Self publishing a book in Nigeria is more achievable than ever. You no longer need a traditional publisher’s approval to put your book in readers’ hands. But “no gatekeeper” does not mean “no process”. The books that earn credibility, and clients, are the ones that go through the same disciplined steps a publishing house would follow.
This guide walks you through the steps to self publishing in the order we recommend them: from a finished manuscript to editing, design, ISBN, legal deposit, printing and distribution. It is written for founders, executives, pastors, coaches and professionals who want a book that supports their brand, not a rushed file that embarrasses them.
If you are still deciding between writing it yourself or hiring help, read our companion guide on how a founder can write and publish a book in Nigeria first, then come back here for the production workflow.
- Self-publishing means you control, and pay for, every step: editing, design, ISBN, printing and distribution.
- In Nigeria, ISBNs come from the National Library of Nigeria, and private publishers are required to deposit three copies of each publication.
- Professional editing and cover design decide whether readers take your book seriously. Do not skip either.
1 Finish and self-edit the manuscript
Do not send a half-finished draft to an editor. Complete the full manuscript first, then leave it alone for a week and reread it. Cut repetition, tighten chapter openings, and check that every chapter serves the single promise of the book.
Ask one question of every chapter: what will the reader be able to do, or understand, after this? If you cannot answer, rewrite or remove it.
2 Get professional editing
Self-editing catches the obvious. A professional editor catches what you can no longer see. There are three levels, and most books need more than one:
- Developmental editing: structure, flow, gaps and argument.
- Copy editing: grammar, style consistency, clarity and fact-checking.
- Proofreading: the final pass for typos after layout.
Budget time for each. The most common reason self-published books look amateur is skipping straight to publishing after one friend has “had a look”.
A self-published book is judged exactly like any other book. The only difference is that nobody else is checking your work, so you have to.
The WritersCo team
3 Design the cover and interior
Readers do judge a book by its cover. Your cover must be legible as a small thumbnail online, signal the genre, and match your brand. The interior layout matters just as much: font, margins, chapter headings and page numbers should feel like a professionally published book.
- Title readable at thumbnail size
- Subtitle states the benefit to the reader
- Back-cover blurb, author bio and a clear call to action
- Consistent fonts, margins and chapter styling
- Front and back matter: title page, copyright page, contents, acknowledgements
4 Get your ISBN from the National Library of Nigeria
The ISBN is a unique 13-digit identifier for your book. The National Library of Nigeria runs the country’s ISBN agency, and its FAQ page explains the ISBN and the cataloguing programme. Applications are made through the National Library’s ISBN portal, where you create an account, enter your book’s details and format, and upload the required documents.
The National Library states that publishers should deliver three copies of each private publication to its legal deposit office, and that ISBN is required to take part in its Cataloguing-in-Publication (CIP) programme. Check the portal for current fees and requirements before you apply, since these can change.
Each format (paperback, hardcover, e-book) generally needs its own ISBN, so decide your formats before you apply.
5 Handle legal deposit
Nigerian law requires publishers to deposit copies of what they publish with the National Library. For private publishers, that is three copies per title, according to the National Library’s legal deposit guidance. As an author-publisher, you are the publisher, so this obligation sits with you. It also gets your book into the national record.
6 Choose how to print
You have two broad options, and many authors use both:
Print on demand
Print on demand – Low upfront cost – Books printed only when ordered – Good for testing the market – Lower profit per copy
Offset print run
Offset print run – Higher upfront cost – Lower cost per copy at volume – Good for launches, events and speaking engagements – Requires storage and distribution plan
If you speak, preach or train, a small offset run for events is usually worthwhile. If you are unsure of demand, start smaller.
Always order a printed proof copy before approving a full run. Colour, spine width and page quality can only be judged in your hands.
7 Distribute: online and offline
For e-books and global print-on-demand, platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing let authors publish paperbacks and e-books themselves. For local readers, plan for bookshops, your own website, WhatsApp sales, and bulk sales to churches, companies and schools.
Do not rely on a single channel. Your own audience is usually the fastest route to your first 100 sales.
8 Launch and market the book
A book launch is not a single day; it is a few weeks of sustained visibility. Announce the book to your email list and social following, share chapters as posts, collect early reviews, and book speaking or podcast slots. A book also strengthens your authority for ghostwriting and thought leadership work, because it turns your expertise into something people can hold.
- Complete and self-edit the manuscript
- Professional editing, then proofreading
- Cover and interior design
- ISBN from the National Library of Nigeria
- Legal deposit of copies
- Print proof, then print run or print on demand
- Distribution and launch
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an ISBN to self-publish in Nigeria?
If you want your book catalogued nationally and eligible for legal deposit processes, yes. The National Library of Nigeria is the ISBN agency, and ISBN is also required for its CIP programme.
How many copies must I deposit with the National Library?
According to the National Library of Nigeria, private publishers deposit three copies of each publication. Government agencies have higher requirements.
How long does self publishing a book take?
It depends mostly on your manuscript’s readiness and how many editing rounds you need. Plan the schedule around editing and design, which usually take the longest, rather than around printing.
Can I self-publish without hiring anyone?
You can, but editing, cover design and layout are skills that benefit from professionals. Readers rarely forgive visible errors.
Is self-publishing better than traditional publishing?
Neither is universally better. Self-publishing gives you control, speed and a larger share of each sale, while you carry the cost and the marketing work.
Can someone write the book for me?
Yes. Many busy founders and professionals work with a ghostwriter who captures their ideas and voice. At WritersCo, book ghostwriting starts from ₦350,000.
Whether you have a finished manuscript or only an idea, the WritersCo team can take you from draft to a published book you are proud to put your name on.
Talk to our book team