Why I Chose To Self-Publish

The launch of my first novel is just around the corner! I’ve decided to self-publish, and I’m eager why I chose this route.

I want to emphasize that traditional publishing offers numerous advantages. However, given my specific circumstances and after careful deliberation, self-publishing was the right choice for me.

Don’t take my reasons as your own. Research and personal consideration are essential for your publishing decision.

My Specific Situation

The main reason that I chose to self-publish is because of my life situation. I love writing and being creative, but I also am willingly and knowingly choosing the path of “hobby writing.”

I want my writing to be part of my life, but I don’t want my life to revolve around writing and publishing, that just isn’t for me. Writing isn’t my career, it’s something that I want to do to keep myself busy while also having a creative outlet.

For now, writing isn’t my career, and I don’t want it to be. I have other things that I am prioritizing. But I also want my audience to be fully aware that writing isn’t something I will give up on easily, I love it, but I also can’t dedicate more time to it than I do now.

Creative Freedom

I decided to self-publish is because I don’t like the idea of being under the thumb of a publisher. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this story, and I want to ensure it reaches readers exactly as I envisioned it.

Traditional publishing often involves compromises—changes to character arcs, plot points, even the title—all in the name of marketability. I want to maintain control over every aspect of my book and to ensure that my voice resonates with my audience.

Faster Publication

The publishing landscape is constantly evolving. The traditional publishing process can be lengthy and restrictive. I want to ensure that the stories I’ve worked hard on reach my audience in a timely manner.

Retaining Ownership

More than just publishing a book, I’m building a world. That’s why retaining full ownership of my books is so crucial to me. Meaning I have the freedom to pursue other opportunities without restrictions from a traditional publisher. I want to be the architect of my own creative universe, and self-publishing gives me that control. It’s about protecting my vision and ensuring that my stories can grow and evolve in ways that align with my long-term goals.

Conclusion

Ultimately, I decided to self-publish my debut novel due to my unique situation, the creative freedom it offers, a quicker publication timeline, and the ability to retain full ownership of my work.

While I recognize the valuable support that traditional publishing can provide, I realized that it simply isn’t the right fit for me at this time.

This decision came after extensive research and many thoughtful discussions. If you are considering whether to self-publish or pursue traditional publishing, please don’t rely solely on my reasons—your situation may be entirely different. Take the time to conduct your own research, reflect on your circumstances, and reach a conclusion that truly aligns with your needs.