Making Sense of Self Publishing - A Path for Manageable Delivery
Self-publishing today offers unprecedented opportunity — but also overwhelming complexity. This class walks you step-by-step through the full landscape of modern self-publishing, from platform selection to distribution, pricing, metadata, printing, and launch strategy. You’ll learn how to evaluate the major players, avoid common mistakes, retain your rights, and choose the model that aligns with your long-term goals — whether that’s independence, revenue, or positioning for a traditional deal.
Johanna MaaghulGina Mazza
Program Features
- Start date: May 26, 2026
- Online
- Blockchain-based Certificate
Program Features
- Start date: May 26, 2026
- Online
- Blockchain-based Certificate
Description
Self-publishing is no longer a fringe option — it is now a primary pathway for serious authors. But the ecosystem has become increasingly complex. Print-on-demand, ebooks, audiobooks, direct sales, wide distribution, exclusive programs, royalty splits, metadata optimization, ISBN ownership, global VAT issues, and platform algorithms all affect long-term outcomes.
This class provides a structured, practical roadmap through the modern self-publishing landscape. We break down the major platforms, compare their strengths and limitations, and explain how each fits into different publishing strategies.
Major Platforms Covered
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) – Dominant ebook and print-on-demand platform; includes KDP Select exclusivity option.
- IngramSpark – Wide print distribution to bookstores and libraries.
- Draft2Digital – Ebook and print aggregator distributing to multiple retailers.
- Apple Books – Direct ebook distribution into Apple’s ecosystem.
- Kobo – Strong international ebook retailer.
- Barnes & Noble Press – Print and ebook distribution through Barnes & Noble.
- Google Play Books – Ebook distribution through Google’s store.
- BookBaby – Full-service publishing packages.
- Lulu – Print-on-demand and specialty printing.
- ACX – Audiobook production and distribution (Audible/Amazon/iTunes).
Program Syllabus
What You Will Learn:
- The difference between exclusive vs. wide distribution
- Print-on-demand vs. offset printing
- ISBN ownership and why it matters
- Royalty structures and hidden costs
- How metadata drives discoverability
- Ebook vs. paperback vs. hardcover vs. audiobook strategy
- Direct sales via your own website
- When self-publishing can position you for a traditional deal
- Common contractual and rights mistakes to avoid
This is not a promotional overview of platforms. It is a strategic class designed to help authors think like publishers — to retain leverage, protect rights, and build long-term value in their intellectual property.
Program Schedule
TuesdayMay 26, 2026
- 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
TuesdayJun 02, 2026
- 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Johanna Maaghul
Johanna Maaghul is the Lead Strategist for ArkHub, where she applies a career-long background in technology, systems design, and digital platforms to the development of educational programs, publishing workflows, and learning environments. Her work focuses on structuring books, classes, and organizational portals so knowledge can be delivered, maintained, and scaled responsibly. At ArkHub, she helps educators and organizations translate expertise into durable digital offerings—aligning content, infrastructure, and strategy across education, media, and professional training.
Gina Mazza
Gina has worked and played with words on a professional basis for nearly four decades. Her approach is professional yet unconventional. Deeply intuitive, spiritually attuned and creatively bold, she awakens the poetic fire in others and is a natural catalyst for transformation.
Gina is the author of five books in the personal growth / mind-body-spirit category, including Everything Matters, Nothing Matters (St. Lynn’s Press), which was praised in Publisher’s Weekly. Her newest release, Essential Astonishments: Poetic Reflections for Awakening, answers the soul’s longing to speak with intimacy about the bliss and bewilderment of the human experience. It was awarded 1st place in poetry in The Author Zone’s 2023 National Book Awards. Gina’s original poetry has been published and recited in a wide variety of media. Check out her books HERE.