What if doing everything yourself in your self-publishing journey could actually cost you more—in both time and sales—than selectively hiring experts? According to a 2022 Author Earnings Report by the Alliance of Independent Authors, self-published authors who outsource professional editing and cover design earn on average 40% more than those who don’t. That’s not a typo. Many authors assume DIYing everything is the way to keep costs low and maintain full creative control. The reality? Skimping on key professional services can stall your book’s potential before it even receives its first review. For self-publishing authors, knowing when to roll up your sleeves—and when to delegate—can make or break your publishing success.

In this post, we’ll break down when to DIY and when hiring seasoned pros will save you time, elevate your book’s quality, and boost long-term sales. Let’s explore how to strike the right balance, so your book achieves the polish, profitability, and success it deserves.

In This Article

• Evaluate Your Goals and Experience
• The Non-Negotiables of Quality
• Design or DIY? When a Cover Is Better Left to Pros
• Editing: Where DIY Fails Most Often
• Formatting and Technical Tasks: What You Can Learn—and What to Leave
• Marketing Mindshift: DIY Promotion vs. Professional Strategies
• Budgeting for Balance: Smart Spending in Self-Publishing
• Building Your Team: How to Outsource with Confidence
• Paws and Reflect: Wrapping It Up

Evaluate Your Goals and Experience

Before diving into the do-it-yourself trenches of self-publishing, it’s worth taking a step back. Ask yourself: What am I really trying to achieve with this book? Are you building a platform? Wanting to earn steady royalties? Or publishing as a passion project? Your goals drive your approach.

Let’s break it down:

• Creative expression: You may value personal satisfaction over financial return. Here, DIY can work well for areas you’re confident in—but it’s still worth hiring an editor to ensure the writing resonates with readers.
• Author platform growth: Consistent branding, professional presentation, and polished writing are essential. Selective outsourcing (like cover design and marketing strategy) becomes far more important.
• Commercial success: If your goal is revenue or distribution reach, cutting corners on anything visible—like editing or formatting—can backfire. You need to think like a publisher, not just an author.

Audit Your Capabilities

Next, do a skills audit. Maybe you’re a strong writer but struggle with tech tasks. Or maybe you love visual design but grammar’s not your forte. Trying to “learn it all” may seem noble but often leads to overwhelm—or worse, inconsistent quality that reflects poorly on your book.

Alyssa Hollingsworth, author of The Eleventh Trade, shared how outsourcing her formatting—even though she’s tech-savvy—freed her up to focus on newsletter engagement and planning her next launch. “I realized just because I could learn it doesn’t mean I should,” she said.

The key takeaway? Know when to invest in developing a new skill and when that learning curve is distracting you from your larger publishing goals.

The Non-Negotiables of Quality

There are certain elements in self-publishing where the “good enough” mindset can really sabotage your book’s chances. Readers may not consciously notice these things—but they surely notice when they’re missing.

Quality Benchmarks Every Book Must Meet

Here’s a quick checklist of non-negotiables:

• Clean, polished prose (free of typos, grammar issues, repetition)
• Professional formatting (no weird spacing, inconsistent fonts, or broken chapter titles)
• Genre-appropriate cover design (that mirrors what sells in your category)
• Readable layout across devices (especially important for ebooks)

A common misconception is that readers will “see past” small errors because they care more about your story. In truth, even a compelling plot can be overshadowed by clunky formatting or inconsistency. Quality communicates respect—for the reader’s time and the story you’ve written.

Industry professionals often caution against rushing through final stages just to publish faster. Anne Victory, a freelance editor and former acquisitions manager at a hybrid press, warns, “Readers don’t just judge a book by its cover—they judge it by paragraph one. That first impression speaks volumes.”

Bottom line: to compete in today’s saturated book market, your product needs to look, feel, and read like it belongs on the shelf. These fundamentals aren’t luxuries—they’re the bare minimum.

Design or DIY? When a Cover Is Better Left to Pros

It’s tempting to tackle your own cover design—especially with user-friendly tools like Canva or BookBrush readily available. But a professional-looking cover isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a crucial marketing tool that tells readers exactly what they need to know about your book in seconds.

Understanding Market Expectations

Each genre has unspoken design conventions. Romantic suspense covers often feature moody lighting, bold sans-serif fonts, and strategically placed couples. Cozy mysteries lean toward illustrated art and playful color schemes. Deviate from these norms, and you risk confusing—or losing—your audience.

Book designer James Egan, founder of Bookfly Design, advises authors to “look at the top 100 books in your genre. Don’t copy them—learn from them. What font styles dominate? What imagery keeps popping up? Your cover isn’t just art—it’s a promise.”

