A Comprehensive Guide to Self-Publishing for Doctors: From Idea to Bestseller

Have you ever wondered how a day in the life of a physician could turn into a page-turning narrative or groundbreaking writing medical guides? But why should you write a book? How to publish a book? And how do I write a book? The money from book sales is nice but most often that money will not be enough to retire from your day job. It is about sharing your knowledge. It is about leaving a legacy that will establish your credibility as a thought leader and authority in your specialty.

I wrote my book “The IBS Guide” as there is a great market need for a book on IBS which is such a common condition. I felt that many people including my patients had a lot of questions but could not find reliable, science-based answers. That assessment turned out to be true with the reception that my book had received.

I would like to share my own experience as a first-time doctor author. Welcome to the Comprehensive Guide to Self-Publishing for Doctors, a writing-a-book journey where the white coat meets the written word. But how does a doctor navigate the intricate path from the clinic to the bestseller list? Let’s explore!

Finding the Right Book Topics for Medical Authorship

Leveraging Medical Specializations:

• When it comes to self-publishing for physicians, they should consider topics that align with their expertise. Book writing for instance:
• Cardiologists could explore topics like “Advanced Strategies for Cardiovascular Health” or “Preventing Heart Disease: A Cardiologist’s Guide.”
• Pediatricians might delve into subjects such as “Nurturing Healthy Babies: A Pediatrician’s Handbook” or “Childhood Nutrition for Lifelong Health.”
• As a Gastroenterologist, I chose to write a comprehensive guide for IBS, one of the most common problems that we encounter in our clinical practice where patients constantly search for answers and are often frustrated with the answers that they get from their providers or online.

Passion-Driven Topics:

• Tap into your passions and interests within the medical field. This can lead to engaging and informative books. Examples include:
• A Dermatologist with a passion for skincare could write “Glowing Skin at Any Age: A Dermatologist’s Guide.”
• An Oncologist interested in holistic approaches might explore “Cancer Care Beyond Treatment: Integrative Healing Strategies.”

Addressing Common Health Concerns:

• Draw inspiration from the common health issues that you encounter in your practice to come up with healthcare topics for publishing. These topics resonate with a broad readership seeking solutions. Examples encompass:
• Family doctors could write about “Managing Stress for Better Health: A Family Physician’s Approach.”
• Orthopedic surgeons might focus on “Healthy Joints for Life: Strategies to Prevent Arthritis and Injuries.”

Practical Guidance and Solutions:

• Provide actionable solutions and practical advice when you choose to write medical guides for the general public. Readers appreciate books that offer tangible benefits. For instance:
• A Neurologist could write “Boosting Brain Health: Practical Tips for Memory and Cognitive Function.”
• A Gastroenterologist might explore “Digestive Wellness: From Heartburn to Gut Health.”

Identifying Market Gaps:

• I recommend that you do thorough market research to identify gaps in existing literature. Google SEO keywords can be instrumental in this process. For example, doctors can use Google keyword research tools to discover trending health topics and reader interests.
• An example of leveraging SEO keywords is identifying a gap in the market for “Plant-Based Diets for Heart Health” when there is a high search volume for related keywords like “heart-healthy diets” or “plant-based nutrition.”

Competitive Analysis:

• Once you identify your niche, analyze competitors’ books in that niche. You can assess the strengths and weaknesses of existing publications to craft a unique and valuable book.
• For instance, if a doctor plans to write about “Managing Diabetes Naturally,” they should review similar titles to identify areas where they can provide fresh insights or innovative solutions.

Readership Trends:

• What was useful for me was to stay updated on readership trends within the health and wellness genre. This involved monitoring healthcare news, social media discussions, and medical conferences to identify emerging health concerns.
• For example, you may notice a growing interest in “Mental Health in the Digital Age” and decide to address this timely topic in their book.

By utilizing your medical expertise, addressing common health concerns, conducting thorough market research, and leveraging SEO keywords, you can discover book topics that resonate with readers and align with current trends in the healthcare industry. This approach ensures that their self-published books have a greater chance of success in medical self-publishing in the competitive book market.

