Writing a book is a journey filled with excitement, doubt, and discovery. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, ideas, and endless cups of coffee. But deciding what to do with that book after you’ve typed “The End”? Well, that’s a whole other adventure.
When I finished Benedict Bagshaw and the Arborels, my heart was full of hope and uncertainty. Like many first-time authors, I was faced with the big question: Should I try to get traditionally published, or should I go down the self-publishing route? After much deliberation, I made the decision to self-publish.
Here's what this article will cover;
Self-Publishing Offers Creative Control
As a writer, my characters and worlds are personal to me. I’ve spent countless hours shaping their stories, developing their personalities, and constructing the intricate worlds they inhabit. These creations are an extension of my imagination, and I wanted to ensure they were presented exactly the way I envisioned. With traditional publishing, this level of creative control can sometimes be compromised, as publishers often influence decisions related to the story, cover design, or even character development to align with market trends. Self-publishing, on the other hand, allowed me to maintain complete creative control, from the cover design to the marketing strategy.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about overseeing every aspect of your book’s creation. Imagine seeing your vision come to life in the way you had always dreamed, without being forced to change your quirky protagonist, tweak the story to fit a commercial mold, or adjust the ending to make it more "mainstream." When I self-published Benedict Bagshaw and the Arborels, I was able to keep its essence intact, staying true to the heart of the story I set out to tell. I handpicked the illustrator, crafted the blurbs, and determined the marketing message, all with my original vision in mind. Self-publishing allowed me to present my story to the world, exactly how I wanted it told.
Speed and Timing
Traditional publishing can often feel like a slow-moving train. Writers may spend months, sometimes even years, querying agents, waiting for responses, and dealing with rejections or requests for revisions. Even when a contract is secured, it can take another 12-18 months before the book hits the shelves. That's a long time to wait, especially when you’re passionate about sharing your work with readers. For me, that timeline simply didn’t work. I didn’t want Benedict Bagshaw to sit in a metaphorical drawer while I waited on someone else’s schedule.
With self-publishing, once I had my manuscript ready and polished, I was in control of the timeline. I didn’t have to wait for months of approvals or revisions dictated by others. I could publish on my own terms. Not only does this give authors the ability to release books faster, but it also allows for timely releases, perfect for holidays, special events, or aligning with trends in the market. You have the flexibility to launch when it makes the most sense for both you and your readers.
For instance, many authors choose to release books around the holiday season when readership spikes, or to align with a cultural event. I had the freedom to choose when Benedict Bagshaw would be released, ensuring the timing was right for maximum impact.
Direct Connection with Readers: Building an Authentic Relationship
One of the most rewarding aspects of self-publishing is the direct connection it allows between authors and their readers. Platforms like Amazon, Kobo, and others make it easy for independent authors to reach a global readership. When I released Benedict Bagshaw and the Arborels, it was thrilling to know that my book could be discovered by readers from all over the world, without needing to rely on the traditional gatekeepers of the publishing industry.
This direct connection goes beyond just reaching readers, it allows you to engage with them in real time. I’ve received feedback through reviews, emails, and social media, and because there’s no intermediary between me and my audience, I can respond directly and personally. Engaging with readers on social media, responding to reviews, or even tweaking your marketing approach based on reader insights can be incredibly rewarding. This kind of real-time feedback loop is something traditional publishing rarely affords.
By self-publishing, you’re not only building a fan base, you’re cultivating an engaged community. You have the ability to talk to your readers, learn what they love (and maybe don’t love), and build a more meaningful relationship with them.
Higher Royalties: More Financial Control for Authors
Let’s talk about the financial side. Traditional publishing houses typically offer authors 10-15% royalties on each book sale. While this can vary, especially for debut authors, the percentage remains relatively low when considering how much time and effort an author puts into writing and promoting their work. In contrast, self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP, Kobo, and others allow authors to retain up to 70% of their book's earnings, depending on the price point and distribution choices.
For me, this was a real eye-opener. While I didn’t embark on this journey purely for the financial reward, the ability to retain a higher portion of the royalties was definitely appealing. It meant that all the hard work I put into writing, editing, formatting, and promoting Benedict Bagshaw and the Arborels could result in earnings that felt more proportional to my efforts. In the long run, the financial benefits of self-publishing can significantly outweigh those of traditional publishing, especially when you factor in the higher percentage of royalties retained and the control over pricing strategies.
Additionally, the ability to set your own pricing means you can experiment with marketing strategies such as discounts, limited-time promotions, or even free offers, all while knowing that a higher percentage of each sale goes directly to you.
Learning the Publishing Business: Becoming Your Own Publisher
One of the most unexpected yet rewarding perks of self-publishing was how much I’ve learned about the book business. In traditional publishing, many authors remain disconnected from the technical aspects of book production, marketing, and distribution. But self-publishing forced me to dive headfirst into these areas, and while it was daunting at first, it quickly became a part of the journey I loved.
From learning how to design a cover that would stand out on digital platforms to understanding how to SEO optimise my book description for better search results on Amazon, I discovered that being an author isn’t just about writing it’s about being a business owner. I learned how to market my book, drive traffic to my sales pages, and effectively use social media to promote my work. This holistic understanding of the publishing process is something I wouldn't have gained through traditional publishing.
By self-publishing, you aren’t just an author you become a savvy entrepreneur with a deeper understanding of how to reach your audience, make your book visible, and turn your passion into a viable career.
Building a Brand: Establishing Yourself as an Independent Author
Self-publishing also gave me the opportunity to build my author brand from the ground up. In traditional publishing, much of the branding is left to the publisher, and authors have limited control over how they are marketed. But as a self-published author, you are your brand. You control your image, your online presence, and how you engage with your readers.
With Benedict Bagshaw and the Arborels, I began creating a brand that wasn’t just about one book, it was about building a world that readers could become invested in, and that would grow with each new release. Now, as I prepare to release the sequel, I already have an established presence, a clear voice, and a loyal reader base. Building this kind of brand loyalty is invaluable, and it’s something that is nurtured through direct engagement with your audience.
Conclusion: Taking the Leap into Self-Publishing
Self-publishing isn’t for everyone, but for those who crave creative control, direct connection with readers, and a deeper understanding of the publishing process, it’s an incredibly rewarding path. Yes, it comes with challenges, there’s no big publishing house backing your efforts, but the benefits are undeniable. From creative freedom to higher royalties and the ability to build your brand, self-publishing allows you to take charge of your book's journey.
If you're thinking about self-publishing, my advice is simple: take the leap. The process will push you out of your comfort zone and teach you skills you never knew you needed, but the reward of holding your book in your hands and sharing it with the world on your own terms is worth every effort.