FOR SELF PUBLISHERS
by Candice D. Madrid | CDM Creative
Coming from the world of print and editorial design, I’ve seen firsthand how a great final product isn’t just about creativity … it’s about planning. Every magazine issue I worked on followed a tight production timeline, with clear deadlines, team roles, and layers of communication. That same structure applies beautifully to publishing your own book.
Your Book Needs a Production Plan
Books, like magazines, move through phases:
Writing
Editing
Design & Layout
Proofing
Printing or Uploading
Promotion (while book is being designed)
Working backward from your launch date gives clarity and momentum. Don’t leave it to chance — build in time for edits, feedback, and review rounds.
Need help visualizing your timeline?
Download the free Book Promotion Timeline
Start Building Your Team Sooner Than Later
One thing I’ve learned: it pays to involve your creative team early. Your editor, designer, and printer each play a key role — and having them in place ahead of time keeps everything moving smoothly.
To help with that process:
Download the free Questions to Ask When Shopping for a Graphic Designer
Marketing Begins Before the Launch
Marketing should be part of the design phase, not an afterthought. While your book is being laid out, you can also be preparing:
Mockups
Pull quotes
Headshots
Social graphics
Launch-day assets
When you plan ahead, you show up prepared — with visuals and messaging that match the quality of your book.
