I recently wrote a self-publishing guest post for indie author, Theresa Sopoko. I wrote the article in a bid to convince myself that self-publishing is the way to go. While everyone secretly wants to be published by one of the Big 5, I’ve finally begun to see that the advantages to self-publishing are actually pretty great (if you put in the hard yaka that is) – and what better way to demonstrate that than with a few cats thrown in for good measure!
- Stigma, what stigma?
The stigma surrounding self-publishing isn’t as bad as it used to be (for a million and one reasons that you’ll read below) – sometimes you can’t even tell when you’re reading a self-pubbed book!
- Creating your own covers is fun
If you’ve seen some of my earlier blog posts you’ll know that I’m obsessed with creating book covers – even before I’ve finished the novel! I create all of mine on canva.com – if you’re on a budget they have free templates and images, but you can also buy incredible images for a reasonable USD$1 (24 hour license)
- Self-publishing can be the safer option
It can be risky signing a book deal with a small publisher or vanity press, especially if you don’t have an agent to help you negotiate the contract. It can often end in disaster – see Writer’s Beware, Preditors & Editors and the absolute write forums for news on bogus publishing companies.
- There are so many ways for Indie authors to get out there and touch base with their readers
Hello social media! Writer’s can utilise wonderful inventions such as blogs, email lists and even YouTube vlogs! There are so many ways to create and nurture a fan base. I really don’t know how Indie authors coped back in 1975 – where there any?
- You no longer have to freak out at the word ‘marketing’
Marketing can be a good thing! Even traditional authors have to take charge of marketing their book, but compared to traditional authors, Indie authors have the final word on promotions and deals (as well as earning higher royalties!) Want to market your book for free and get thousands of people to download your book in a 48 hour window? Go ahead! On the other hand, publishing houses must keep all of their novels at a fixed price point (otherwise they would be forced to reduce all of their book prices, which is something they aren’t prepared to do.)
- Traditional authors see the benefits too!
While getting published by one of the big name publishing houses would be a dream come true, even traditionally published authors are switching sides and realising the benefits of self-publishing – like higher royalties and more money. Some authors find their sales increase tenfold just by going indie! Side note: if you’re lucky enough to get a traditional publishing contract, I say grab hold of that and run for your life!
- Indie books become best sellers and get movie deals– Well hey there Fifty Shades of Grey.
And have you heard of The Martian? I still can’t believe that it was originally self-published! Like far out that’s insane. When everyone tells you that they are the exception, not the rule, I say to hell with that! Self-publishing may open doors you never believed possible…
- Don’t let the big dogs intimidate you
A huge benefit that people often overlook is that ratings and reviews are the key to opening your book to the world – not always the big name publishing houses. In this technologically advanced age of Print on Demand (P.O.D) like createspace and online publishing platforms like Amazon, most readers don’t even look at the ‘published by’ section. I firmly believe a book needs good ratings and reviews to be succesful – traditionally published books fail too!
- You’ve got the power
And perhaps most importantly of all, there is no publisher or limiting contract to deal with – you have the power to write what you want, when you want and you can even publish as quickly as you please! No more waiting 18 months to get your novel published – though I do recommend spending a good amount of time on editing. Remember, every time someone self-publishes a perfectly polished, beautiful book, the Indie author cred increases!
If you’re doing NaNoWriMo – get your laptop out, do those 1,667 words a day, finish that novel and start thinking about self-publishing!
I’m also doing NaNoWriMo, and if you’d like a buddy, you can find me on the site as: Millieschmidt
Looking forward to seeing you there!
The Cat's Write 
Reblogged this on The Starving Writers' Club.
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I was having a particularly difficult day trying to figure out a bunch of techie stuff to get my site self-hosted, when I took a break to check out your site. My mind was fried. I was discouraged. I was giving up.
Then I saw your cats and laughing out loud, remembered why I’m doing this. Because it’s fun, and I like it! I’m owned by a cat as well, and she is always a great help with computer issues. (just lay on the keyboard and chew on that silly power cord) Looking forward to more from you.
