The Self-Publishing Roadmap

The Self-Publishing Roadmap is a streamlined practical how-to guide to self publishing aimed at writers and potentially other creatives written and curated by Lois Hoffman. Released in 2014, it's 173 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a step-by-step guide to the nuts and bolts of self publishing, written by an author who has experienced the process herself and was determined to facilitate other writers. The writing style is accessible and encouraging and the information is arranged thematically into chapters logically: beginning the process (why write), overview over the publishing industry, writing, editing, and polishing a manuscript, the publishing process, and (importantly) marketing. 

None of the sections are inaccessible or written in a confusing manner. The information is understandable and will provide enough for readers to get started with the process. Most of the books I've seen and reviewed on self-publishing and writing have been either way too vague (and seem to be gleaned from dodgy how-to websites), or too complex and not relevant for the unknown author without a lot of resources. This does manage to travel a middle path between extremes. I doubt that this book would be enough alone to complete the entire process of writing, editing, and self publishing, but it will give readers enough info to get well on their way. I liked that the author gave specific information (including screenshots) of different self-publishing interfaces including KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). She's also included information about other formats as well as the benefits and drawbacks to different platforms.

Four and a half stars. This would be a good choice for writing workshops, library acquisition, possibly classroom use, NaNoWriMo, or home use. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.