When I first decided to pursue writing seriously, I imagined the traditional route: querying agents, crossing my fingers, and hoping for that elusive “yes” from a publisher. But as I went deeper into the process, a realization hit me—I’d been reading books that, frankly, didn’t feel that different from my own rough drafts. If those stories were out there being read, loved, and celebrated, why not mine?
That’s when I decided to take a leap of faith and self-publish. I’d always heard self-publishing was a daunting path reserved for people with entrepreneurial grit and endless marketing savvy. But what I’ve discovered is that self-publishing is less about perfection and more about persistence, creativity, and, most importantly, belief in your own work.
Why I Chose Self-Publishing
- Creative Control
One of the most appealing aspects of self-publishing is the creative freedom it offers. I have full control over every element of my stories—from the plot twists to the cover design to the launch strategy. If I want to write about a witch falling for a vampire king at a magical masquerade, no one can tell me, “That’s too niche.” It’s my story, my rules. - Speed to Market
Traditional publishing can take years from query to bookshelf. Self-publishing, on the other hand, allows me to get my work in front of readers much faster. Once I’ve polished my manuscript to a point where I’m proud of it, I can publish it on platforms like Amazon’s KDP without waiting for anyone’s permission. This faster turnaround also means I can respond to reader demand more quickly, something that’s critical for serialized stories like my Seasonally Spellbound series. - Confidence in My Craft
When I started comparing my rough drafts to some of the books already on the market, I realized something important: I’m not “waiting to be ready” anymore. I’m ready now. Was my first book The Midnight Masquerade perfect? No. But it was good enough to be loved by readers, and that’s all that really matters. I’d rather take action and learn as I go than sit on a “what if” forever. - Direct Connection to Readers
Self-publishing allows me to connect directly with readers. I’m able to receive feedback almost instantly, whether it’s a review or a message on social media. This feedback loop has been invaluable for my growth as a writer. Instead of waiting for feedback from agents or editors, I’m able to see what’s working (or not working) in real-time. - Earnings Potential
While traditional publishing typically pays authors a small percentage of royalties, self-publishing allows for a much higher cut of the profits. Yes, I’m responsible for expenses like editing, cover design, and marketing, but I’m also able to keep a bigger share of the revenue. Over time, those earnings can add up, especially with multiple books in a series.
The Challenges of Self-Publishing
Of course, self-publishing isn’t all magic and moonlight. There are real challenges that come with this choice, and I’d be remiss not to mention them.
- Upfront Costs
If you’re going to do it right, you’ll need to invest in things like professional editing, cover design, and marketing. I’ve learned that a good cover can make the difference between a book being ignored or clicked on instantly. It’s not cheap if you need to hire out, but it’s an investment in the long-term success of the book. Can’t swing it? I recommend checking out Canva to create your own covers. - Self-Promotion Required
As a self-published author, you’re also your own marketing team. This means learning how to promote on social media, running ad campaigns, and finding creative ways to generate buzz. For me, this was a big adjustment, but it’s also become one of the most rewarding aspects of the process. It’s satisfying to know that the success of my books is in my hands, not someone else’s. - Time Management
Writing is only one part of the self-publishing process. There’s also formatting, uploading, marketing, and customer service (yes, readers will reach out to you with questions and comments). Balancing all these roles as a stay-at-home mom requires planning and prioritization. Thankfully, I’ve learned how to streamline these tasks, but it’s something every self-published author has to navigate. - Imposter Syndrome
It’s easy to question your worth when you’re putting your own work into the world. Without an agent or publisher’s validation, you have to believe in yourself — fully. The truth is, doubt never really goes away, but I’ve learned to push forward anyway. Every new reader reminds me why I’m doing this. - Standing Out in a Crowded Market
With thousands of new books published daily, standing out is no small feat. But I’ve found that niching down (like focusing on holiday-themed urban fantasy romances) makes it easier to carve out a space where my books feel “just right” for a specific audience. If you’re trying to please everyone, you’ll please no one. But if you’re speaking directly to a specific type of reader, they’ll feel seen.
So, Should You Self-Publish?
If you’re on the fence about self-publishing, I’d encourage you to ask yourself a few questions:
- Are you willing to learn new skills (like marketing, editing, and design) or hire people to help?
- Are you comfortable with the idea of “good enough” instead of “perfect”?
- Do you want full creative control over your story’s direction, pacing, and release schedule?
- Are you ready to bet on yourself?
If you’re nodding along, self-publishing might be worth exploring. It’s not the “easy way” by any means, but it is an empowering way. For me, it’s been a path of growth, grit, and unexpected joy. Every day, I’m learning something new, whether it’s how to design a more compelling book cover or how to structure a more captivating first chapter.
Self-publishing allowed me to stop waiting for permission and start taking action. I’ve published The Midnight Masquerade and launched a holiday-themed series called Seasonally Spellbound, with more magical stories on the way. The best part? I’m doing it on my own terms. Readers are finding my stories, connecting with my characters, and asking for more.
If you’ve ever felt like your story deserves to be seen, maybe it’s time to trust that feeling. Maybe it’s time to bet on yourself, too.
Elizabeth Yuen 