Self-publishing a bestselling non-fiction book requires a combination of expert knowledge, marketing skills, and persistence.

Here are some steps that experts can take to self-publish a successful non-fiction book.

1- Identify How Big is Your Niche

Start by identifying a niche you are an expert in with a large and engaged audience. Conduct market research to ensure that there is a demand for the topic of the book you're planning to write. Amazon is the largest global book retailer and the platform where you want to conduct most of your research.

Here's a research method that authors can use to conduct market research to determine whether there is a demand for the topic of their book:

• Online search: Conduct an online search using keywords and phrases related to the topic of your book. Analyze the search results, including the number of search results, the type of content, and the popularity of the search terms.

• Amazon research: Visit Amazon.com and search for books related to your topic. Analyze the bestsellers in your category, read the reviews, and see what readers say about the books.

• Social media: Look for social media groups or forums related to your book topic. Analyze the conversations and posts to determine the level of interest and engagement among potential readers.

• Surveys: Conduct surveys to gather feedback from potential readers about their interest in the topic. You can use online survey tools like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms to conduct surveys.

• Interviews: Conduct interviews with potential readers or experts in your field to gather feedback about your book topic. You can use platforms like LinkedIn to find experts in your field.

By using one or a combination of these methods, authors can gain insight into the demand for their book topic and choose a captivating topic accordingly.

2- Write a High-Quality Book

Writing a book is a challenging and rewarding task that requires dedication, patience, and hard work.

Now that a captivating topic (that you are passionate about and have knowledge in) has been identified, your book must be engaging enough to capture the readers' interest.

Here are some tips that you can follow to create a masterpiece:

• Develop a clear outline: Before writing, create a detailed outline to guide you through the writing process. Divide your book into chapters and create subheadings for each chapter. Bear in mind that this outline has to be structured around the pain points and keywords you've already researched about the topic.

• Know your audience: Knowing your audience is crucial as it will influence your book's tone, style, and content. Consider your readers' age, interests, and background, and tailor your writing accordingly.

• Write in a conversational tone: Avoid using jargon and technical terms that might confuse your readers. Write in a conversational tone that is easy to understand and engaging.

• Show, don't tell: Use vivid descriptions, examples, and anecdotes to bring your story to life. Don't just tell your readers what is happening; show them.

• Edit and revise: Editing and revising your work is essential to producing a high-quality book. Read your manuscript multiple times and seek feedback from beta readers, friends, or editors.

• Be consistent: Consistency is key to maintaining the reader's attention. Ensure that your writing style, tone, and tense are consistent throughout the book.

• Keep it concise: Be concise and avoid using unnecessary words or phrases that can confuse your readers. Keep your sentences short and straightforward.

• Create a strong conclusion: The conclusion of your book is just as important as the introduction. Provide a satisfying ending that wraps up your story or argument.

• Have a professional cover and formatting: A professional-looking cover and formatting will attract readers and give your book a more polished look.

In summary, writing a high-quality book requires dedication, patience, and hard work. Choose a captivating topic, develop a clear outline, know your audience, write in a conversational tone, show, don't tell, edit and revise, be consistent, keep it concise, create a strong conclusion, and have a professional cover and formatting. Follow these tips, and you'll be on your way to creating a masterpiece.

3- Develop a Marketing Plan

Marketing is key to the success of your book. Create a marketing plan that includes social media, email marketing, and other tactics to reach your target audience.

Here is a general outline for a marketing plan for authors:

• Define your target audience: Identify your ideal reader and learn everything you can about them, including their demographics, interests, and habits.

• Build a strong author brand: Develop a consistent and recognizable brand that reflects your writing style and values. This can include your website, social media profiles, and book covers.

• Create a book marketing plan: Determine your goals and objectives for your book, and create a marketing plan to achieve them. This can include Amazon and social media advertising, book signings, guest blogging, and more.

• Build a strong online presence: Use social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads, to connect with readers and other authors in your genre. Use targeted ads to reach readers who may be interested in your work.

• Build an email list: Create an email list to stay in touch with readers and promote your work. Offer exclusive content, giveaways, and other incentives to encourage readers to sign up for your list. Once they are on your list, you can communicate with them consistently, add value through your newsletter, and build trust in you.

• Engage with your audience: Engage with your readers through social media, blog comments, and email newsletters. Build a community of fans who will spread the word about your work.

• Collaborate with other authors: Collaborate with other authors in your genre to cross-promote your work and reach a wider audience.

• Get reviews: Encourage readers to leave reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and other book review sites. Positive reviews can help boost sales and improve your visibility.

• Get nominated for book awards: Getting your book nominated for international and credible awards adds another level of credibility and trust in your book and your brand.

• Attend book festivals and conferences: Attend book festivals and conferences to meet readers, connect with other authors, and promote your work.

• Measure your success: Track your marketing efforts and measure your success against your goals. Adjust your marketing plan to continue reaching your target audience and achieving your objectives.

4- Build an Author Platform

Building an author platform can help you establish a strong online presence, grow your audience, and connect with your readers.

Here are some steps to help you build an effective author platform:

• Run Amazon ads: Remember that Amazon holds a 60-70% dominant market share in book sales. This means winning on Amazon is crucial for the success of your books. Amazon ads will put your book in the eyes of your target audience using the right keywords and categories. The more your book converts into sales and receives positive reviews and ratings; the more Amazon will serve your book in front of the eyes of your target audience.

• You should set up a Website: Your website should be the hub of your online presence. It should include a bio, contact information, links to your social media accounts, and information about your books.

• Create a Blog: A blog is a great way to engage with your readers and share your writing journey. You can write about your writing process, share updates on your upcoming books, and offer writing advice to aspiring authors.

• Build an Email List: An email list is one of an author's most valuable assets. It lets you connect with your readers directly and inform them about your latest releases, book signings, and other events.

• Utilize Social Media: Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are great tools for reaching out to potential readers and engaging with your existing audience. Choose the platforms that best fit your brand and audience, and use them to promote your work and interact with your readers. LinkedIn may be the best social media platform where you should invest your time to grow and engage with your audience if you've published a non-fiction book.

• Collaborate with Other Authors: Collaborating with other authors can help you reach new readers and expand your audience. Consider joining writing groups or collaborating on a book with other authors in your genre.

• Attend Writing Conferences and Events: Attending writing conferences and events is a great way to meet other authors and industry professionals and to learn more about the publishing industry. Consider attending local writing events, book signings, or larger conferences such as BookExpo or the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Building an author platform takes time and effort, so be patient and consistent. With a strong author platform, you can build a loyal following of readers and establish yourself as a respected author in your genre.

5- Launch Your Book

Launch your book with a bang. Use giveaways, book signings, and social media promotions to generate buzz and drive sales.

Consider publishing your book in multiple formats (eBook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook) and have it listed in all the major book retailers and bookstores. That way, you ensure your book will be available in the right format for the right audience on the right platform.

6- Keep Promoting

Don't stop promoting your book after the launch. Promote it through book reviews, guest blogging, and other tactics to keep it visible to potential readers.

7- Gather Feedback and Improve

Gather feedback from your readers and use it to improve your writing and marketing skills. This will help you create even better books in the future.

Remember that self-publishing a bestselling non-fiction book takes work. It takes hard work, persistence, and a willingness to learn and adapt. But with the right approach and mindset, it is possible to succeed as a self-published author.

Resource: Need help with publishing and promoting your book to a bestseller? Schedule a call with me, and let's chat