HOW TO SELF-PUBLISH PROPERLY
HOW TO SELF-PUBLISH PROPERLY
Monday 1st to Friday 5th September 2025
4.00pm to 6.30pm each day
Clear, step-by-step guidance - Delivered LIVE and online
Five 2.5-hour sessions - Nothing pre-recorded
Small groups - Real guidance - No hype - No false promises
Tired of conflicting advice, overpriced self-publishing services and endless online noise about self-publishing?
If you want straight-talking, practical guidance from someone who’s helped hundreds of authors publish with confidence, you’re in the right place. Over the course of five friendly and focused online sessions - delivered live - I’ll show you exactly how to take your idea from messy manuscript to professional book — without wasting money or losing your sanity.
THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU IF:
- You have an idea or a rough draft but don’t know what to do next.
- You want to avoid common self-publishing traps and poor-quality results.
- You value honesty, clear steps and a trusted guide over hype and empty promises.
- You want to hold a book in your hands that you’re genuinely proud of.
ABOUT ME
If you're thinking of self-publishing, you need to be confident that you’re learning from someone who knows the publishing sector inside and out. I’m Ed Peppitt, and I’ve worked with authors and publishers for nearly thirty years.
My career began in 1992 at Letts Educational, where I helped bring those familiar home study guides to market—guides that have supported countless students through their GCSEs and A Levels.
Over the decades, I’ve witnessed the publishing landscape evolve in ways few could have predicted, and I’ve had the privilege of viewing it from every angle. I’ve consulted for many of the UK’s leading magazine and book publishers, including Emap, Hodder & Stoughton, Channel 4, HarperCollins, and Oxford University Press. My work has spanned the full spectrum of publishing, from traditional print to the digital revolution.
For many years I have helped writers to navigate the self-publishing process, and led the highly successful weekend Masterclasses on self-publishing for The Guardian newspaper. I'm also proud to be the author of The Guardian’s eBook on self-publishing. Beyond writing and consulting, I’ve shared my expertise through seminars and workshops attended by hundreds of aspiring authors, held in prestigious venues like The National Portrait Gallery and the RADA Studios in London.
I understand the challenges writers face today, particularly when researching the most effective way to self-publish. The internet is full of so-called experts who tout their particular method as the only one to consider. When I say I know the publishing industry, however, I’m speaking from decades of hands-on experience. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been searching for a while, I’m here to guide you through the complex process of getting your book published effectively and profitably.
WHEN YOU ENROL YOU'LL GET:
- 5 x live, interactive two-hour sessions with me, Ed Peppitt — not pre-recorded, not generic. Real-time help, real answers.
- Direct support and straight-talking guidance from someone who’s helped hundreds of authors publish properly.
- Practical checklists and planning sheets to keep you organised from manuscript to launch day.
- A trusted supplier Rolodex — recommended editors, designers, printers and platforms to save you trial-and-error stress.
- Session replays— so you can revisit any lesson whenever you need a refresh.
- Access to a small, supportive group of like-minded writers — share ideas, swap contacts, and cheer each other on.
- Bonus resources — examples of author bios, blurbs, launch emails and social posts you can adapt for your own book.
- Priority updates on my latest publishing insights and tools — stay ahead of the game as the industry evolves.
- A clear, personalised publishing plan — so you finish the course knowing exactly what to do next.
Plus, AN exclusive companion Workbook ...
As you learn, you’ll fill in your own personal Playbook — with checklists, prompts and planning sheets you can reuse for this book and the next.
Any questions? I'm here to help
Email info@balloonview.com or call me on (01233) 234455
COURSE OUTLINE
Join me online for this live course, delivered over five afternoons. Together, we’ll take the first step towards making your publishing dreams a reality.
- Delivered live over five afternoons — relaxed, informal, and genuinely useful.
- Join from anywhere — just bring a notebook and your ideas.
- Small group size — maximum of 12 - so you can ask questions and get real answers.
Here's exactly what we will cover on each of the five live sessions.
Session 1: Monday
SCOPING YOUR BOOK PROJECT
- Clarify why you’re writing this book and who it’s really for.
- Identify your ideal reader so every page speaks directly to them.
- Choose the best publishing route for your goals — print, ebook, or both?
- Define what success looks like so you don’t waste time or money.
Benefit: Avoid writing the wrong book for the wrong audience — and start with a plan you’ll actually finish.
Session 2: Tuesday
PREPARING YOUR MANUSCRIPT
- Break down professional editing: developmental, copy-editing
- The importance of proofreading (and what you can do yourself).
- Learn how to polish your text for clarity and flow, with or without an editor.
- Understand the basics of typesetting to ensure your book looks professional both inside and out.
- Get my trusted recommendations for budget-friendly editing and design help.
Benefit: Produce a manuscript that looks and reads like a professionally published book — so readers (and reviewers) take you seriously.
Session 3: wednesday
publishing options and practicalities
- Demystify print-on-demand, short-run printing and bulk orders.
- Learn how to calculate costs, order samples and choose reliable suppliers.
- Understand how to mix publishing approaches to suit you.
- Understand ISBNs, barcodes, copyright pages and legal deposit — the admin bits made simple.
- Get practical tips for storage, shipping and selling direct.
Benefit: Make smart decisions about production and distribution — saving you money, headaches and disappointing results.
Session 4: THURSDAY
MARKETING AND PROMOTION
- Build an authentic author brand that makes your book stand out.
- Learn how to write a compelling blurb, bio and Amazon listing.
- Discover practical, low-cost ways to promote your book.
- Learn how to use social media effectively.
- Securing magazine, journal and reader reviews.
- Understand how to turn your book into opportunities: speaking gigs, courses and more.
Benefit: Reach the right readers and build long-term value from your book — instead of it gathering dust on a shelf.
Session 5: friday
bringing it all together
- Map out your step-by-step action plan — no more guesswork.
- Get answers to your burning questions in a live Q&A.
- Learn how to handle reviews, reader feedback and post-launch momentum.
- Leave with the confidence (and realistic plan) to publish your book properly.
Benefit: Finish the course with your entire publishing journey mapped out — and a clear sense of what to do this week to keep moving forward.
Any questions? I'm here to help
Email info@balloonview.com or call me on (01233) 234455
STEP BY STEP:
Here's your curriculum:
My commitment to you success
If you’ve attended any of my courses, seminars, or webinars before, you already know the level of commitment I make:
- I practise what I preach. Every skill and topic I teach comes from direct, hands-on professional experience. I’ve been where you are, and I know what it takes to succeed.
- I give 100%. I’m dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, ensuring you have the knowledge and tools you need. I won’t let you down.
- I limit the number of participants I teach on each course to provide maximum value to you.
I’ve never had to issue a refund for any of my training courses, and I’m confident this course will deliver the value you’re looking for.
But I understand that investing in your writing career is a big decision. That’s why I offer this guarantee: If by the end of the second session you don’t feel you’re getting the benefits you expected, I will gladly refund your course fee - no questions asked.
Your success is my priority, and I’m here to make sure you reach your goals.
BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW
£375.00 + VAT
Max 12 participants
- Delivered live, not pre-recorded
- Practical, step by step, proven steps that you can follow
- 5 x 2.5 hour online sessions
- Maximum of 12 participants
- Satisfaction guarantee, with money back if not delighted*
