On my blog post yesterday (click HERE to read it), I happily announced that I’ve decided to self-publish my books. I’m very excited about this journey and know it will be hard work, but the end will be worth it because I will be a published author!
While Indie/Self-published authors sometimes get a bad wrap because of bad editing, bad formatting, cheesy book covers…the list could go on, I support them because they’ve made their dreams come true of becoming an author. However, those who do follow the rules of self-publishing seem to have a greater chance of becoming a #1 Bestseller on Amazon, for example. (I have a friend who has a screen shot of her book being at #1, which is right beside Stephen King). I’ve had the pleasure of reading and reviewing quite a few self-published books and while there’s been a lot of wonderful stories with great characters, it’s how the book was formatted that I paid most attention to, only because I have a tendency to be OCD about layouts, (here’s to hoping that when my books are published there won’t be any formatting issues).
Some might even say that they decide to self-publish because they’re afraid of rejection. Am I afraid of rejection? Yes, but in a good way. I think being rejected (in any form) is just another sign of getting to where your meant to be. Isn’t like breaking up with someone (rejection), only to find “the one” (published)? My fear of rejection has nothing to do with rejection.
Back to why I want to self-publish…I want to be in charge! From formatting, cover design, and marketing, I want it all! I want to learn the self-publishing business (yes, it’s a business within itself), so isn’t self-publishing a book the best way to do it? Yes!
How do I plan on going about it? I’ve purchased books (the “Self-Publishing for Dummies” book is a great resource that I will probably read at least five times), and I have huge support from my Twitter and Facebook friends, especially those in my Chick Lit Goddesses group.
Will this be a tough task, absolutely! I know that I’ll be so OCD that I’ll probably have my husband look over it a hundred times before the release date, just to make sure that I did it right. I know that I’ll be stressed, won’t sleep, and will have butterflies in my stomach through the process, but there is a positive side to all of this.
While I’ve had a wonderful life (a delightful and happy childhood, my family is supportive of everything that I do, I’m married to the love of my life, and I have true friends), I can’t remember being happier with this decision to self-publish. And, with everything I’ve been through (I won’t bore you with the ups and downs), I was meant to be a writer, no, make that an author. I was meant to be an author.
Pop open the Veuve Cliquot, because it’s time to celebrate!
Isabella, I am so happy for you! It sounds like you have the perfect attitude to make your indie-pub a huge success! I’m looking forward to your books, and hope they result in many sales!
~ Kathleen
Thank you so much! 🙂
Isabella,
I know what a big decision this is, since it is one I made myself, but you are well ahead of the game with a network of support you’ve built for yourself. I wish you great success and you know where to find me if you ever need my assistance.
Your friend,
Elizabeth Marx
You’re too kind! Thanks so much! 🙂
Congrads Isabella on your chosen path. I self published my novel, Entice Me which you ever so kindly did an interview with me about it. I spent two years seeking out a publisher and wished I had gone down the route of self publishing a lot sooner. It’s not just about taking charge, but also publishers generally only select one at of thousands or more submissions each year and that one has published successfully before. Published or self-published authors have to work hard at marketing. Good luck Isabella with your great fan base already supporting you I am sure your novel will be a great hit!
Thanks, Melanie! 🙂
Good Job & You know I’m in your corner! xx, Lauren
Aww, thank you, Lauren! 🙂
That’s exciting. Good luck!
Thank you!
Isabella,
Your post really resonated with us because we decided the exact same thing. We didn’t submit to publishers either, and really want to do this on our own too. Thankfully, the stigma of SP seems to be gone. Almost all other artists do it in some form or another (musicians have been doing it with demo tapes, actors with performing their own shows, etc.), so this should be no different.
We’ve decided to go with someone for formatting and the cover art, so if you want to know what we’ve done, or chitchat about this exciting journey, send us an email.
Best of luck!
Isabel and Marilyn
Thank you Isabel and Marilyn! 🙂
Congrats! It is a lot of hard work, but very satisfying. And being able to have control over everything is really nice!
Thanks so much! 🙂 I’m very excited about this upcoming journey!
I’m so excited for you, Isabella! Have you set the release dates? 🙂
Such exciting news! I’m so happy for you, Isabella! 🙂 I have no doubt that you will succeed and I wish you the best of luck on your journey. Of course, we’ll all be here to cheer you on!! 🙂
Yay! Fantastic news, Isabella! It’s a great way to go. Truly. I can’t wait to see what cover you come up with! I’d love to do a cover reveal on my blog!
Yay for you! Can’t wait to see your books available!
Congrats, Isabella, and welcome to the Wonderful World of Indie Authors! 🙂 Like you, I am a perfectionist and a bit of a control freak, so having the final say on everything with my books is really important to me. As everyone else has said, self-pubbing is A LOT of work and you have to be dedicated (I can’t remember the last time I had a free weekend!), but it is SO worth all the time and effort. I have no doubt that you will achieve all of your goals and I’m happy to help in any way I can. So, what is the release date for your first book? 🙂
Congratulations on your decision and I can’t wait to read your books 🙂