Writing a book isn’t a matter of “weekend inspiration,” but a process you can manage once you break it into doable steps. A simple template, the right software, and a clear publishing strategy will help—whether you go with a traditional publisher or publish the book yourself. Below you’ll find a proven workflow (outline → first draft → beta readers → editing), ballpark budgets in euros, and a realistic overview of author royalties so you know what to expect from your book.
Template: a story (or nonfiction) skeleton you can simply “wrap” in text
A solid outline will save you dozens of hours of rewriting. For fiction, the three-act structure works well: 1) premise and the genre promise, 2) escalating conflict with a midpoint turning point, 3) finale and consequences. For each act, write 5–7 key scenes and, for each scene, one sentence on “what changes.” For nonfiction, draft a table of contents as a logical reader journey: problem → who has it → what the book promises → step-by-step chapters → examples and data → conclusion and “what to do tomorrow.” Work with “chapter questions”: what single question does this chapter answer, and what one new habit/insight will the reader take away?
Software that reduces friction so you write instead of fiddling with formatting
If you write linearly and want easy sharing, Google Docs/Word is enough (comments, track changes, cloud). For bigger projects, Scrivener has the edge (scene-based writing, corkboard, meta notes, export to e-book/PDF). For a “wiki” of characters and research, Obsidian or Notion works well; for nonlinear plotting, mind-mapping helps (e.g., FreeMind, XMind). For Slovak language checking you can use LanguageTool, but you should still hire a human for the final proof. The goal of software is to minimize friction: start writing quickly, search notes fast, export easily.
Workflow step by step: outline → first draft → beta readers → editing
Start with an outline, but write the first draft fast and without “editing mid-flight”—otherwise you’ll never land. A first draft is for discovering the material: you allow mistakes, repetition, and blank spots marked “add example later.” Next, choose 3–6 beta readers (your target audience + one “expert skeptic”). Ask about clarity, boring parts, illogical jumps, and what the reader would do after finishing the chapter. Then comes editing in two waves: 1) developmental editing (structure, logic, pace, impact, voice consistency), 2) copyediting/proofreading (style, grammar, typos). Before print/e-book export, a proof pass helps: a printed PDF or reading on an e-reader—another medium reveals errors the monitor hides.
Traditional publisher vs. self-publishing: realistic pros and cons
A traditional publisher takes on part of the risk and workload (editing, typesetting, distribution to bookstores), but you get a smaller slice of the pie and you wait longer—commonly months to a year or more. With self-publishing you have full control over the cover, pricing, and timing, but you fund production and marketing yourself and you’re responsible for the quality of every link in the chain (editor, layout, printing, e-book formats, distribution). Watch out for “vanity” models that charge money in exchange for promises without real distribution; a traditional publisher does not ask the author for money.
ISBN in Slovakia: what, why, and how
An ISBN is a book identifier; without it, it’s hard to get into bookstore systems and libraries. In Slovakia, ISBNs are administered by the National ISBN Agency at the Slovak National Library (SNK), and for publishers based in Slovakia, allocation is free. With self-publishing, you act as the “publisher” yourself—the application is submitted via SNK, and the data also feeds the registry of announced titles.
Author royalties: what percentage (and of what) you actually get
In traditional publishing, print royalties often fall around ~7.5% of the recommended retail price (paperback) up to ~10% (hardback); there are also tiered “escalators” at higher print runs/sales. For e-books in the traditional model, the author typically receives a percentage of the publisher’s “net” receipts. The exact terms vary by contract, but professional organizations provide a baseline picture.
With self-publishing on digital platforms, the percentages are calculated differently. On Amazon (KDP), an e-book typically pays 70% (within the eligible price band and subject to conditions) or 35%, and the calculation also includes a small file delivery fee; for print via KDP, it’s a percentage of the list price minus printing costs (from June 2025, adjusted rates apply to certain price points). That’s why self-publishing can yield a higher per-unit share, but you also carry production and marketing.
Putting numbers on the table: a royalty calculation example (e-book and print)
Imagine an e-book priced at €6.99. In the 70% KDP band (illustratively), you’d receive roughly €6.99 × 0.70 minus a small delivery fee, so about €4.70–€4.80 per copy; at 35%, it’s about €2.45 per copy. For a paperback priced at €14.99, the platform percentage is applied first and then printing is deducted—the result commonly lands in the low single-digit euros per copy depending on length and paper. You can model the exact numbers in the platform’s calculators before publishing.