The Writing Process | Comprehensive Guide to Self-Publishing for Doctor

1. Planning and Outlining:

This is the most crucial step when embarking on the journey from a doctor to an author. As a physician delving into the world of writing, I discovered that crafting a detailed outline is pivotal for structuring a compelling book. This stage, though arduous, lays the groundwork for success. I suggest organizing your content into well-defined chapters and sections, which ensures a coherent flow of medical insights and personal anecdotes. Within each chapter, outline key points, subtopics, and integrate relevant case studies or evidence. This approach not only enhances the reader’s experience but also solidifies your credibility as a doctor author, adept at blending clinical expertise with storytelling.

2. Writing Schedule:

Maintaining a consistent writing schedule is crucial. As doctors we often have demanding schedules, so setting realistic writing goals is essential. Daily, weekly, or monthly targets can help you make steady progress. Emphasize the importance of discipline and sticking to the schedule.

3. Editing and Proofreading:

Consider hiring a skilled editor who specializes in medical writing techniques. This ensures accuracy, clarity, and adherence to writing conventions. Thorough proofreading is essential to catch typos and grammatical errors. I did hire an editor who went through my script. I also used Grammarly to edit and proofread before I sent it to the editor so that my rough draft was not so “rough.”

4. Covering Legal Aspects:

Be aware of potential legal issues related to patient confidentiality, privacy, and medical regulations. It is crucial to avoid disclosing patient information or providing medical advice without disclaimers. Consulting with a legal expert can help address these concerns.

5. Powerful Title:

Pick an attention-grabbing title that draws the attention of your potential reader immediately. Then come up with a sub-title that explains the essence of the book and creates more interest in the book.

Choosing the Right Self-Publishing Platform

1. Amazon KDP: Your Self-Publishing Hub

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) stands out as a preferred choice among authors, for its accessibility, vast reach, and user-friendly interface. KDP provides doctors with the means to publish both eBooks and print-on-demand (POD) paperbacks, making it a versatile platform for self-publishing medical books.

User-Friendly Interface: Amazon KDP’s user interface is designed to be intuitive and beginner friendly. Even if you do not have prior experience with publishing, you will appreciate how easy it is to navigate through the platform. Upon creating an account, you are guided through the step-by-step process of publishing your books.

Vast Audience: One of the most significant advantages of Amazon KDP is its enormous reach. Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer, and KDP ensures that your book is accessible to a global audience. This extensive distribution network means that doctors can reach readers not only in their region but across the globe.

eBooks and Print-on-Demand (POD) Paperbacks: For digital publishing for doctors, KDP offers the flexibility to publish in both digital and print formats. Although there are other eBook platforms for medical professionals, Amazon has the widest reach for eBooks on many reading devices like Kindle, tablets, and smartphones. Simultaneously, KDP enables the creation of print-on-demand paperbacks, which means your book is printed and shipped to customers only when they place an order. This eliminates the need for you to hoard a thousand copies of your book at home.

Pricing and Royalties: Amazon KDP allows authors to set the price of their eBooks and paperbacks within specific pricing guidelines. Authors receive royalties based on their chosen pricing model and book distribution. For example, you get to keep 70% of the sale price of your eBook. You can decide whether to enroll your eBooks in Kindle Unlimited, a subscription service, which will increase your earnings.

Publishing and Updating: Once the manuscript is ready and correctly formatted, you can use KDP to publish your book. KDP provides a preview tool that allows authors to review their eBooks or paperbacks before publishing. Authors can make updates or revisions at any time, which is especially useful for medical books that may need periodic updates to reflect the latest research and practices. I update my book The IBS Guide regularly.

2. IngramSpark: Expanding Your Distribution Reach

IngramSpark is a powerful alternative to Amazon KDP, particularly for authors, including doctors, who are looking for broader distribution options for their self-published books. You can publish your book through Amazon KDP and IngramSpark at the same time as I did. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a deeper look at IngramSpark’s advantages and important considerations:

Advantages of IngramSpark:

• Access to Physical Bookstores and Libraries:
• One of IngramSpark’s significant advantages is its ability to distribute print-on-demand books to physical bookstores and libraries worldwide. This means that your medical book could potentially appear on the shelves of brick-and-mortar stores, increasing its visibility to a broader audience.
• Global Market Reach:
• IngramSpark has a wide international distribution network, allowing your book to reach readers in various countries.
• Wide Range of Print Options:
• IngramSpark offers various print formats, including hardcover, paperback, and even specialty bindings.

