Free Guide: How I Self-Published Without an Agent
A simple, honest downloadable e-book guide for first-time authors navigating the publishing process without an agent. After pursuing the traditional publishing route as a debut author, I received over 80 rejections. Knowing it can take hundreds of attempts to get one yes, I ultimately chose to self-publish because my story felt time-sensitive.
If you haven’t yet read Invisibly Allergic: A Memoir of Survival, Advocacy, and Change, you can order it wherever books are sold or request it for free through your local library. Instructions and direct links are available on my website here.
I intentionally wrote my food allergy memoir and nonfiction to resonate with readers both within and beyond the allergy community. My hope is that people come away having learned something, feeling more connected to experiences different from their own, or feeling more seen in their own. In my book, I also talk about how sharing your story can make a difference, no matter what cause or experience matters to you. That’s part of why I wanted to create this guide. I’m not a full-time writer or publishing professional, and figuring out self-publishing involved a steep learning curve. I wanted to document what I learned before I forgot it, and if it can make the path a little easier for someone else, I’m glad to share it!
This guide is everything I learned along the way. Get instant access to the guide
& enter your email below:
What you will get from this e-book guide:
- A clear breakdown of the self-publishing process
- What to expect when querying agents and publishers
- The tools and platforms I used
- What I would do differently next time
- Encouragement to move forward even without a yes
How to get a PDF onto Kindle, Kobo, or E-Reader Device
📱 Kindle
Option 1: Send to Kindle
- Find your Kindle email address (in Amazon account settings under “Manage Your Content and Devices”)
- Email the PDF to that address
- Subject line can be blank
- Attach the PDF
- Open your Kindle or Kindle app → it will appear in your library
Option 2: Send to Kindle app
- Download Amazon’s “Send to Kindle” app on desktop or mobile
- Upload the PDF → choose device → send
📖 Kobo & Other Devices
- Connect Kobo to a computer via USB or
- Use Dropbox (if enabled on your Kobo device)
- Drag and drop the PDF into the Kobo “Documents” folder (or Dropbox sync folder)
- Safely eject device
- It will appear under “My Documents” or “Books”
About the author:
Zoë is the author of Invisibly Allergic: A Memoir of Survival, Advocacy, and Change, a story centered on food allergy awareness, advocacy, and lived experience.
Food Allergy & Disability Book Recommendations (For All Ages)
These food allergy book & disability book recommendations are a way to gain empathy, educate, and learn about disabilities and the spectrum they can be.
Ways to Save on Epinephrine Auto-Injectors in the U.S. (2026)
Epinephrine is life-saving—but still costly in the U.S. This post breaks down 2025 prices and savings options to help you afford it.
What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)?
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune-mediated condition where a type of white blood cell, called an eosinophil, builds up in the esophagus. This buildup causes inflammation, leading to difficulties swallowing, food impaction, and damage to the esophagus over time.EoE is often triggered by food or environmental allergens. How to Cope with EoE? Managing EoE…