Welcome to the Self-Publishing Advice Center, run by the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) — the global, non-profit association for ethical self-publishers.
This is one of the largest free resources for indie authors on the internet. Here's what's here and how to get the most from it.
WHERE ARE YOU ON THE SELF-PUBLISHING PATH?
Starting out?
We're giving away our guide to getting started in self-publishing. Practical, trusted advice on the foundations every indie author needs. Free from ALLi.
This guide is adapted from our best-selling definitive guide Creative Self-Publishing.
Published and want more readers?
Our free guide to book marketing helps breakdown the frameworks and principles that make every marketing decision clearer. Download here, free.
This guide is adapted from our best-selling definitive guide Reach More Readers.
HOW TO USE THE SELF-PUBLISHING ADVICE CENTER
SELF PUBLISHING 101
The best place to start if you're new — or if you want to make sure you've got the foundations right. We've broken self-publishing down into its seven core processes: Editorial, Design, Production, Distribution, Marketing, Promotion, and Rights Licensing. Each has its own dedicated section with practical, in-depth guidance written by working indie authors.
Not sure where to begin? Start with Editorial and work through in order. Already publishing? Jump straight to the process where you need the most help.
PODCAST
The Self-Publish with ALLi Podcast goes out weekly and covers the full range of self-publishing topics — from craft to business, platform news to author interviews. Episodes follow the same seven-process structure as the 101 sections, so it's easy to find what's relevant to you right now.
Subscribe on all major apps, or listen directly on the site. Each episode comes with a full transcript if you'd rather read.
→ Listen to the Podcast
BLOG
Our blog is the daily pulse of the indie author world — news, analysis, how-to guides, and author stories updated throughout the week. It covers everything from platform changes and industry news to practical publishing advice and member spotlights.
Use the sidebar filters to browse by publishing process, or search for a specific topic using the search bar at the top of any page.
→ Go to the Blog
CONFRENCES
ALLi runs the Self-Publishing Advice Conference — one of the longest-running online events for indie authors. Sessions cover every aspect of self-publishing from beginner to advanced, with expert speakers from across the industry.
We also run the Indie Author Lab — a smaller, more intensive event for authors ready to go deeper.
Past conference sessions are available to watch on demand.
→ See Conferences
SERVICES RATINGS
Before you hire anyone — an editor, a cover designer, a formatting service, a marketing agency — check here first. Our Watchdog Desk, led by John Doppler, rates hundreds of self-publishing services with red, amber, and green flag reports based on quality, ethics, and value.
We also maintain an Approved Partner Directory of vetted services that meet ALLi's standards, and publish regular Watchdog Reports on the latest scams and overpriced packages targeting authors.
→ See Service Ratings
AWARDS RATINGS
Not all author awards and contests are worth your time or money. Our Award Ratings desk evaluates competitions on transparency, legitimacy, prize value, and track record — so you can make informed decisions about where to submit.
BUY BOOKS
ALLi publishes a series of definitive guides for indie authors — covering everything from your first book to global rights licensing. Written by experienced indie authors and subject-matter experts, these are the most comprehensive self-publishing guides available.
ALLi members get the full ebook library free. Non-members can buy individual titles in print or ebook.
STILL SEARCHING?
Use the search bar at the top of any page — type a keyword or topic and you'll surface articles, podcast episodes, service ratings, and guidebooks all in one place.
Or ask us directly. Comment under any blog post, contact us by email, or come to our next live event. We answer every genuine self-publishing question — publicly, so the whole community benefits.
ABOUT THE SELF PUBLISHING ADVICE CENTER
The Self-Publishing Advice Center is an outreach project of the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) — the global, non-profit association for ethical self-publishers. Everything here is free, created or curated by experienced indie authors and subject-matter experts.
This answers your questions. ALLi solves your problems.
If you're ready for more — personalised advice, member discounts, legal support, contract reviews, an active community of thousands of indie authors worldwide — ALLi membership is the next step.
Just starting out?
Get your free guide to getting started in self-publishing — practical, trusted advice on the foundations every indie author needs. Free from ALLi.
Already publishing and want more readers?
Get your free guide to book marketing — the frameworks and principles that make every marketing decision clearer. Free from ALLi.