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Yes, yes, and yes to all the reasons for self-publication. But I would amend to writing with dog.
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Reblogged this on Wordboy's Words.
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Love your post – even though I am a dog lover!I I am currently working on my first novel and intend self publishing just so I know it will get out there. wish I had known about NaNoWriMo before today! What a great way to get me focused! Is it done every year?
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What can I say – I love cats. I have a diva myself. She wants to be petted, but won’t turn and look at you for anything! I have yet to finish my first ebook, and it’s so exciting to think about publishing it myself. Lots of simple advice out there to help you along, like your great post! Just blogged about my obstacles today 😒
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Especially love the white cat with glasses!
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I’m soooo glad I found that gif! It’s a classic ☺️
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Thank you for this! I came to the abrupt realization a little while back that I didn’t really want to jump through all the hoops to get my book published by some publishing house, so I’m going to stick a toe in the water at the start of the year (if all goes as planned). So this is very encouraging! (plus I’m a sucker for cute cats)
Meno<3
PS. Thanks for the follow, I'm really enjoying your blog!
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Awesome stuff! I like the idea of trying for traditional publication but with a solid self-publishing backup plan. I love the fact that the internet has made self-publishing so much less of a joke…
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Such a great post! Makes me feel better about moving forward with my writing. Thanks 🙂
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Reblogged this on La Petit Muse and commented:
Are you thinking of self-publishing? Then here’s a great post to consider.
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Great post. Having published both ways, traditional and indie, I tend to prefer the indie for the freedom, control and speed it provides. The hard part is the marketing …
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As soon as my cover is done, I’ll be ready to self-publish my first novel–scary, but I’m ready. This is such a great post!
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I requested to add you as a buddy, KyrlieQ. I also use canva.com
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Love this! I decided a while back to stick with self-publishing. It’s a long game, I’m finding, but I don’t regret the decision. (Especially now that I can point to cat gifs to justify it!)
This post is just what I needed tonight 🙂
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I agree with you in everything that you said…
Thanks for finding me.
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Excellent article! Maybe I’ll get myself to sit and write something longer than one of my book reviews for the first time in a long time and get that thing self-published.
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Cats make everything better. I’m doing Nano, I think, though I haven’t actually started yet…see you over there. I’m Coquille Fleur.
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Wonderful, I’ll make sure to find you!
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I agree about the cats, haha!
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Reading Foucault’s Pendulum has always scared me away from self-publishing, but you make some interesting points and have eased my fear.
And thanks for the follow, here’s one right back at ya!
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Great points in this post I’ve been thinking of the self-publishing for a while now. Love the motivation from the cats. Wow, thanks for liking my post and following my blog.
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Great post! Awesome advice. 🙂
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Rather be published by dogs but otherwise spot on! 🐶 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶
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Yeah me too 🙂
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Knew I liked ya! 😉
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Clever cats!
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I self-published my LCHF recipe book and never looked back. I was too scared to go to a publisher!
Thank you, I enjoyed this blog post.
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It can be so nerve racking going to publishers! I was scared too, mainly because I wasn’t sure how I’d handle rejection – it stings! But I try to use every single one to make me stronger. Like Chuck Wendig tells us: “staple your rejections to your chest and wade into battle with them as your armor” – it’s my favourite quote of all time 🙂
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You almost have me convinced. I’m tired of agent rejections!
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Yeah I’ve almost convinced myself too!
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And cats help make it happen. Great points!
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They totally do!
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This post is awesome! I love the cats! I agree 100% with everything you write here. I was leery of self-publishing at first but I got tired of playing the submission game with my poetry, educated myself, and self-published 2 poetry collections. I absolutely love everything about the self-publishing process. It’s so rewarding and fun. Thank you for posting this!
I’m doing nanowrimo this year and it’s my first attempt in years to write a novel. And I do plan to self-publish it when I finish the revision process 🙂
Good luck with yours 🙂
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Such a fun post with all the cats! I’m trying out the self-publishing thing with my first picture book which I hope will be released soon and so far I’ve enjoyed the journey.
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