How to Self-Publish Your First Book in the UAE: A Step-by-Step Guide for Aspiring Authors

Did you just recently begin your career as an author who wants to become an author by publishing your first book in the UAE?

Well, you will need to read our guide first. Let me tell you, becoming an author these days is not easy, my friend.

You need to go over many steps to become a successful writer. Plenty of authors step down and are usually lost in the first process.

As writing a book is challenging, it can take months or a year to finish a first manuscript.

Let’s consider going to a bookstore and finding a book with your name on the cover. And a title that tells a story that captures your imagination.

Also, a title that reflects your creativity on the topmost shelf. It is now easier than ever to publish your first book in the United Arab Emirates.

If it's a biography, novel, self-help book, poetry collection, or an imaginative children's book or an insane young adult tale.

Hence, in this guide, I am going to teach you how to self-publish a manuscript in the UAE.

An Understanding of the UAE's Self-Publishing Environment

It’s vital to grasp the UAE's distinct environment before starting the self-publishing process. 

The literary market in the UAE serves a bilingual populace that enjoys both Arabic and English literature. 

Further, the UAE is a great place to self-publish because of its extensive book fairs, such as the Sharjah International Book Fair, government backing for the arts and culture, and established distribution system.

In addition, authors have to comply with specific rules pertaining to delivery licensing, copyright registration, and content approval. 

In the end, once you grasp these elements early, you will easily publish your first book. And they sell millions of copies.

The Whole Pathway for UAE Self-Publishing

Step 1: Choose Your Content for Publication

Decide what kind of book you are writing before you start the publication process. Will it be? 

• A book on self-help or business? 
• Is it an autobiography or memoir
• A book for kids? 
• A collection of short stories or a work of fiction? 
• A compilation of poetry? 
• Is it an autobiography or memoir? 

Once you grasp which genre you will need to write. After that you need to consider that design, layout, and marketing tactics will be partial to the genre and target demographic.
 

2. Interact with competent editors.

As an author you must know that your book will face rival books that are traditionally published in the same marketplaces and shops.

To ensure your book is as polished as possible, work as a team with the following editors in order.

1. Content editor: A content editor will go over your work and provide structural references, such as adding or deleting paragraphs.

2. Fast checker: Now you need to verify your research and assertions in nonfiction literature with a fact checker.

3. Copy Editor: A copy editor revises your work by offering corrections to spelling and grammar.

4: Proofreader: A final check by a proofreader helps identify any last minute mistakes before publication.

If you need any help in you work or facing a writer’ block then do not afraid to take support from a best ghostwriter. A good ghostwriter will teach you effective tips and guide you for the duration of your journey.

3. Write Your Manuscript and Edit it

Well, now you need to write a manuscript and that is the only first step. When your initial draft is finished:

Review and edit yourself: Go over several drafts. Also, check the clarity and flow of your book by reading it aloud.

Get Input: Think about asking beta readers to offer initial input.

Professional Editing: A professional editor can greatly enhance the grammar, organization, and readability of your book, but it is not required.

In the UAE, where readers are from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, coherence and clarity are chiefly crucial.

4. Create a compelling cover

Now your cover will be the main selling point all over online retailers, marketplace and as well online store.

So, once you designing the cover or work with a designer, you will need to think about like a marketer.

Here are the key steps to consider.

1. Design the thumbnails- Your cover will seem smaller in many of the online stores.
2. Create your title to be simple to read. Your title must be simple and assist readers in recalling your work.
3. Take into account the back cover and spine: crucial for print book sales.

Moreover, use the same freelance portals you used for editing to find cover designers. Also, you can as well try these free resources if you have design experience:

• Canva
• Fotor
• Edit.org
• Visme

5. Cultural Awareness and Legal Aspects to Take Into Account

It is suggested to grasp UAE legislation and cultural norms in order to publish there. 

Further, some topics may be prohibited or limited here that are allowable in other nations.

So, you need to be careful and consider these essential factors.

Important Things to Think About: 

• Avert content that attacks culture, religion, or the government. 
• Pay attention to how gender, sexuality, or politics are portrayed.
• Make sure your target audience can understand the language.

In addition, it is frequently advised to obtain legal counsel or study local publication regulations prior to going public in order to prevent fines or censorship.

While a good publisher in the UAE can help you clarify all of your issues. Also, help you publish your quality work. So, you need to find and reach out to these publishers. 

6. Decide on a publication platform.

Now that your cover and manuscript are complete, it's time to go live. There are several platforms available that you can use, depending on how you want to market your book.

Below are these trusted platforms you can use. 

• IngramSpark for the distribution of books
• KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) for sales on Amazon
• Physical books in her Shopify store are stored in books vault.
• Using BookFunnel to distribute eBook newsletters

7. Advertising and Promotion

Lastly, once you finalize your work, you need to advertise and promote your work to gain an audience and boost sales.

Put these useful tactics to use. 

• Social media marketing: Make use of Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and other sites.
• Author Website: Establish an online presence to promote your book, discuss your writing career, and offer ways to buy it.
• Book Launch Events: Take part in books fairs, literary festivals, and neighborhood gatherings. 

Reach out to regional newspapers, radio stations, and internet sites to tell your tale and advertise your work