Self-Publishing Support and Publishing Services
MyNovel provides practical and affordable self-publishing support for independent authors in South Africa and worldwide. From manuscript preparation to book formatting, cover design, ISBN assistance and publication support, we help authors move from completed manuscript to professional published book.
Helping Authors from Manuscript to Marketplace
Self-publishing gives authors greater control over their books, but it also means taking responsibility for many of the tasks traditionally handled by a publishing house.
Editing, proofreading, formatting, cover design, ISBNs, barcodes, print preparation and online publishing can quickly become overwhelming if you are doing everything for the first time.
MyNovel helps independent authors manage these stages in a practical and structured way so that the finished book is professionally prepared for readers, printers and publishing platforms.
Self-Publishing Services Available from MyNovel
Authors can use individual services or combine several services depending on what their book requires.
Book Editing
Professional editing can improve clarity, structure, flow, readability, consistency and overall presentation while preserving the author's individual voice.
Learn more about MyNovel Book Editing Services
Book Proofreading
Proofreading helps identify final spelling, grammar, punctuation, typographical and consistency errors before publication.
MyNovel provides proofreading services for both English and Afrikaans manuscripts.
Learn more about MyNovel Book Proofreading Services
Book Formatting
MyNovel prepares books for paperback, print-ready PDF, ePub and online publishing platforms such as Amazon KDP.
Learn more about MyNovel Book Formatting Services
Book Cover Design
A professional cover helps create the right first impression and communicate the genre, subject and intended audience of the book.
MyNovel can design the front cover, spine and back cover and prepare the completed artwork for print or Amazon KDP.
Learn more about MyNovel Book Cover Design Services
ISBN and Barcode Assistance
An ISBN identifies a particular edition and format of a book and is commonly required when books are distributed through retailers, libraries and online platforms.
MyNovel can assist authors with ISBN-related publishing requirements and preparation of ISBN barcodes for printed books.
Authors who already have an ISBN can also use MyNovel's online Author Tools to check the number and create a barcode.
Preparing Books for Print
Printed books need more than a completed Word document. The interior and cover must be prepared according to the specifications of the printer or publishing platform.
This can include:
- Selecting an appropriate book size
- Preparing margins and gutter space
- Formatting the manuscript
- Creating a print-ready PDF
- Preparing the full cover to the correct dimensions
- Allowing for bleed where required
- Preparing the spine according to the final page count
- Adding the ISBN barcode where applicable
Amazon KDP Publishing Support
Authors who want to publish through Amazon KDP need to prepare their files according to Amazon's technical specifications.
MyNovel can assist with the preparation of paperback interiors, covers and eBook files for Amazon publication.
Depending on the service required, this may include formatting, trim-size setup, cover sizing, file preparation and general publishing guidance.
Self-Publishing in English and Afrikaans
MyNovel works with books written in English and Afrikaans.
Our editing and proofreading services are available in both languages, and we can prepare English and Afrikaans books for print and digital publication.
Support for First-Time Authors
Publishing a first book can involve unfamiliar terminology and technical requirements. Authors may not know which services they need, what order the work should be completed in or whether their manuscript is ready for publication.
MyNovel can help identify the next practical step and explain which publishing services are appropriate for the manuscript.
You do not need to understand every technical part of publishing before contacting us.
Support for Experienced Independent Authors
Authors who have published previously may only need help with a particular stage of production.
You can use MyNovel for an individual service such as proofreading, formatting or cover design without purchasing a complete publishing package.
This allows authors to retain control of their publishing project while obtaining professional assistance where it is needed.
MyNovel Author Tools
In addition to professional publishing services, MyNovel provides practical online tools designed specifically for independent authors.
These include free and affordable tools for:
- ISBN validation
- Book pricing and profit calculations
- Book blurb creation
- ISBN barcode generation
- Book marketing material
- Automated manuscript assessment
How Much Does Self-Publishing Cost?
There is no single cost that applies to every book. The total depends on the length and condition of the manuscript, the services required, the complexity of the formatting and cover design, and the chosen publishing method.
An author with a polished manuscript may require only proofreading and formatting, while another manuscript may benefit from editing, proofreading, design and additional publishing support.
MyNovel therefore provides personalised quotations based on the actual work required.
Request a Self-Publishing Quote
If you are unsure which services your book needs, send us your manuscript and tell us what stage you have reached.
We can assess the manuscript, identify the likely publishing requirements and provide a personalised quotation.
Request a Self-Publishing Quote
Self-Publishing Support in South Africa and Worldwide
MyNovel is based in South Africa and assists independent authors both locally and internationally.
Whether you are preparing your first book or adding another title to an existing catalogue, our aim is to provide affordable, practical publishing support that helps you move from manuscript to marketplace with confidence.