(This question is part of a larger subseries called Perpetual WIPs: Self-Published Authors. For the remaining questions, see here.)
Would you do it again? Why or why not?
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Yes. Because I am a storyteller and this is a way to get my stories out.
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Absolutely. It’s a crazy, mind-numbing, tear-your-hair-out-and-howl-at-the-moon amount of work, but I love it. It suits me. And every day I’m a little closer to my goals than I was the day before. As long as that continues to be the case, I’ll keep on hoeing that row.
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Yes. It’s given me the kind of confidence in my work and my ability that I might still be struggling to find if I hadn’t.
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It was always my dream to be able to take my kid to school in the morning and pick him up after. However, I also need to work and self publishing has made that possible. Not publishers, as much as I do love them. They give me pocket change while self publishing is paying my mortgage. I feel incredibly lucky and I’d absolutely do it again 🙂
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Without a doubt! I’m earning a living from my books – what’s better than that?
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I will absolutely do it again! My work is being read, squealed over, and looked forward to by hungry readers, and I’m confident that the book I put in their hands was high quality in both content and design. That’s success for me, for now.
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I would not that I know more about it. I think I have done more research at this point. I have a better grasp of the industry. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for people that have books that don’t fit traditional publishing.
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Yes! Definitely. It’s been a lot of fun, and it’s fantastic to have the immediate gratification of people reading and reviewing your work, knowing it’s out there and available. I love the fact that I can stay true to my story’s vision, and that I have the flexibility to try different things to see what works best for that book.
Plus, it’s just been fun!
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Absolutely. Between the creative freedom, the control, and keeping all of my profits, there’s not much that could tear me away.
I have no regrets about self-publishing. I’ve met some amazing people and had great conversations and experiences as a result of going forward on my own. I’ve also learned a lot, which will only make my writing better in the future. As to whether or not I’d do it again in the future, likely yes, but it depends a lot on the book. Some stories are more suited to self-publishing than others.
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Sure, I’d self-publish again and I plan to keep self-publishing for a while! I have the knowledge for this now, and I intend to keep using it.
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Absolutely. I loved the process, and I love being my own boss. I can write what I want, and release it according to my schedule. I don’t have to wait two years, and I don’t have to edit according to publishing house guidelines. I don’t just mean in terms of the words, but of the plot. There is a freedom in working with an editor who wants your book to succeed on its own, and not to just fit in to the brand of a certain house or imprint.
And it’s really just an amazing experience. Every day I am proud of myself and my books, and my writing keeps growing stronger with every word I type. The stress and anguish I felt while I was subbing are non-existent. I write for me, I write for my readers, and I write for love.
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The Daily Dahlia 