Editing and Design in Self-Publishing: How to Make Your Book Look Professional

Typos, poor covers, messy layouts—every author fears looking amateur. Discover affordable ways to edit, design, and publish a book readers will trust.

Here’s the truth: readers do judge a book by its cover. And its typos. And whether the text looks clean on the page.

In traditional publishing, there’s a whole team making sure every detail is polished—editors, proofreaders, designers, typesetters. When you self-publish, that responsibility sits squarely with you.

And that’s where the doubt creeps in:

Did I catch all the mistakes? Does the cover look professional? What if people pick it up and think “self-published” in the worst sense of the word?

Why this fear looms so large

So many moving parts. Editing, proofreading, design, formatting—it’s a lot to take on alone.
Stigma. The fear of confirming the old stereotype: “self-published equals second-rate.”
Trust issues. Finding reliable freelancers feels like a minefield, especially on a tight budget.
The buck stops with you. No publisher to hide behind. If it looks amateurish, it’s on you.

It’s no wonder many writers stall at this stage.

What helps

1. Prioritise editing

If you invest anywhere, make it here. A good editor won’t just fix mistakes—they’ll help your book read the way you intended. Even one thorough round of professional editing lifts your work.

2. Don’t skimp on the cover

Like it or not, a strong cover design is one of the biggest drivers of sales. Readers decide in seconds whether a book looks “real.” A professional cover tips that judgement in your favour.

3. Get extra eyes on the text

Even after editing, use beta readers or a proofreader to catch small slips. Fresh eyes always spot what you’ve stopped seeing.

4. Use the right tools for formatting

DIY formatting is easier than it used to be. Programs like Vellum, Atticus, or even Amazon’s own tools can create clean layouts without hiring a typesetter.

5. Remember: done is better than perfect

No book is flawless. Even traditional publishers let the odd typo slip through. Aim for professional, not “bulletproof.”

Moving forward

Yes, quality control rests on your shoulders. But it doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself—or spend a fortune. By focusing on the two essentials (editing and design), and using tools and trusted readers for the rest, you can publish something that looks every bit as professional as a traditionally published book.

Your Next Steps

If this fear resonates with you, here are three ways I can help:

Request a free paperback copy of my book – packed with practical advice on self-publishing.
Register for my free webinar – discover the 5 mistakes most new authors make and how to avoid them.
Book a place on my self-publishing course – and get step-by-step support to take your book from draft to readers.