DIY vs. Pro Comparison

Let’s say your mystery novel has a Canva-made cover that looks more like a children’s book. Readers scrolling Amazon won’t linger long enough to investigate. Investing in a $500 cover from a specialist, on the other hand, could better position your book—and it pays dividends over time.

If you must DIY, stick with pre-made templates from reliable design marketplaces. And even then, consider hiring a pro to do the typography, which is often where DIY covers fall flat.

Remember, a Cover Reveal Interview through Book Barker can double as valuable feedback—marketing and testing all in one step.

Editing: Where DIY Fails Most Often

Even the best writers can’t see their own blind spots. That’s why editing is rarely a place to cut corners. Yet many self-publishing authors treat it like a luxury instead of the cornerstone of quality control.

Levels of Editing—And Why They Matter

Great editing is more than fixing typos. It’s layered:

• Developmental editing: Big-picture feedback on structure, pacing, character arcs, and plot flow
• Line editing: Sentence-level improvements for clarity, tone, and rhythm
• Copy editing: Grammar, punctuation, and consistency fixes
• Proofreading: Final check for missed errors just before publication

Self-editing typically skips at least two of these layers. And while grammar software can help with surface issues, it can’t identify inconsistencies in character motivation or awkward dialogue.

Finding the Right Editorial Support

Platforms like Reedsy and the Editorial Freelancers Association are great places to find vetted professionals. For tight budgets, consider an editorial assessment—a high-level critique that pinpoints weaknesses without the cost of a full editorial process.

Fantasy author Michael J. Sullivan once noted that trusting his editor’s developmental suggestions—even when they hurt—helped his story transform from “solid” to “unmissable.” Trust the process, not just your instincts.

Formatting and Technical Tasks: What You Can Learn—and What to Leave

Formatting is one of the easiest publishing stages to DIY—until it isn’t. While tools like Vellum, Reedsy’s free formatter, or Atticus make standard interior layout simple, print specifications (like bleeds or spine width) can trip up even savvy authors.

When to DIY Formatting

If you’re publishing a text-only ebook or standard paperback with no images or illustrations, learning to format can be a great skill. Tools offer drag-and-drop simplicity and export files with the correct specs for KDP and IngramSpark. However, that doesn’t mean it’s error-proof.

Common issues DIYers face include:

• Inconsistent chapter headings
• Incorrect margin settings
• Poor image resolution in print books
• Invalid EPUB files upon upload

When to Hire a Pro

Working with illustrated books? Need a complex layout like a workbook or academic guide? That’s when a professional formatter—often specializing in Adobe InDesign—is worth the cost. They understand bleed specs and can adjust layout so your book prints exactly as intended.

On the tech side, don’t overlook the impact of correctly entered metadata, optimized keywords, or ISBN registration. These affect discoverability. If uploading files or navigating KDP dashboards feels confusing, there’s no shame in asking for help. Hire for peace of mind when your time is better spent promoting your book or writing the next one.

Marketing Mindshift: DIY Promotion vs. Professional Strategies

Once your book is polished and published, the next challenge looms: finding readers. Many authors start strong with DIY strategies, only to find their efforts plateau over time. So—when should you keep hustling solo, and when is pro help worth it?

DIY Marketing Tactics

If you enjoy social media, email newsletters, and community engagement, DIY promotion can build an authentic reader base over time. Tactics include:

• Hosting launch parties on Instagram or TikTok
• Creating bonus content (like playlists or character art) for your mailing list
• Scheduling author interviews or giveaways

When Professionals Make a Difference

For paid ads, SEO-optimized Amazon listings, or PR outreach, the learning curve and experimental cost can be high. Hiring a publicist or marketing specialist can help your book gain traction faster—especially if you’re short on time or launching multiple titles in sequence.

Hybrid author J.P. McLean credits her sales boost to a marketing professional who fine-tuned her BookBub campaigns and redesigned her blurbs for ad conversion. “I could’ve learned all that,” she admitted, “but I’d have lost months of momentum.”

The takeaway? Use pros to amplify DIY efforts—not replace them. A hybrid strategy often leads to the most sustainable growth.

Budgeting for Balance: Smart Spending in Self-Publishing

Should you spend or save? It’s not a binary decision—it’s about understanding where your money makes the biggest difference. Smart budgeting in self-publishing means prioritizing high-impact investments and DIYing the rest with intention and care.

Three Budget Approaches

• Minimalist: DIY as much as possible, but budget for at least a good editor and a polished cover
• Moderate: Outsource editing, cover design, and formatting; DIY marketing with a long-term view
• Growth-minded: Invest in branding, marketing campaigns, and a pro publishing team to scale reach

You don’t need to outsource everything at once. Layer services as needed. Maybe start with developmental editing, then upgrade your cover pre-launch. You can also explore bartering—trading skills with fellow creatives—or find freelancers on platforms like Upwork with transparent portfolios.

