Hii everyone! 👋
Today, I'm going to share the idea behind publishing your novels or books for FREE. Yah, completely free! 😂 But this guide is mainly for self-published authors who want to publish their books without spending thousands of rupees on publishing agents or unnecessary services.
So, let's begin!
You think writing a novel is the difficult part? Yah, writing itself is difficult, but trust me, the more difficult parts begin after you complete your writing. Editing, formatting, designing your cover, getting an ISBN, and finally publishing your book — these are the stages where many new writers get confused.
So, let me explain everything step by step, just as I learned it.
1. First Things First: Getting Your ISBN 📖
Before we start editing, let's talk about something important: ISBN.
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a unique identification number used for books and specific editions or formats of books. It helps booksellers, distributors and libraries identify and manage books.
And yah, many publishing agents or service providers may charge you thousands of rupees for different publishing packages, sometimes including ISBN-related services.
But here's the good news!
If you are an Indian author, you can apply for an ISBN directly through the Government of India's official ISBN agency, completely free of charge. 🇮🇳
The official website is:
https://isbn.gov.in/
The agency operates under the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN (RRRNA).
How to apply for an ISBN in India
Step 1: Open the official website.
Visit https://isbn.gov.in/ and look for the registration or applicant login options.
Step 2: Create your account.
If you have never registered before, you need to create an account first. Choose the appropriate applicant category, such as author, self-publisher or individual publisher, according to the available options.
Enter your personal details carefully. Use a valid email address and mobile number, and keep your login credentials safe.
Step 3: Verify your account and log in.
Complete the registration or verification process required by the portal. Once your account is active, log in to your dashboard.
Step 4: Apply for a new ISBN.
Go to the application section, usually labelled something like My Application (ISBN Request), and choose the option to apply for a new application.
Step 5: Enter your book details.
You will need to provide the details requested by the portal. These can include:
- Book title and subtitle, if applicable.
- Author's name.
- Imprint or publisher name, if applicable.
- Publication details and other required information.
Make sure your book title and author name are correct. Don't randomly change the spelling after applying!
Step 6: Complete the declarations.
Select the relevant publishing fields and complete the required oath, affirmation or declaration sections. Review everything before proceeding.
Step 7: Preview and submit.
Check the application preview carefully. If all the details are correct, submit the application to RRRNA through the final submission option.
Step 8: Track your application.
Return to your dashboard and check the application status under the ISBN request section. If the agency requests additional information or documents, follow its instructions.
Step 9: Receive your ISBN.
Once your application is approved, follow the portal's instructions to obtain your assigned ISBN and retain the official records.
You can also read the official application guide here:
https://isbn.gov.in/Images/howtoapply.pdf
One important thing: apply well before your intended publication date. The process can take time, and the processing period may vary. There is no need to pay an agent just because someone promises to obtain an ISBN faster.
Yah, the process is simple, but you know Indian government offices sometimes make us wait!
“Minto ka kaam ghanto mein karte hain…” 😂😂😂
So, while your ISBN application is being processed, let's work on the manuscript.
2. Editing and Formatting Your Manuscript
Let's assume you have completed writing your novel. Congratulations! 🎉
Now comes editing and formatting.
For editing and formatting, I personally recommend Microsoft Word, especially if you have a laptop. You can also use the Word mobile app for many basic tasks, although some advanced layout options may differ by device and subscription.
Google Docs is also a valid option, but for detailed book formatting, section breaks, headers, footers and page numbering, I prefer Microsoft Word.
A. Set the correct page size and margins
First, decide what size your printed book will be.
For example, many paperback novels use a trim size around 5 × 8 inches or 5.5 × 8.5 inches. The right choice depends on your book, publisher and printing platform.
In Word, go to the Layout section and select the appropriate page size. If your intended trim size is not listed, you may need to set a custom size.
Now let's talk about margins.
You need to consider the inner margin near the binding, the outer margin, and the top and bottom margins.
Why do you need extra space near the binding?
When a printing company binds your book, some of the inner page area becomes harder to see. If your text is too close to the binding, readers may struggle to read it comfortably.
And why do you need space on the outer side?
Because readers need somewhere to hold the book without covering the text with their fingers!
