Self-Publishing Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about self-publishing, ISBNs, editing, proofreading, book sizes, pricing and marketing. If you cannot find the answer you need, please contact MyNovel.
As a general guide, a manuscript of approximately 40,000 words or more may be considered a novel.
However, expected length varies considerably by genre. Many commercial novels are between about 70,000 and 100,000 words, while fantasy, historical fiction and some other genres may be considerably longer.
A novella is generally considered to be approximately 17,500 to 39,999 words.
These word-count categories are useful guidelines rather than absolute publishing rules.
A novelette is generally between approximately 7,500 and 17,499 words.
The term is used less frequently in general publishing than terms such as short story, novella and novel.
The final number of pages depends on the book size, typeface, font size, margins, paragraph spacing and other formatting choices.
As a rough guide, an A5 novel may contain approximately 250 to 300 words per printed page.
For example, an 80,000-word manuscript might therefore produce roughly 267 to 320 text pages before allowing for title pages, copyright information and other front and back matter.
An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is a unique 13-digit identifier used by publishers, booksellers, libraries and online retailers to identify a particular edition and format of a book.
An ISBN is not legally required for every book, but it is strongly recommended if you intend to sell or distribute your book through retailers, libraries or online platforms.
Different formats or editions of the same title may require separate ISBNs.
In South Africa, ISBNs are issued free of charge by the National Library of South Africa to eligible South African authors and publishers.
You may also use a publishing service or other third party to assist with obtaining an ISBN. That service may charge an administration or service fee for handling the process.
Yes, there is an important difference.
Editing looks more broadly at the manuscript. Depending on the type of editing required, this may include readability, language, flow, pace, structure, consistency, clarity and style.
An editor may identify inconsistencies, awkward passages, structural weaknesses or areas that need clarification or further development.
Proofreading is normally performed near the end of the publishing process. It concentrates on errors such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, typographical mistakes and formatting inconsistencies.
Ideally, proofreading should take place after the main editing and formatting work has been completed.
There is no single compulsory size for a novel. The best choice depends on the type of book, page count, printing method and desired appearance.
Common ISO book sizes used in South Africa include:
- A4: 210 × 297 mm
- A5: 148 × 210 mm
- B5: 176 × 250 mm
- B6: 125 × 176 mm
A5 is a very common choice for novels and other general trade books, but other trim sizes may be more suitable depending on the project.
There is no single official number that automatically makes a book a bestseller in South Africa.
The figure varies according to genre, publisher, sales period and market. South Africa has a relatively small book-buying market, so sales of a few thousand copies can represent a very successful local title.
Figures of approximately 2,000 to 5,000 copies are sometimes used when discussing successful or bestselling South African titles, but the term should not be treated as having one universal numerical definition.
The short answer is: yesterday!
Ideally, book marketing should begin before publication. Start building awareness while the book is still being prepared, then increase promotional activity as the launch approaches.
Early marketing gives you time to build an audience, prepare promotional material, create social-media content and generate interest before the book becomes available.
Yes, but most authors should not expect book sales alone to make them wealthy.
Sales vary enormously according to genre, target audience, distribution, pricing, marketing and whether the author sells directly to readers or through retailers.
Independent authors can improve their prospects by producing a professional book, pricing it realistically, identifying the correct audience and actively marketing themselves and their work.
Build an audience, market consistently and aim to be one of the exceptions.