Self-Publishing, Demystified and Done

Hi! I'm Amy C. Waninger.

You can have the book in your hands, literally, in just 6 weeks. I know it’s possible because I have done it. In 2018, I had a book that I knew I needed to get out into the world. I had no idea how I was going to do it. 

"But I don't have $25,000!"

The first person that I talked to about publishing my book quoted me $25,000, but I was just starting my business. There was absolutely no way I was going to come up with that money. 

I needed the book so that I could establish myself as an expert, which would lead to paid speaking engagements instead of speaking for free. I couldn't pay $25,000 to publish the book unless I got the speaking engagements to pay for them. 

I was stuck in this Catch-22. 

I needed the book to launch my speaking career, while need speaking fees to cover the costs of the book.

The person who quoted me $25,000 saw that I couldn't generate that kind of money quickly, so she gave me an incredible gift. She took me aside and said, “Look, you can do this yourself.”

She was right. I created a beautiful book that no one knew I'd published myself. 

I DID IT! And if I can do it, so can you! 

I'll show you how, step by step, using the same 7-Step PUBLISH Method that I've used to publish books for myself and others. 

What You'll Learn

This interactive course provides multiple ways for you to understand the information, including video walkthroughs with actual clients, PDF checklists and templates, proprietary tools, and clear actionable steps.  

Module 1: Plan

Yes, you can publish your own book without it looking like an amateur did it. Learn about the benefits and basics of publishing so that you can be confident in your decision to self-publish.

Module 2: Upfront Work

Learn what you need to do first to create the strongest self-publishing infrastructure so you can register and begin to market your book. Do the prep work that will make your life easier in the long-run.  

Module 3: Book Design & Formatting

Now is the time to prepare your files for the public. Learn how to save time and money formatting your print book and eBook so no one will ever guess you published it yourself.  

Module 4: Load Your Book on Amazon

Learn how to configure, upload, and publish your title in paperback and Kindle versions so you can sell your book on the “world’s largest bookstore.” You are only days away from selling online.

Module 5: Inventory

Sell your book at events for a much higher profit (or ship big orders directly to clients), and learn to track your Amazon sales. Understand Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)’s sales dashboard.  

Module 6: Selling Your Book

Leverage other features on Amazon so you can attract readers and “double-dip” on royalties. You’ll learn advanced methods to increase your book revenues.  

Module 7: Harbor and Copyright

Learn why it’s important and how to register your copyright so that your work will be protected against plagiarism, featuring Trademark Attorney Russ Riddle.

Our Promise to You

Do I need to finish my book before I start the course?

No. This course will answer a lot of questions you'll have as you consider your publishing options. Some authors want to understand the full process before they start writing. Others take authorship and publishing one step at a time. We find that authors are typically ready for this course once they are about 80% finished with their first draft of their book.  

What kind of book can I self-publish / publish independently?

You can self-publish any genre of book -- including fiction, non-fiction, journals, and workbooks. This course helps you publish a paperback and/or Kindle eBook through Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and print on-demand (POD) services. Even if you want to publish in a different format (hardcover books, spiral-bound journals, Nook eBooks, etc.), the information in this course can help you save money and time, as well as avoid common rookie mistakes.  

How long does it take to self-publish / publish independently?

You can set your own schedule, and we'll create your plan together in Module 1. I've gone from concept to book-in-hand in as little as two weeks, but you'll probably want to plan on about six weeks from completed manuscript to published book.  

How long does it take to finish the course?

The course is divided into seven modules. When you register, you'll have immediate access to Module 1. Each week, you'll unlock a new module. Some modules will take longer to complete than others, and you can go at your own pace with each module once it's unlocked.  

What if I need more than seven weeks?

Take all the time you need! You'll have lifetime access to the course materials, including any future updates to the content. You'll also have lifetime access to the online author community so you can find an accountability partner, pacing partner, or mentor that matches your goals and timeline.  

How much does self-publishing / independent publishing cost?