Let's call this your reader's finger-rest area. 😂
Of course, that's just our informal name for it, not an official publishing term.
In Word, the extra space added near the binding is called the gutter.
Go to Layout → Margins → Custom Margins, and configure the gutter and page margins according to your book's specifications.
But how much gutter should you use?
That depends on your page count, paper thickness, binding method and the printing platform's requirements. Don't choose a random measurement just because it worked for another author.
Search for the official margin and gutter guidelines of your intended publishing platform. You can also ask an AI assistant:
“My paperback will have approximately [number] pages, with a trim size of [size]. Suggest suitable inner and outer margins and gutter settings for Microsoft Word, following [platform name]'s printing requirements.”
Then verify the suggested measurements against the platform's official specifications.
B. Make all chapter headings consistent
Now comes the next important thing: chapters.
Suppose your novel has 25 chapters. You don't want Chapter 1 to look different from Chapter 2, and Chapter 3 to have a completely different font size!
So, make all your chapter headings consistent.
In Microsoft Word:
- Select a chapter heading.
- Go to the Home tab.
- Choose an appropriate heading style, such as Heading 1.
- Adjust its font, size, alignment and spacing.
- Apply the same style to every chapter heading.
You can modify the heading style once, and Word will help maintain consistency throughout the document.
This will also make it much easier to create an automatic table of contents.
C. Add an automatic table of contents
Once all your chapter headings have the same appropriate style, go to the page where you want your table of contents.
In Word, open the References tab and choose Table of Contents. Select an automatic table of contents.
In the advanced settings, make sure the correct heading styles and levels are included.
And boom! Your table of contents will list the chapter headings along with their page numbers.
If you later add, remove or move text, remember to update the table of contents. Choose the option to update the entire table if the chapter titles or structure have changed.
One small warning: if you manually type your chapter titles into a normal paragraph instead of using heading styles, Word may not recognise them automatically.
3. How to Start Page Numbering from Chapter 1
Now, here's a problem many new writers face.
You may want the title page, copyright page, dedication, author's note and table of contents to have no visible page numbers. You want the numbering to begin from Chapter 1.
How do you do that?
The key is to use a section break, not just a normal page break.
Follow these steps in Microsoft Word
Step 1: Place your cursor at the end of the last page before Chapter 1.
Step 2: Go to Layout → Breaks → Section Breaks → Next Page.
This creates a new section beginning on the next page.
Step 3: Open the footer of the first page of Chapter 1 by double-clicking the bottom area of that page.
Step 4: Find the Header & Footer options and turn off Link to Previous. This separates the footer of the new section from the previous section.
Step 5: Go to Insert → Page Number and select the position and design you want, such as the bottom-right corner or bottom-centre position.
Step 6: Open the page-number formatting options and select Start at: 1.
Now the numbering should begin at Chapter 1.
If the previous section already has page numbers, check that they remain as you intended. If necessary, remove the numbering from the earlier section only after confirming that the sections are no longer linked.
Finally, update your table of contents so that the page numbers match the final manuscript.
Yah, it sounds complicated the first time, but once you do it, you'll understand how it works.
4. Add Your Front Matter
Now comes the front matter.
Front matter means the pages that appear before the main text of your book. Some writers place the table of contents before the dedication or author's note, depending on the book's design. You can choose an order that suits your book.
For a novel, you might include the following:
1. Title page
This is where you display your book's title, subtitle if applicable, and author name.
Keep it clean and professional.
2. Copyright page
This page contains copyright information and relevant publication details.
You can ask an AI assistant to help you prepare a copyright-page template, but check the wording carefully before using it. Include only information that is accurate for your book.
Depending on your publication, you may include the copyright notice, edition, publication year, ISBN once assigned, publisher or imprint information, and a rights statement.
Remember, a copyright notice and an ISBN serve different purposes. An ISBN is not a copyright registration.
3. Dedication page
This is where you dedicate your book to someone special, a family member, a friend, a mentor or anyone who inspired you.
Or you can dedicate it to someone who doesn't even know that your entire novel was inspired by them! 😂
4. Author's note
This is optional, but it can be meaningful.
You can write about why you wrote the book, your experience completing it, the ideas behind the story, or what you hope readers will experience.
There is no single correct way to write an author's note. Make it personal and authentic.
