First-time author looking for advice on editing, publishing & international distribution (low budget)

Hi everyone,

I’m a writer and I’ve completed two books in English. I’m now at the stage where I want to publish and distribute them internationally, but I’m facing a few challenges and would really appreciate guidance from those with experience.

My situation:

Both manuscripts are complete, but I feel they need professional editing.

The total page count is lower than what I’ve seen as a “standard” book length, and I’m unsure if that’s an issue.

I don’t have enough budget to print books upfront.

What I’m looking for:

Affordable (or beginner-friendly) editing options — are there platforms, freelancers, or even beta reader communities you’d recommend?

Is a shorter book a disadvantage in publishing? Should I expand it, or is it fine depending on the content?

Best way to publish internationally without upfront printing costs — I’ve heard about print-on-demand and self-publishing platforms, but not sure where to start.

Any distributors or platforms that can handle global distribution while being budget-friendly?

I’m open to both traditional and self-publishing routes, but given my financial constraints, I’m leaning toward something more accessible.

If you’ve been through this journey or have any practical advice, I’d really value your insights.

Thanks in advance!