Bestseller (Even If You Don’t . . . Yet)

Okay, so your book is out in the world. Now, how do you get people to notice it? Spoiler alert: writing the book is only half the battle—marketing is where the magic happens.

• Start Early: Build your author platform before your book is released. Social media, blogs, and newsletters are key to growing your audience. No, you don’t have to post every day, but consistency helps.
• Network with Other Authors: The author community is huge, and many writers love to support each other. Join Facebook groups, attend online conferences, and collaborate. Cross-promotions and shout-outs can be a game-changer.
• Leverage Book Reviews: Reviews are the digital equivalent of word-of-mouth recommendations. Send out ARCs (advanced reader copies) to bloggers, influencers, and readers in exchange for honest reviews. Just don’t forget to thank them afterward!

Pro Tip: Use tools like Goodreads to run promotions. It may take some time to build up momentum, but it’s worth it. Need some extra marketing help? Our Book Marketing Team is always happy to chat.

Step 5: Don’t Get Discouraged—Keep Going

Here’s the thing: you’re going to face setbacks and that’s okay. The important thing is to keep going.

• Celebrate the Small Wins: Finished your manuscript? Celebrate! You deserve it. Received your first review? Text your best friend. Don’t wait for big success to appreciate the journey.
• Learn from Mistakes: You’ll make them. We all do. Learn from them, grow from them, and keep moving forward.

2025 is your year. Write your book, publish it, and share it with the world. And remember, every bestselling author started just like you—sitting down and writing one word at a time.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make 2025 the year you stop dreaming and start publishing!

At Tellwell, we know how important your book release is. It’s more than a date on the calendar, it’s the moment your story meets its readers. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce two exciting new features to give you even more control over your book’s big day!

1. Set a Specific Launch Date for Your Book

Planning your release date just got easier! You can now choose a specific launch date for your book—whether it’s a special day, a milestone, or the perfect timing for your marketing efforts.

Here’s how it works:

• Pick a date at least 2 weeks in the future.
• We’ll begin the distribution process 3 days before to help ensure your book is available across platforms when launch day arrives.

With a specific launch date, you can confidently plan your promotions, book events, or online buzz knowing your book will hit the shelves when you’ve planned it to!

2. Pre-Order Setup for Ebooks

If your publishing package includes eBook distribution, you now have the option to set up pre-orders! This powerful tool lets readers place orders for your eBook before your official release date, giving you a head start on sales and creating excitement for your book release.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pre-order process:

Start Date: This is when pre-orders begin. You’ll need to set a start date at least 2 weeks in the future to give everything time to align.

On-Sale Date: This is the big day! Pre-orders are processed and delivered to readers. The on-sale date must be at least 30 days after your pre-order start date.

If you’re also launching a print edition, the on-sale date for your eBook will align with the specific launch date for your book. While we strive to make sure both formats are available simultaneously, please keep in mind that occasional delays can happen due to unforeseen distribution issues.

Why These Features Matter

A planned and strategic release can make all the difference in building buzz, boosting sales, and reaching your readers. With the ability to choose your release date and set up eBook pre-orders, you’ll have the tools you need to make your book release a success.

Ready to plan your perfect launch? Reach out to your Tellwell team to get started today!

Tellwell is now accepting applications for our Indigenous Voices book publishing grant. We are seeking Indigenous authors with a book idea or manuscript who need help getting published.

Tellwell is allocating $10,000 of in-kind services towards one or two book projects. These services will cover things like writing coaching, editing, design and layout, illustrations, printing, distribution, and marketing support. The creation of the Indigenous Voices Grant was announced by Tellwell in Fall 2023.

The deadline for applying for the grant is July 31, 2024. Indigenous authors can apply by submitting a simple form at the link below.

APPLY HERE

Books can be in any genre, such as:

• Illustrated children’s books
• Fiction
• Nonfiction
• Memoir
• Multi-author collaborations