How much self-publishing costs (ballpark budget in euros)
Your budget consists of editing/proofreading, layout/typesetting and cover design, possibly illustrations, plus printing. In the Slovak market, language proofreading is often priced per standard page (1 NS ≈ 1,800 characters): for typical text, expect roughly €3–€7 per NS depending on complexity and deadline. Layout/page design for fiction is often in the ~€1.5–€3 per NS range, and simpler covers run from tens to low hundreds of euros; custom design and illustrations can increase the price. Digital printing “from 1 copy” has a per-unit cost that depends on length and run size; for hundreds of copies, it pays to request specific quotes. (Check providers’ price lists and calculators to get numbers for your length and paper.)
A practical writing template: just copy into a document
- Logline/premise (2–3 sentences): What the book is about and who it’s for.
- Promise to the reader: What they’ll take away after finishing (knowledge, skill, emotion).
- Chapters: Title → 1–2 sentences on “what changes” → a list of examples and data you’ll add.
- Characters (fiction): Goal, obstacles, inner conflict, arc.
- Source pack: research, links, notes, glossary of terms.
- Pre-chapter checklist: Key example? One big idea? One clear call to action?
How to find beta readers who’ll save you from bad reviews
Choose people who fit your target audience and are willing to be honest. Give them a simple form (Google Form) with three blocks: 1) what was most interesting, 2) where you got bored or lost, 3) what would help them take the next step after reading. Add a “limit” for everyone—ask them not to propose entirely new chapters, but to improve what’s already there. Apply changes in batches, not one comment at a time, so you don’t get stuck in a loop.
Editing you’d want for your favorite book
Developmental editing checks whether claims are supported by evidence, examples fit the target audience, and chapters don’t dilute the point. Copyediting/proofreading removes stylistic slips and inconsistencies (spelling, punctuation, number and unit formatting). In self-publishing, agree in advance on the scope of changes, number of rounds, and what’s “included in the price” to avoid surprises.
Distribution and marketing: what the publisher does and what you do
A publishing house has established channels to bookstores and media, but even the traditional model doesn’t guarantee a full-throttle promotional campaign. With self-publishing, the minimum is: a strong blurb, proper categorization and keywords in stores, a book landing page, a newsletter, and a few compelling content “samples” on your website/socials. Even with a traditional deal, plan on your own activity—an author who engages their audience sells more regardless of the model.
Quick guide to royalties by model
- Traditional model (print): roughly ~7.5% (paperback) to ~10% (hardback) of the recommended price, often with escalators at higher sales.
- Self-publishing – e-book (Amazon KDP): ~35% and ~70% bands depending on price and conditions.
- Self-publishing – print (KDP Print): a percentage of list price minus printing costs; rate changes apply from 10 June 2025 for some price points—always check the current table.
- ISBN in Slovakia: via SNK, free for Slovak publishers; with self-publishing, you are the publisher.
Recommended videos (to watch as embeds)
How to Write a Book (SK) – personal experience and practical tips:
How to Write and Publish a Book (SK) – the author’s self-publishing experience:
Conclusion: start today and stick to the process
The biggest difference between “I want to write a book” and “I wrote a book” is a consistent writing rhythm and disciplined process. Set a concrete target (e.g., 500–800 words a day), write a fast first draft, collect feedback, and invest in professional editing. Decide on the publishing route only once the manuscript can stand on its own—then the choice between a publisher and self-publishing will be a matter of strategy, not chance.
Sources
- Society of Authors – How do authors get paid? https://societyofauthors.org/where-we-stand/special-sales/how-do-authors-get-paid/
- Amazon KDP – eBook Royalties (35% and 70%) https://kdp.amazon.com/help/topic/G200644210
- Amazon KDP – Print Royalty Rate and Paperback Printing Cost Changes (from 10 June 2025)https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GXFPA52P6ZJD2U3N
- Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic – ISBN and ISSN (National ISBN Agency at SNK) https://www.culture.gov.sk/isbn-a-issn/
- Slovak National Library – Application for assignment of an ISBN https://www.snk.sk/sk/ziadost-o-pridelenie-cisla-isbn.html
- Podnikajte.sk – ISBN assignment: meaning, procedure, price https://www.podnikajte.sk/dusevne-vlastnictvo/pridelenie-isbn-vyznam-cena-postup
- Apple Books for Authors – Self-publish an ebook (70% royalties) https://authors.apple.com/
- Kobo Writing Life – Terms of Service (70% from minimum price; EU from €1.99)https://merch.kobobooks.com/writinglife/Kobo/en-EN/serviceAgreement.html
- Venupress – Book layout and typesetting (ballpark price per NS) https://www.venupress.sk/zalomenie-knihy
- Lexika – Language proofreading (from €5.90/NS) https://www.lexika.sk/sluzby/jazykova-korektura/
- Expresta – Book printing (digital, from 1 copy) https://www.exprestlac.sk/knihy-s-lepenou-vazbou
Jana
I like turning curiosity into words, and writing articles is my way of capturing ideas before they slip away — and sharing them with anyone who feels like reading.
