Self-publishing is a boon to many writers who would have struggled to publish. We can argue about the pros and cons of self-publishing. Here I am contemplating the idea that self-publishing is a gamble and why to self publish.
Every writer has to take this chance.
If you are a writer and have successfully established with the traditional publishing, you can also join the self-publishing bandwagon. It’s not one or the other way. But most writers who are on the traditional route, might not enjoy the work it takes for self-publishing. Writing, editing, working with editors, book cover, working with different platforms for book publishing, marketing. It’s a lot of work.
Previously I wrote 5 lessons I learned from self-publishing.
Why to Self Publish?
Self-publishing is like project management. You have to manage different aspects of the project at different times. Publishing a book is a big project in itself. In traditional publishing, you don’t have to worry about book cover design or marketing. The publisher helps in so many ways.
When I published my two books 500 Miles and Blind Alley, I realized self-publishing wasn’t easy. Self-publishing is not one step that you will be happy when you are done. It is a series of steps that you have to craft carefully.
Few things I learned after self-publishing my two books
- Managing my time about book writing, editing, publishing and marketing
- Finding your target audience to market your book
- Not selling one book is not the end of the world
Traditional publishing is equally hard, at least at the beginning when you are trying to get into the industry. Rejections can be hard. But you must try if you really feel that you should take the traditional publishing route. But don’t let that stop you from publishing.
Taking another chance
If you asked me if I would go for traditional publishing for the next book, I will say no. I am fully convinced that I would need control of all the activities I am performing for the book. Self-publishing is still my first choice. In the future, I might change.
Self-publishing is a chance. It’s a chance for you to show your work, show your creative juices without anyone controlling it, or stopping it. Self-publishing offers the control, but most importantly it offers a chance to succeed out there in a plethora of writers. The probability of success might be low, but it’s still there. Never underestimate the chance. It’s not about Russian roulette, it’s the risk that you can afford.
The more you publish, the more you have chances to succeed as a writer.
Publishing is an opportunity, so don’t let it go waste. To succeed with self-publishing, write a fantastic book and follow all other steps. Get it edited by a professional editor. Find a great book cover designer and create a fabulous book cover. Hang out with your target audience and talk to them, connect with them. The more you do, the more you will find out how easier this can be.
Examples of why to self publish
If you ask me a few examples of writers who have done well with self-publishing, I have two good examples. Hugh Howey and William Hertling. Both of these writers have done extremely well with self-publishing. You don’t have to follow them exactly. Few things you can learn from these writers.
- Both writers had a target audience in mind before they wrote the books that did well in the industry.
- They attended conferences, read lots of books, met with lots of other writers.
- They have been writing blogs for a long time, so they had a good email list created. The email list is of paramount importance.
- Both wrote a lot and published a lot.
How will the gamble work?
Write a lot and publish it often. There are a few routes you can take. Publish novels, short stories, novellas through Amazon or other platforms (like Gumroad). You can also submit short stories, long stories to online magazines and if they are accepted, you get some free publicity. You also spread your online presence.
If a reader finds your one work, she might be interested to find if you have written anything else. That gives a chance to find a genuine fan. Once you have one good fan, that fan can spread the word. That’s the gamble you have to take. So don’t stop publishing if you are not successful after one book.