How do you self-publish a book and what does poetry mean to young people today?
As a 15 year old author, who has published a poetry collection called ‘What is War?’ I have learnt a lot about both.
I have always dreamt of becoming an author and I am proud to have successfully published my book on Amazon last week. This article shows my story and provides advice on how to publish a book for any inspiring author.
To begin with, you can use a standard word processing app like Microsoft Word or something more targeted for producing a book like Reedsy book editor. I used Reedsy because it automates the contents page, makes the chapters easy to arrange and it allows you to export your book as a pdf. No app is perfect and it is worth doing some research before you begin, I had to overcome issues with some automated functions, but it is certainly one of the best tools and is completely free.
The next hurdle was to overcome how someone young releases a book on one of the world’s biggest websites? My answer was, KDP, or Kindle Direct Publishing, an Amazon website that makes self-publishing simple. To create an account you need to be over 18 so if you are a young author than ask for your parents help. Secondly, you will need to upload the pdf manuscript and pick categories your book will be under. For example, my book, as of writing, is the #1 bestseller for books in Middle Eastern History for Young Adults. Despite being niche, these categories give you something to strive for in your journey as an author.
Thirdly, you need to set a price and there are many factors in setting the price. Printing costs, time to produce and profit. You should earn around 50-60% profit from asking price if you only sell your book through Amazon. I understand E-books give you 70% and if you sell your printed book elsewhere you will get 40%, so with many options, choose your price wisely so it stays motivating while offering good value for money.
Finally, you will need to submit your book to Amazon for checking with special attention to page size and colour. Now onto the covers.
I bet you have heard “never judge a book by its cover” yeah, well unfortunately everyone does. The first thing your potential customer will see is your front cover, so making that it will look slick and professional is important. The number 1 best way to have a great cover is to use a graphic designer, if you know someone then that’s perfect, but if you don’t, you can put your creative skills in an app like Canva. Although, there is a cover maker on Amazon, I personally found this restrictive. If going through the Canva route be careful to remember the formatting guidelines.
How does a 15 year old get the motivation to publish a poetry collection? One of my teachers surprised me by saying “that’s not normal.”
I have always wanted to publish a book and become an author and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It all came about from breaking my thumb in late October, which stopped me playing football and going to the gym. Despite having obvious physical restrictions, the mental impact was far greater.. So I decided to turn a difficult moment into a creative opportunity.
I decided to use the time (if I am honest could easily have been on my phone and Xbox!) into writing a book.
I have always enjoyed writing poetry and from a young person’s perspective I feel it gives you a sense of freedom. There are no strict rules — you can write short lines, long lines, rhyme, not rhyme, mix styles, or break grammar intentionally. My poems are a mix of all these things, but I do enjoy the challenge of keeping the rhyming element.
A short poem can also hold sadness, anger, hope, or confusion in a way that feels safe and creative and I feel gives young people a voice in conversations that matter.
I chose to provide a voice on war as it is not only topical but philosophically thought-provoking. I took inspiration from some of my favourite poems and after a lot of time spent researching, and speaking with my grandparents, I published ‘What is War’ on the 12th of January 2026.
When life gives you a broken thumb, write a book.
How are you going to challenge yourself this New Year?