5. Acknowledgements
This section is where you thank the people who helped you during your writing journey.
Maybe someone encouraged you, helped you research, read your early drafts, or supported you when you were about to abandon the whole project.
If you worked alone and don't feel the need to include acknowledgements, that's fine too. It is not compulsory.
6. Table of contents
Add this if it suits your book and the platform's formatting requirements. For novels, a table of contents is useful, especially for ebooks, although the presentation may differ between print and digital editions.
One important thing: keep the spelling of your book title and author name consistent across the title page, ISBN application, cover and publishing platform. These details should match wherever the platform requires them to.
5. Add Your Back Matter
Once the main story ends, you can include some additional pages.
1. About the Author
This is your opportunity to introduce yourself to readers.
Write a short biography in the third person, as though someone else were introducing you.
For example:
“Anil is an emerging science-fiction writer with an interest in science, technology and the mysteries of the universe. His writing explores imaginative possibilities and the relationship between humanity and the unknown.”
That's only an example. Write something that genuinely reflects you.
You can mention your education, interests, writing journey, other published books or relevant achievements. Keep it focused on what readers might find interesting.
2. Reader review page
Now, here's an idea I personally like!
Create a Google Form where readers can share their feedback after finishing your book.
You can ask questions such as:
- How would you rate the book?
- What did you like most about the story?
- Which character was your favourite?
- Was there anything you found confusing?
- Would you recommend this book to others?
- What would you like to see in the author's next book?
Once your form is ready, generate a QR code that links directly to it. Add the QR code to your book's back matter, with a short invitation asking readers to share their feedback.
Before publishing, test the QR code on a phone to make sure it opens the correct form.
And remember, don't ask readers to leave only positive reviews. Honest feedback is more useful for improving your writing.
Because, for a writer, the opinions and experiences of readers can matter even more than the money earned from a book.
3. Other books by the author
If you have another book, a series or a forthcoming novel, you can mention it here.
You can also add your website or public author profile if you have one.
That's it! Your manuscript is becoming a proper book.
But before moving to the next stage, proofread everything. Check spelling, punctuation, chapter breaks, blank pages, page numbers and the final layout. If possible, get another person to read it too.
6. Designing Your Book Cover Without Hiring a Designer 🎨
Now comes one of the most important parts: the cover.
People often say, “Don't judge a book by its cover.”
But let's be honest. When readers are scrolling through hundreds of books, the cover is one of the first things they notice!
If you have the money, hiring a professional cover designer is a good option. But since this guide is about publishing for free, let's explore another method.
Step 1: Decide what your cover should communicate
Think about the genre, mood and central idea of your book.
For example, a science-fiction novel may need a futuristic city, a mysterious planet, a spacecraft or a distinctive scientific concept.
A romance novel may need an entirely different visual approach.
The cover should communicate the right atmosphere without revealing too much of the story.
Step 2: Find suitable reference images
You can search for reference images online, use your own photographs, or use images from sources that permit the intended use.
Be careful: just because an image is available on Google does not mean you have permission to use it on a commercial book cover.
Check the licence, attribution requirements and commercial-use restrictions. Alternatively, use your own artwork or create an original image with an AI image-generation tool, checking the tool's terms and the publishing platform's rules.
Step 3: Use AI to develop your concept
Upload your permitted reference images to an image-generation tool, explain your idea, and ask it to create an original cover concept.
Describe the mood, composition, lighting, colour palette and important visual elements.
However, AI-generated text can contain spelling mistakes. A safer approach is to generate the artwork without the title and author name, then add those elements yourself in a design tool.
Step 4: Create the back cover and spine
A paperback cover is not just the front cover.
It usually consists of three connected parts:
- Front cover.
- Spine.
- Back cover.
The spine width depends on the printing platform, paper type, binding specifications and final page count.
Use the platform's official cover calculator or template to determine the complete cover dimensions.
For Amazon KDP, use its official cover calculator:
https://kdp.amazon.com/cover-calculator
Step 5: Use Canva to assemble the cover
Canva offers free design tools that can be useful for assembling your cover. Create a design using the exact dimensions from the platform's template.
Add your front-cover artwork, title, author name, back-cover description and spine text if required.
