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How to Self-Publish a Horror Book That Actually Scares (In a Good Way)

Want to Write a Horror Book? Let’s Make It One Readers Can’t Put Down

There’s something powerful about horror. It’s not just about blood or monsters—it’s about fear, suspense, tension… and the release that comes after.

If you’re dreaming of writing a horror novel or short story collection, you’re in good company. Indie horror is thriving, and self-publishing gives you the freedom to explore any subgenre you want—from haunted houses to cosmic dread to psychological mind games.

This guide will help you get started with writing and self-publishing your horror book—without getting stuck in common traps that sink many first-time authors.

Let’s bring your nightmares to life (in the best way possible).

Affiliate note: This post includes a few affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tools and services we trust.

Step 1: Pick the Right Kind of Scary

Not all horror is the same. Think about what kind of fear you want to explore. Some options:

  • 👻 Supernatural Horror (ghosts, demons, curses)
  • 🧟 Creature Horror (vampires, zombies, monsters)
  • 🧠 Psychological Horror (paranoia, unreliable narrators, trauma)
  • 🪓 Slasher/Gore (graphic violence, revenge)
  • 🌌 Cosmic Horror (unknown forces, Lovecraft-style dread)
  • 🚪 Domestic/Quiet Horror (real-life situations with creepy twists)

Start with one and keep your focus tight. Readers want to feel the tension build—not get pulled in five different directions.

Step 2: Build Tension (Then Pay It Off)

Good horror doesn’t just jump out and yell “boo.” It builds slowly—layer by layer.

Tips for writing strong suspense:
 ✅ Open with a sense of unease
 ✅ Let the reader know something’s wrong—but don’t explain it all at once
 ✅ Use short sentences when the action picks up
 ✅ End chapters with cliffhangers or open questions

And most importantly: give your reader some relief. Constant tension can wear people out. A little humor or calm before the next storm keeps them turning pages.

Step 3: Avoid the Most Common Horror Writing Mistakes

🚫 Too much gore, too soon – Blood doesn’t scare people. Not knowing what’s coming does.

🚫 Flat characters – We only care about what happens to characters we know and understand. Give your characters real goals, fears, and relationships.

🚫 Explaining everything – Leave some mystery. Let readers imagine the worst.

🚫 Cliché endings – The “it was all a dream” or “everyone dies” wrap-up rarely satisfies. Give your reader something to chew on.

📌 Pro Tip: If it doesn’t creep you out a little while writing it… it probably won’t scare anyone else either.

Step 4: Format and Publish Your Horror Book

Once your draft is edited and ready, it’s time to publish. Here’s what you’ll need:

🖋️ Editing:

📚 Formatting:

  • Use Atticus or Vellum to format for Kindle and print

🎨 Cover Design:

  • Horror covers should be high contrast, bold, and genre-specific (think eerie fonts, dark imagery)
  • Hire a pro on Fiverr or use Canva with care

📦 Publishing:

  • Many people start with Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)
  • Consider “going wide” by placing your book on other independent platforms with Draft2Digital or PublishDrive 

 

Step 5: Promote Your Book Without Feeling Creepy

Even horror writers need a marketing plan! Here’s how to spread the word:

  • Create teaser graphics on Canva or hire a social media marketer on Fiverr
  • Share short, spooky excerpts on Instagram or TikTok 
  • Ask early readers for honest reviews 
  • Join horror reader Facebook groups
  • Create a trial AWeber or Mailerlite account to start an email marketing list 
  • Run low-cost promos on BookFunnel or via Fiverr book marketing gigs 

🧛 Bonus idea: Offer a free short story in exchange for email sign-ups—great for building a horror fan list. You can create an easy download page using BookFunnel.

 

Want Help Publishing Like a Pro?

🎁 Grab our free “Publish Like a Pro” Toolkit
 Get our best self-publishing checklists, cover tips, formatting links, and more.
 👉 Download it here

📘 Want a full step-by-step roadmap?
 Grab the Author’s Quickstart Blueprint for $17 and get a simple, clear guide to writing, publishing, and launching your book.
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💼 Bonus Offer: Add the Author Toolbox Templates at checkout for $17 more. Includes horror launch checklists, marketing ideas, and back cover templates.

Final Thoughts

Writing horror isn’t about copying what’s been done—it’s about finding the fear that you know best, and sharing it in a way that pulls your reader into the shadows with you.

You don’t need permission. You don’t need perfect. You just need to start.

Let’s bring your horror story to life—and give your readers something they’ll never forget.