How To Self-Publish a Book in Malaysia: A Step-by-Step Guide

Self-publishing is becoming an increasingly popular route for Malaysian writers who want full control over their creative work. With the rise of digital platforms, printing-on-demand services, and online bookstores, it’s now easier than ever to publish your book without going through traditional publishing houses.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to self-publish a book in Malaysia — from writing and editing to printing, distribution, and marketing. Whether you’re writing fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or a children’s book, this guide will help you take your manuscript from draft to bookshelf.

Why Choose Self-Publishing in Malaysia?

Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand why self-publishing might be the right choice for you:

• Full Creative Control: You decide on the content, design, pricing, and distribution.
• Higher Royalties: You keep most of the profits instead of sharing them with a publisher.
• Faster Process: Traditional publishing can take years. With self-publishing, you set your timeline.
• Direct Access to Readers: You can build your audience on your terms through social media and online platforms.

Steps to Self-Publish a Book in Malaysia

If you’re ready to publish your book independently, you’re about to take on several exciting roles — writer, designer, publisher, and marketer. Don’t worry — it’s not as hard as it sounds.

Here’s a clear step-by-step breakdown of what you need to do to successfully self-publish your book in Malaysia:

Step 1: Finish and Polish Your Manuscript

Your book begins with a well-written manuscript. Spend time crafting your story, organizing your ideas, and making it as strong as possible.

Key Tips:

• Set a daily or weekly writing goal.
• Write multiple drafts — don’t settle on your first version.
• Ask for feedback from friends, beta readers, or writing groups.
• Use software like Grammarly or ProWritingAid for grammar checks.

Once you’re satisfied with your content, hire a professional editor to help with:

• Developmental editing (structure, flow)
• Copy editing (grammar, punctuation)
• Proofreading (final polish)

Step 2: Decide on Your Publishing Format

You can publish your book in print, eBook, or both formats. Consider your goals and target audience:

• Print Books: Great for events, book fairs, and readers who prefer physical copies.
• eBooks: Ideal for online distribution through Amazon, Google Play Books, or local platforms like eSentral.
• Audiobooks (optional): A growing market, especially for nonfiction.

Step 3: Design a Professional Cover and Interior

A well-designed book makes a huge difference. People do judge a book by its cover, so invest in professional design services.

What You Need:

• Front cover (title, subtitle, author name)
• Back cover (blurb, bio, ISBN, barcode)
• Spine (if the book is thick enough)
• Interior layout (fonts, margins, chapter headings)

Use tools like Canva, Adobe InDesign, or hire Malaysian freelancers from sites like Fiverr or Upwork.

Step 4: Get an ISBN in Malaysia

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a must for printed books. In Malaysia, ISBNs are managed by the National Library of Malaysia (Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia).

How to Get an ISBN:

1. Go to the ISBN Malaysia portal.
2. Register as a publisher or self-publisher.
3. Submit your book details and cover image.
4. Receive your ISBN and barcode for free.

Note: You must send a copy of your book to the National Library once it’s printed.

Step 5: Choose a Printing or Distribution Method

There are two common methods for printing in Malaysia:

A) Local Printers

• Best for bulk printing (100+ copies)
• Get quotes from printers like Percetakan Nasional, Booksmith, or local printing shops.
• Choose between paperback, hardcover, black-and-white, or colored pages.

B) Print-on-Demand (POD)

• Ideal for small budgets and low-risk publishing.
• Print only when an order is placed.
• Platforms like KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), Lulu, or IngramSpark allow Malaysian authors to print on demand and distribute internationally.

Step 6: Publish and Distribute Your Book

Once your book is edited, formatted, and designed, it’s time to publish and distribute.

For Print Books in Malaysia:

• Sell at bookstores like MPH, Popular, and Kinokuniya.
• List your book on Shopee, Lazada, and your website.
• Approach independent bookstores and pitch your book directly.

For eBooks:

• Upload to platforms like:
  • Amazon KDP
  • Google Play Books
  • eSentral (Malaysia’s leading eBook store)
  • Smashwords (for global reach)
• Set pricing in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) where available.

Step 7: Market Your Book

Marketing is essential to help your book reach readers. Without a traditional publisher, the responsibility is on you.

Strategies to Try:

• Create a website or blog to promote your work.
• Use social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter) to share updates, teasers, and behind-the-scenes content.
• Run book giveaways on platforms like Goodreads or Facebook.
• Collaborate with Malaysian book influencers and bookstagrammers.
• Do virtual or in-person book launches.
• Join writing events and book festivals like the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair.

Step 8: Collect Reviews and Feedback

Encourage readers to leave reviews on platforms where your book is sold. Reviews help build credibility and increase visibility in search rankings.

Ask for reviews from:

• Book bloggers
• Readers’ groups
• Online communities (Reddit, Goodreads, local forums)

Step 9: Monitor Sales and Plan Your Next Steps

Track your book’s performance and keep adjusting your marketing strategy. Use sales data from platforms like KDP, Shopee, or your website.

Ask yourself:

• What marketing worked best?
• Should I release a second edition or a sequel?
• What feedback can improve my next book?

FAQs: Self-Publishing in Malaysia

Q1: Do I need to register a company to self-publish?

No. You can register as an individual publisher when applying for an ISBN through the National Library of Malaysia.

Q2: How much does it cost to self-publish a book in Malaysia?

Costs vary depending on:

• Editing: RM 300–3000
• Cover design: RM 150–1000
• Printing: RM 8–20 per copy (bulk discounts apply)
• Marketing: RM 0–unlimited, depending on strategy

A typical self-publishing budget ranges from RM 1000 to RM 5000+.

Q3: Is it better to publish on Amazon or local platforms?

Amazon offers global reach, while local platforms like eSentral and Shopee make it easier to target Malaysian readers. Ideally, publish on both.

Q4: Can I sell my book in bookstores?

Yes. Approach stores like MPH, Kinokuniya, and Popular, and ask about their consignment programs. You’ll need to provide physical copies and agree on revenue splits.

Q5: What languages can I publish in?

You can publish in Malay, English, Chinese, Tamil, or any other language. Just ensure your editing and formatting are appropriate for your language of choice.

Final Thoughts

Self-publishing a book in Malaysia is entirely possible — and rewarding — if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. From writing and editing to ISBN registration, printing, and marketing, you have full control over the journey. With the right tools, local resources, and persistence, your book can find its way into the hands of Malaysian and international readers.

Whether you’re writing your first novel, a memoir, or a nonfiction guide, remember this: your story matters. Don’t wait for permission — publish it yourself and share it with the world.