Check the barcode area and other template requirements. Don't place important text too close to the trim or spine.
Export the completed cover in the file format required by your publishing platform, commonly a print-ready PDF for paperback covers.
Important: The interior manuscript and the complete paperback cover are two different files. Don't upload the front-cover image alone when the platform requires a full wraparound cover.
7. Publishing Your Ebook on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Now we are finally getting to publishing!
Many writers have heard of Amazon KDP. It is one of the major self-publishing platforms, and creating an account and publishing an eligible book does not require an upfront publishing fee.
Official website:
https://kdp.amazon.com/
How to publish your ebook
Step 1: Create your KDP account and complete the account setup, including the requested identity, tax and payment information.
Step 2: Select the option to create a Kindle ebook.
Step 3: Enter your book details, including the title, author name, description, language, categories and relevant keywords.
Step 4: Upload your manuscript.
For a novel, I recommend preparing a clean DOCX file and using Amazon's Kindle Create tool to help format it for Kindle.
Kindle Create can help you organise chapter headings, choose a theme and prepare a Kindle-ready file. Its output may be a KPF file, which can be uploaded to KDP.
You don't have to use KPF in every case. KDP accepts several supported ebook formats, and the appropriate format depends on the book and its layout.
Also, don't confuse the ebook manuscript with the paperback manuscript. A print-ready PDF is generally appropriate for a paperback interior, while ebooks need a format that works properly across different screen sizes and reading devices.
Step 5: Upload your ebook cover, or use the cover-creation options available on KDP.
Step 6: Preview your book carefully. Check the chapter navigation, page layout, illustrations, paragraph spacing and other formatting details.
Step 7: Choose your pricing, territories and royalty options, then submit the book for review.
What about KDP Select and Kindle Unlimited?
KDP Select is an optional programme for eligible Kindle ebooks. Enrolling gives the ebook access to Kindle Unlimited and certain promotional benefits, subject to the programme's conditions.
Authors can earn a share of the Kindle Unlimited fund based on eligible pages read, along with royalties from qualifying ebook sales.
But there is one important condition: KDP Select requires digital exclusivity for the enrolled ebook during the applicable enrolment period. You cannot freely distribute that same ebook digitally through competing platforms while it is enrolled.
So, if you want to publish your ebook on multiple platforms, read the KDP Select terms carefully before enrolling.
Can you publish a paperback through KDP from India?
KDP supports paperback publishing, but its direct paperback distribution does not include Amazon.in as a supported primary marketplace. Paperbacks may be available through other supported Amazon marketplaces, and listings or imports in India may differ.
Therefore, if your main target is Indian readers who want a physical copy, consider an India-focused print-on-demand platform such as Pothi.com.
KDP official information:
https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GHKDSCW2KQ3K4UU4
8. Publishing Your Paperback Through Pothi.com
Now let's talk about Pothi.com, which is a useful option for independent authors in India.
Website:
https://pothi.com/
Pothi.com offers print-on-demand publishing. That means a book can be printed when someone orders it, instead of requiring you to print hundreds of copies in advance.
Step 1: Create an account and begin a new book project.
Step 2: Enter the book's metadata, including its title, author, language, description and other required details.
Step 3: Prepare your interior manuscript as a print-ready PDF according to Pothi's specifications.
Step 4: Upload the manuscript and cover file. Make sure the cover matches the selected trim size and printing requirements.
Step 5: Review the book preview and correct any formatting issues.
Step 6: Choose the selling price and distribution options available for your book.
Step 7: Submit the book for review and publication.
Pothi.com states that there is no upfront publishing cost if you prepare the files according to its specifications and don't purchase optional paid services. It also states that an ISBN is not required for its standard publishing and distribution process, although certain arrangements, such as selling pre-printed books through the platform, may have different requirements.
What if you want to order your own book?
You can order author copies at the applicable author price, plus shipping.
The final price depends on factors such as page count, trim size, paper, printing options and shipping. So don't assume every book will cost ₹300; calculate the price for your particular manuscript.
This is one of the benefits of print-on-demand: you can make your book available without investing in a large print run.
Official FAQ:
https://pothi.com/faq/publishing-at-pothi-com-general
9. Publishing Through Lulu for International Readers 🌍
If your goal is to reach readers in other countries, you can also explore Lulu.
