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Welcome to GRINspiration, the online magazine for self-publishers and aspiring authors! From academic papers to fantasy novels: here you'll find tips, tricks, and insights to help you successfully write and publish your work.
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The self-publishing upload in 5 minutes, Wissen finden & publizieren, https://www.grin.com
2. July 2025 • Reading duration: 3 Min

The self-publishing upload in 5 minutes

You want to publish your book, but don't know how? No problem! Here we explain quickly and easily how our new upload for self-publishing texts works.

What to expect:

First things first:

  • In just a few steps, you can enter your data and upload your manuscript.
  • You can choose between two packages for your project.
  • Our team will advise you individually and professionally.

Step 1: Choose the right type of text

On our homepage you will find two different upload options for different texts: one for academic papers and one for non-academic self-publishing projects. Here you select the option “Publish your own book”.

The self-publishing upload in 5 minutes, Wissen finden & publizieren, https://www.grin.com

Step 2: Proceed to the upload process

On the next page you will find the most important information about the author contract, the self-publishing packages and our different self-publishing genres. Clicking on “Publish now” will take you directly to the upload process.

The self-publishing upload in 5 minutes, Wissen finden & publizieren, https://www.grin.com

Step 3: Fill in your personal details

In the next step, we need some basic data from you in order to be able to advise you optimally and contact you. Therefore, please enter your name and e-mail address in the online form.

The self-publishing upload in 5 minutes, Wissen finden & publizieren, https://www.grin.com

You can also choose between one of the two packages and specify the name you want to publish your book under. If you want to publish under a pseudonym , you can enter it here. If you are not yet sure which package is right for you: don’t worry, we will advise you individually! Simply select the Silver package and we will brainstorm with you which services your book needs. Very important: confirm the privacy policy before you continue with the next step in the upload process by clicking on “Save and continue”!

The self-publishing upload in 5 minutes, Wissen finden & publizieren, https://www.grin.com

Step 4: Select and upload the file

Click Choose File, then select the file on your computer that contains your manuscript. Ideally, you should already provide us with these in an editable format, e.g. as a Word, OpenDocument, Pages or RTF file. Then click on “Save and continue” again.

The self-publishing upload in 5 minutes, Wissen finden & publizieren, https://www.grin.com

Step 5: Read and accept the author’s contract

In the next step, you can take a close look at the author’s contract again. Please accept it to continue in the upload process.

The self-publishing upload in 5 minutes, Wissen finden & publizieren, https://www.grin.com

Step 6: Fill in the details of the manuscript

In order to be able to support you in your book project in the best possible way, we also need some information about your manuscript. Please fill in the title, genre and language in the form.

The self-publishing upload in 5 minutes, Wissen finden & publizieren, https://www.grin.com

Do you have special wishes for the publication? No problem! Simply fill out the “Notes to the editorial team” field before completing the upload process. By clicking on “Save and Submit”, your manuscript and the associated information will be sent to our editorial team.

The self-publishing upload in 5 minutes, Wissen finden & publizieren, https://www.grin.com

Step 7: Sit back and relax

Bravo, the upload process is complete! Our editorial team will look at your manuscript and your personal contact person will contact you to publish your book project according to your wishes.

Soon you too will have your own book in your hands!

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Cover Plus

If you already have your own photo or design – or at least a very clear idea of what your book cover should look like – perfect! We’ll take care of the design process and send you several drafts to choose from.

Don’t have a cover idea yet, or would you like us to include your author photo on the back of the book? No problem at all. Based on your book’s description, we’ll search for suitable visual concepts and design your individual book cover – including your author photo on the cover – creative, professional, and tailored to your story.

Need some inspiration? Here are some of our finest covers:

Softcover or Hardcover

The choice is yours: decide between a classic softcover edition or a premium hardcover binding. We’ve summarized the key advantages and disadvantages for you:

Softcover

Hardcover

Production Costs

Lower than hardcover, allowing for a more attractive retail price

Higher production costs, which result in a higher retail price

Format

Lighter, fits more easily into your bag, and is more convenient on the go

Heavier and bulkier, therefore less suitable for travel or casual reading

Perceived Value

Feels less premium and is less eye-catching than a hardcover

Creates a high-quality impression, better suited as a gift or collector’s item; appears more prestigious

Durability

Corners bend more easily and the spine may break sooner

More durable cover, better shape retention, and improved protection for the pages

Layout check

We check your text for readability and printability (Are the margins sufficient for printing? Is the font size easy to read in print? Is the line spacing right? Is the resolution of the illustrations sufficient for good print quality?), embed the fonts if necessary and take care of automatic page numbers and a table of contents.

Publication as e-book and ISBN

With each publication, you will receive an ISBN number for your e-book and print book.

Worldwide distribution

With each publication, you will receive an ISBN number for your e-book and print book. We deliver your book to our worldwide distribution network: over 300 online shops.

Appealing blurb

We will write you a blurb that arouses curiosity and emotions – and convinces readers. Perfectly tailored to your genre and target audience.

Personal contact

Benefit from our many years of publishing experience: We support you with our know-how from upload to finished book. With us, you will get a personal contact person, we will guide you step by step through the entire process and are there for you.

Layout Deluxe

Your book, perfectly staged: With professional typography, stylish book typesetting and design templates that fit your project, we ensure an all-round coherent reading experience. Whether classic or individual – we design your book the way your story deserves it.

Cover Service

Do you already have your own photo or motif or at least a very concrete idea of how you imagine your book cover? Perfect! We will take care of the creation and send you two to four drafts, from which you can choose one.

You don’t have a cover idea yet or would like us to include your author photo on the back of the book? No problem. For an extra charge of €50, our graphic designer will search for motifs and design your individual book cover including an author’s photo on the book cover – creatively, professionally and matching your story.

Need some inspiration? Check out some of our favorite covers!

Fee overview

Each sale of your title will be remunerated according to the following table.

You will receive your royalties on top of the publisher's selling price.
The table has been valid since 17.04.2025, 12.30 p.m.

Fee on e-book sales

www.grin.com 50%

Amazon Kindle, iBook Store, Google Play, Ciando,

Pubbles, Libri, Genios, Other Distributors 30%

Fee on book sales

www.grin.com 50%
Book trade (BoD and Amazon Marketplace) 30%

The publisher's selling price is the sales price excluding the statutory value added tax as well as less trade discounts, production and shipping costs.

Free Word Templates

SP_illu_buchformate_01

Format: 12 x 19 cm

ideal for: fiction novels

SP_illu_buchformate_02

Format: 14.8 x 21 cm

ideal for: guide books and non-fiction books

SP_illu_buchformate_03

Format: 15.5 x 22 cm

ideal for: children’s and youth books