Always ask: Does this cost buy me time, better quality, or higher reader engagement? If not, it may not be worth it yet.

Building Your Team: How to Outsource with Confidence

Outsourcing isn’t about handing over your book—it’s about expanding what’s possible. The key is finding professionals who align with your vision and communicate clearly throughout the process. So how do you get that right?

Finding the Right Experts

Start by browsing vetted platforms like Reedsy, Reedsy Discovery, or the Alliance of Independent Authors’ Partner Directory. Don’t just go by a designer’s portfolio—ask about their experience in your specific genre. A thriller designer may not suit a fantasy romance author.

Key Questions to Ask

• How many books like mine have you worked on?
• What’s typical turnaround time, and what’s included?
• Do you offer a contract or terms of service?
• Can we do a paid sample (test chapter or concept sketch)?

Always ask for clear deliverables and timelines. Red flags include vague pricing, no portfolio examples, or pushback on revisions before the job starts.

Once hired, treat your pros like collaborators. Be responsive, create shared goals, and stay open during feedback rounds. The more crystal-clear your initial brief, the smoother the outcome.

Think of outsourcing not as a detour—but as a fast-track through parts of the publishing maze. When you assemble the right team, your book can rise above the noise and reach more of the readers it deserves.

Paws and Reflect: Wrapping It Up

Self-publishing offers incredible creative freedom—but that doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. Knowing when to apply your own talents and when to call in professionals is crucial to turning a manuscript into a market-ready book. From editing to cover design to marketing, strategic outsourcing isn’t a cost—it’s an investment in your success. What matters is clarity: understanding your goals, valuing your time, and making decisions that serve both your book and your readers. As you weigh your next publishing steps, use this guide as a roadmap for smarter, more sustainable choices in your publishing journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is self-publishing, and how does it differ from traditional publishing?

Self-publishing allows authors to independently publish their work without the involvement of a traditional publisher. In self-publishing, authors maintain full creative control, decide on pricing, and receive higher royalties. However, they also bear the responsibility for all aspects of publishing, including editing, design, and marketing. In contrast, traditional publishing involves a publishing house that handles these tasks but often requires authors to relinquish some control and a significant portion of their earnings.

When should I consider hiring a professional editor for my self-published book?

Hiring a professional editor is advisable if you’re serious about enhancing the quality of your manuscript. Even seasoned writers struggle to self-edit effectively. Professionals can provide valuable insights from developmental editing to proofreading, ensuring your book is polished and ready for publication. If your goal is to engage readers and sustain sales, investing in editing can significantly elevate your manuscript’s quality and marketability.

How can I determine which aspects of my book to DIY and which to outsource?

Start by evaluating your personal strengths and the urgency of your skills. Consider what tasks align with your goals—if you’re confident in design but not in editing, focus on DIYing the cover while outsourcing the editing. A checklist based on typical author goals can guide your decisions, helping you identify critical areas where professional help can save time and improve your book’s potential for success.

What are the key quality benchmarks for self-publishing?

Quality benchmarks in self-publishing include typo-free text, clean formatting, and genre-appropriate cover designs. Readers often possess high expectations based on professional publications, making it crucial that your book meets these standards. Neglecting elements like structural editing or proper file formatting can diminish readers’ trust and negatively impact sales. Aim for professional quality to make your work competitive in the market starting from your book’s initial presentation.

What DIY marketing strategies can I implement for my self-published book?

DIY marketing strategies for self-published authors include leveraging social media, creating newsletters, and hosting free webinars. These avenues allow you to connect with readers directly and engage your audience. However, combining these tactics with targeted professional strategies, like Amazon SEO and paid advertising, can amplify your efforts. A hybrid approach—utilizing both DIY and professional marketing techniques—often yields the best results for long-term success.

How do I create a budget for my self-publishing project?

When budgeting for self-publishing, assess your needs and align spending with your goals. Create tiered budgets that accommodate minimalist, moderate, or growth-oriented approaches. Identify functions you can handle versus those that require professional expertise. Incorporating cost-effective methods, such as bartering or utilizing vetted freelancers, allows you to invest strategically over time without overspending upfront. The aim is to achieve a good return on investment through thoughtful financial planning.

What should I look for when hiring professionals for my self-publishing team?

When building your self-publishing team, prioritize finding professionals who understand your book and its genre. Vet candidates by checking their portfolios and client reviews, and ask relevant questions about their process. Look for red flags in contracts, like vague communication or hidden fees. Starting with small projects can also help gauge compatibility before committing to larger roles. Building a trusted team enables you to scale your self-publishing success effectively.