Website:
https://www.lulu.com/
Lulu is a self-publishing and print-on-demand platform. Creating an account and using its basic publishing tools is free, although printing, shipping, optional services and certain distribution arrangements may involve costs.
General publishing process
- Create a Lulu account.
- Choose the type of book you want to create.
- Select the available trim size, binding, paper and other specifications.
- Prepare a print-ready interior PDF and a cover file using Lulu's requirements.
- Upload the files and review the book.
- Choose the relevant publishing or distribution options.
- Set the price and complete the publication process.
Lulu also supports ebooks and other types of print products.
Before choosing distribution, check the eligibility requirements, ISBN arrangements, available marketplaces, royalties and shipping costs. Availability is not necessarily identical for every country or book.
Official website:
https://www.lulu.com/create
10. Namya Press: Another Option for Indian Self-Published Authors
Another platform worth exploring is Namya Press.
Website:
https://namyapress.com/
Namya Press advertises free publishing options and distribution through supported online marketplaces. Its exact distribution availability and any applicable service charges depend on the options you select.
General steps
- Create an account.
- Enter your book's details.
- Upload the manuscript and cover files according to its specifications.
- Select the available distribution options.
- Set your price and review the applicable terms.
- Submit the book for approval and publication.
Namya Press states that authors can apply for an ISBN through the government agency or request assistance through its publishing process.
Before publishing, confirm which distribution channels are included in the free option, whether your book is eligible for each channel, and whether any optional service charges apply.
Don't assume that a book will automatically appear on every marketplace within one or two weeks. Distribution and listing times can vary.
Official information:
https://namyapress.com/free-publishing
11. Are There Any Other Free Publishing Options?
Yes! These are not the only options.
There are other self-publishing services, print-on-demand providers and ebook platforms. Some are free to start, while others charge for distribution, editing, formatting, ISBN services or additional publishing packages.
The important thing is to understand the difference between free publishing, free printing and free distribution.
- Free publishing: You can upload and publish your book without paying an upfront publishing fee.
- Free printing: This does not necessarily mean that physical copies will be printed and shipped to you for free.
- Free distribution: A platform may offer distribution without an upfront charge, but other fees or conditions can still apply.
Even on a free platform, you may have to pay if you want to order physical copies, hire an editor, buy a custom cover design, or use optional services.
So, read the terms before agreeing to anything.
And please remember: if someone promises to publish your book for free but demands thousands of rupees for a compulsory package, ask for a clear breakdown of the charges. Don't pay simply because someone calls themselves a publishing agent.
12. Final Checklist Before You Publish ✅
Before you press that final publishing button, check the following:
- Your manuscript has been thoroughly edited and proofread.
- Your page size, margins and gutter match the chosen print specifications.
- Your chapter headings and table of contents are consistent.
- Page numbering works correctly.
- The title page and copyright page contain accurate information.
- Your cover has the correct dimensions and bleed, where required.
- You have permission to use all third-party images and other protected material.
- Your ISBN details, if applicable, are correct and match the relevant edition and format.
- Your manuscript and cover have passed the platform's preview checks.
- Your price, royalties, distribution options and publishing rights have been reviewed.
- You have checked whether any exclusivity conditions apply.
- You have kept a backup of your final manuscript and cover files.
And one final piece of advice: order a physical proof copy whenever possible before making your paperback widely available. A book may look perfect on your laptop but reveal margin, font, page-break or cover problems when printed.
That's All! Congratulations on Publishing Your First Book! 🎉
So, friends, this is the basic process I wanted to share with you.
You don't necessarily need to spend thousands of rupees to become a published author. With careful editing, proper formatting, a suitable cover and the right platform, you can publish your own book without paying an upfront publishing fee.
Of course, publishing the book is only the beginning. Finding readers, marketing your work and building an audience are separate challenges. But at least you can start without making a huge financial investment.
And remember, your first book doesn't have to be perfect. It needs to be something you have worked on carefully, something you are proud to share, and something that helps you become a better writer.
If you have questions about ISBN applications, book formatting, cover design or publishing platforms, feel free to ask. I'll try to help wherever I can.
Keep writing, keep learning, and don't let a lack of money stop you from telling your story. ✍️📚
