Self-Publishing
Self-publishing is a journey filled with excitement, creativity, and freedom. But if you think the hard part is over once you've typed "The End," think again. There are a lot of hurdles that come after writing, many of which I hadn’t anticipated when I first started. From marketing your book to building a loyal readership and setting up an author website, the self-publishing world can be overwhelming. However, despite the challenges, it’s a path I would choose over and over again.
Here's what this article covers
Publishing Your Novel
When I first published my book, I assumed readers would naturally discover it on platforms like Amazon or Goodreads. After all, I’d put so much time and love into crafting my story, so people would surely find it, right? Well, not exactly.
The reality is, marketing is one of the most challenging aspects of self-publishing. Unlike traditionally published authors, indie authors don’t have a marketing team. From running social media accounts to designing ads, this all falls on your shoulders.
At first, it was daunting. I had to learn the ins and outs of Pinterest, figure out how to leverage Instagram, and find out how I can get a website up and running. One thing they don’t tell you? Marketing is not a one-time effort. It’s an ongoing process that requires creativity, persistence, and patience.
Despite the steep learning curve, there’s something incredibly rewarding about being in control of your own book’s promotion. You get to interact with your readers directly and build personal connections, which is something traditionally published authors often don’t experience.
Marketing Your Novel
Self-publishing means you don’t just need to sell your book, you need to sell yourself. Readers often follow authors whose work they love, and establishing that connection is critical to growing a long-term following. But how do you do that when you’re starting from zero? And how do you do that when you're a complete introvert?
The truth is, it’s a slow process but every post you put out there becomes a little easier. Social media platforms like Pinterest can help, but it’s not about gaining thousands of followers overnight. It’s about consistency and authenticity. One mistake I made early on was focusing too much on numbers. What I eventually realised is that it’s better to have 100 engaged readers than 1,000 passive followers.
So, I shifted my strategy. I started focusing on sharing more personal stories, behind-the-scenes looks at my writing process, and engaging with the community. Slowly but surely, I started seeing real connections form. And while it takes time to build a loyal audience, it’s incredibly satisfying when readers reach out to say your work has touched them in some way.
Building Your Website
When I first heard I needed an author website, I was a bit skeptical. Did I really need one? I thought social media would be enough. But, as I dug deeper into the world of self-publishing, I realised an author website is like a digital home for your brand.
Setting up a website can be tricky, especially if, like me, you’re not tech-savvy. There's the design, the domain name, the content, and even Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to think about. It felt like a whole new world of jargon I had to learn overnight.
With a bit of help from friends and family, I had a website set up on Wix. It was at this point, I realised its importance. Your website is the only space on the internet you control entirely. It’s where readers can find your latest releases, sign up for your newsletter, and learn more about you as an author. Over time, my website became not just a marketing tool, but a creative space where I could share blog posts, updates, and engage with readers more deeply.
The Emotional Side To Self-Publishing
Let’s be honest, self-publishing can feel isolating at times. Without a publisher’s backing, every success and every failure is your own. But that also means every achievement, no matter how small, it feels monumental. Whether it’s hitting a sales milestone, getting your first glowing review, or simply seeing your book in readers' hands, those moments make the challenges worthwhile.
What they don’t tell you about self-publishing is that it's not just a business endeavor; it’s an emotional journey. You’ll have days where imposter syndrome creeps in, where marketing feels futile, and where you question whether it’s all worth it. But then, you’ll have days where a reader sends you a message saying your book changed their life, and that’s when it all clicks.
The Financial Challenges of Self-Publishing
Making a profit through self-publishing can be incredibly difficult. Although platforms like Amazon make it easy to publish, the costs of self-publishing add up quickly. Cover design, editing, marketing, and sometimes even formatting are all out-of-pocket expenses, which can be substantial. Additionally, the royalties for self-published books are often lower than expected, especially after platform fees, print costs, and taxes are deducted.
To earn back these expenses, let alone make a profit, you need consistent sales, something that’s challenging without the visibility and resources a traditional publisher provides. Even with marketing efforts, it can take months or years to see a significant return. This financial reality can be discouraging, especially when balancing marketing costs with daily life expenses.
Why Self-Publishing Is Still Worth It
Despite the difficulties, marketing hurdles, slow follower growth, and tech challenges, self-publishing offers freedom. You’re not confined by a publisher’s vision or deadlines. Every creative decision is yours to make, and every success feels deeply personal.
Moreover, the direct connection with readers is incredibly fulfilling. When someone reaches out to tell you they connected with your story or can’t wait for your next book, it’s a reminder that your work matters. In the end, self-publishing isn’t just about sales or follower counts, it’s about sharing your voice and building a community of readers who resonate with your words.
Conclusion
So, if you’re considering self-publishing, my advice is this: Embrace the learning curve, trust your creative instincts, and remember that the journey, while tough, is incredibly rewarding. Every obstacle you overcome is a step toward building something uniquely yours.