Ten Years as a Publisher What (If Anything) I Have Learned? (Part Three)

 

I've saved the best to last.

I've learned that publishing your own work can be engaging, satisfying, and fun for a variety of reasons. For me it has been an entirely positive experience. And I think it can be for everyone as well, but only if you do the necessary homework to understand how the self-publishing market works. And after that, set out clear, obtainable goals in light of your research. 

There is no one best way to self-publish your work. There are different ways with different goals.

For example, if you want to sell a lot of books, you will need to write very specific books with very specific tropes and story beats in the bestselling genre you've identified in your research. And then expect to spend a great deal of time and money trying to attract readers.

On the other hand, if you want to just write that story that needs to be written, you probably should accept the fact it's not going to sell a lot of copies, and that the joy will come from the journey, the accomplishment, not some monetary reward. 

In my case, I set out modest, realistic goals, that I've met. And have had a great deal of fun not only meeting those goals, but in taking a hands-on approach the the entire process of writing and publishing a book.

For the last fifteen years or so, writing stories, and then publishing them, has given me something to get out of bed for. Dreaming up my stories has filled many an idle minute or two (about the length of my ability to focus) throughout every day and while I lay in bed waiting for sleep. They have been my bedtime stories. And though I dazzle no one I know with being an author, producing my books has given me a sense of accomplishment.

I've done something with my time.

My decision to approach publishing as an amateur, which is to say someone who does it for the love of doing it, rather than to make money, has contributed a great deal to my satisfaction. Knowing the market and my position in it, meant that I approached it with a chance of success, on my terms. And my modest terms have meant that I've had a great deal of fun, without stress. I've changed covers, I've tried new stores, new mediums, especially audiobooks, and seen my sales numbers grow. My approach has also spared me from having to do unpleasant and distasteful things, like promoting myself and my work, or simply doing any work at all. 

Writing this blog has also been a source of pleasure for me. I like writing, and this blog is an excuse to write.

Last, but far from least, there is one other aspect of self-publishing that I've not mentioned, but which has been a great source of enjoyment and satisfaction. That is engaging with readers of my books and blog, making online friends, and becoming a small part of the community of fellow authors.

I've made some wonderful online friends, as readers, beta readers, and fellow authors. Not being a social creature, I really appreciate the opportunity to meet with people in this way - through the written word, which is my medium of choice when it comes to communication. And so, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has reached out to me over the last ten years; every contact has been a pleasure.

I would also like to thank everyone who has taken the time to rate and/or reviewed my stories, no matter how you rated and reviewed them. I appreciate the effort you made to do so. I have enjoyed and valued every one. And though, thankfully, negative reviews have been rare, I have to confess that I enjoyed them as well. I have opinions, and you do too. Thank you for sharing them with me.

So to sum it all up; THANK YOU! You've made it great.

Next week, I will report on my year ten sales numbers.

Coming 5 June 2025 or sooner!