Important Considerations for IngramSpark:

• Setup Fees:
• IngramSpark charges setup fees for each book format (eBook and print). While these fees can add to the upfront expenses, they can be offset by the wider distribution opportunities IngramSpark provides. When I published my book through IngramSpark, they had a promotion where they waived my setup fees.
• Formatting Requirements:
• IngramSpark has specific formatting requirements for both eBooks and print books. This may involve additional formatting work compared to Amazon KDP.
• Distribution Options:
• IngramSpark allows authors to choose their distribution channels, including online retailers, libraries, and physical bookstores. Authors should carefully consider their distribution strategy based on their target audience and market reach.

3. Other platforms:

There are several other platforms, especially for eBooks like Draft2Digital, Smashwords, etc., that are aggregator platforms to simplify the distribution of eBooks across multiple online platforms, including Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, and more.

Formatting Your Book To Make It More Professional

This is the process that you are better off outsourcing to a professional. You can hire someone on freelance websites like Upwork or Fiverr. You select someone who has experience in formatting medical literature and medical book design.

Creating a Professional-Looking eBook:

• eBook formatting is crucial for ensuring that your medical book is compatible with various devices, including eReaders, tablets, and smartphones. Proper formatting ensures that readers have a seamless and enjoyable reading experience.
• Pay attention in choosing a readable font, appropriate font size, line spacing, and margins to enhance readability. Consistency in formatting, including consistent headings and styles, contributes to a polished and professional appearance.

Specific Formatting Requirements for Print Versions:

• When self-publishing a medical book in print, authors must adhere to specific formatting requirements to ensure the book looks professional and is suitable for physical printing. These requirements include page dimensions, margins, bleed settings, and gutter space.
• It is important to choose the correct page dimensions for print books. Different trim sizes are suitable for various genres and purposes. I chose a 6×9 size for my book which is a common size used for medical genres.

Professional Interior Design:

• I did not hire a separate book designer or use interior book design software. But if you want more attractive graphics and special sections that need highlighting, you can hire a professional book interior designer. If you are technically savvy, you can use Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Word templates for book formatting and designing.

The Critical Role of Cover Design:

• The book cover is the first thing potential readers see, and it significantly influences their decision to purchase or read the book. It is worth hiring a professional to design your cover page. Professional designers have the expertise to create visually appealing and marketable covers that align with your book’s genre and target audience. Amazon will also let you design your cover for free, but I did not find it to be useful for my book.

Elements of an Effective Book Cover:

• An effective cover will have a compelling title, subtitle, author’s name, captivating imagery or graphics, and appropriate color schemes. Explain that these elements should work together to convey the book’s message and entice potential readers.

Marketing Medical Books and Building an Audience

Strategies for Promotion:

This includes creating a website or blog to share insights related to your book’s topic, engaging with medical communities online, and using platforms like LinkedIn for professional networking. Incorporating patient testimonials (with consent) can also be effective.

Social Media and Online Presence:

Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook can be powerful tools. Share content related to your book, engage with followers, and join medical groups or forums. Tools like Hootsuite or Buffer can help manage and schedule posts.

Utilizing Medical Conferences and Networking:

Presenting at medical conferences, participating in panel discussions, and networking with peers can help promote your book. Collaborating with other medical professionals for webinars or guest blog posts can also be beneficial.

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Medical Writing

Patient Confidentiality and Consent:

Always ensure patient privacy is protected. Obtain written consent if specific patient stories are included.

Ethical Writing Practices:

Maintaining accuracy is crucial. Ensure all medical claims are evidence-based and cite sources where appropriate. Be aware of the implications of misinformation and its impact on public health.

Avoiding Plagiarism:

Originality in writing is essential. Use plagiarism check tools like Turnitin or Grammarly to ensure the uniqueness of your content.

Conclusion: The Doctor’s Journey to Authorship

Rewards and Challenges:

Self-publishing allows doctors to share unique perspectives and contribute to healthcare education. While it offers a platform for professional growth and personal fulfillment, it also requires dedication to writing, marketing, and continuous learning.

Encouragement and Inspiration:

Your journey from a medical professional to a published author can inspire others in the medical field. Share your experiences and learnings to encourage fellow doctors to explore the world of authorship.

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