Self-publishing costs vary widely. I've published for as little as $27, and I've seen folks spend up to $25,000. Using the tools in this course, you can expect to have a professional, high-quality paperback book and Kindle eBook with an additional investment ranging from $350 to $2,500 (not counting your course tuition). 

Aren't people hesitant to buy self-published books?

Self-published books used to get a bad rap, and some people still hold onto the belief that self-published books are inferior to traditionally published titles. However, I'm willing to bet that there are self-published books in your library that you would never suspect weren't traditionally published. Still, you may have purchased a book recently that made you immediately think, "Oh, they did this themselves." 

In Self-Publishing, Demystified and Done, you'll learn all the tricks to create a beautiful book that no one will know you did yourself.  

Will my book be a best-seller?

Well, that depends. First, there's a big difference between an Amazon best-seller in a single category and a New York Times best-seller. The former you can achieve with a coordinated effort of your existing network. The latter requires investment in comprehensive marketing and publicity campaigns.

For most authors, books serve a specific business purpose: access to higher-profile clients, commanding higher fees for speaking and consulting engagements, add-on sales for contracts, or even a high-quality business card for networking. Let's face it, most of us won't retire on our royalty checks. But if we're smart about how we position ourselves and our books, we can create additional opportunities and income streams.  

Do I have to do all the work myself?

No! In fact, there are a few parts of the process that I strongly recommend you outsource to others. In Module 1, you'll learn how to make good decisions about what to do yourself and where to find help that fits your budget and goals.

Following this tested process doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. You can delegate pieces to people who can do it faster and better than you can on your own. 

All along the way, you'll have access to a community of support for feedback, recommendations, and more.  

What if I decide I still need more help?

Did I mention you don’t have to do this on your own?

This course breaks down the whole process into simple, actionable steps. If you still feel overwhelmed by the self-publishing process, we can help. You can apply your course registration fee toward done-for-you packages from A Page Beyond. Or, if you decide to use a different publishing service, you'll be prepared with the right questions to ask and a solid understanding of the value you're getting for your investment.  

I have a few ideas for books that are either fiction or just very different from business or insurance books — I feel like those works could be separate enough from my [personal] insurance leadership brand by self-publishing under my own imprint... It is awesome to know I can run wild with my ideas, and it doesn't have to be a huge financial commitment to get it out there!

— Abi Clough

...The process to publish my devotional was affordable, smooth, and informative. Her comprehensive course, tips, and tools helped me find my way through the process. She is culturally competent, transparent, was responsive, and supportive. She remained accessible, provided feedback, and made me feel a part of the A Page Beyond family plus also helping with a few basic bonus opportunities for marketing, visibility, and book promotion. I definitely plan to continue our partnership and utilize the publishing services again.  

  — Mariama Boney 

Amy C. Waninger is amazing. She is brilliant and brings her creativity to every project she manages. She consistently under-promises and over-delivers and delights her clients. I can't recommend her enough.  

— Cathy Fyock

I had the privilege of working with Amy Waninger on my second book The Speaker Author: Sell More Books and Book More Speeches. She handled everything. She had a great team of graphic artists, editors, printers and more that she used to ensure books are well done and highly professional. She kept things on schedule and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend Amy to anyone wanting to put their book in the best hands. I'm glad I did!  

— Lois Creamer

 I worked with Amy Waninger, Founder and CEO of A Page Beyond, as an editor and publisher for my book READY, Set, Change! Amy is a joy to work with! She's extremely responsive, diligent and truly cares about her clients. Amy completed the editing in record time and was helpful to me as I went through the final edit. She's also an excellent publisher, she had terrific ideas for the look and format of the book, she respected the content and was extremely encouraging as the "author" nerves started to kick in. I would highly recommend Amy as an editor and publisher. She made the process easy for me and I couldn't be happier with the result.  

— April Callis-Birchmeier

Self-Publishing, Demystified and Done helps independent authors move from edited manuscript to published paperback & eBook, following A Page Beyond's 7-step PUBLISH Method.