These are not the 3 things I’ve learned from self-publishing that I expected to write about! When I started off on this Indie path I read all kinds of articles that contradicted each other with advice. I read books and followed people online to see what I could learn. Most of what I ended up with was encouragement rather than a clear path forward.
1st Thing I Learned from Self-Publishing: Expect Things to Go Sideways
There have been multiple days while editing, recording audio, and formatting (especially formatting!) where I’ve cussed and wanted to scrap the whole idea. Writing is hard work and so is the first round of editing. But nothing compares to receiving three very different opinions from Beta Readers and trying to edit with those in mind. Nothing compares to recording the audiobook version while planes fly over your apartment closer and more frequently than you normally expect (I live close to the airport). Nothing is as irritating as spending hours working on the eBook Kindle version of your book before realizing you missed a step.
Things will go sideways. I need to expect it, take a deep breath, and push on. Sometimes I need to take a break. That’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with taking a break. But when I’m going over the first proof copy and noting obvious mess-ups that I could’ve avoided, I need to remember it’s all part of the process and not a big deal.
2nd Thing I Learned from Self-Publishing: Ask for Firm Deadlines
This one surprised me the most. I knew before going into this that asking for firm deadlines on anything is always a good idea. Setting expectations with freelance clients has always been the best for everyone involved. However, in my haste and excitement to get my cover designed, I forgot this important fact.
This one is on me. I didn’t ask my cover designer when I should expect a first draft, how long a final draft would take, etc. Add to that my insecurity when it comes to asking for something I’ve paid for because I “don’t want to make anyone mad”, and it was a bad mix. When I paid the first half of my fee I assumed I’d get a first draft back within a week or two. I’d heard other authors talk about that time-frame and leaned into that assumption. After about four weeks of not hearing from my designer, I got nervous and emailed her to see what was going on.
She told me she’d gotten behind and would be in touch soon, but still didn’t give me a firm deadline as requested. Another week or two went by and I finally had to tell her I needed to know when the cover would be completed or I needed a refund. That’s when she finally admitted she’d been sick and overwhelmed. I believed her based on the reviews I’d read from other indie authors. From there on out, things went so much better. Communication is key. I can have grace for someone who’s been sick. I just need communication. And I’m thrilled with the product I finally received.
So, going forward: I will always ask for firm deadlines.
3rd Thing I Learned from Self-Publishing: The Hard Work Makes Me Love it More
As difficult, irritating, and emotionally taxing as some of this process has been, I can truly say that I love my book more than when I first began. Hard work is hard. It’s not easy to go after things you long for and dream of. Small, intentional steps are what help you make progress.
When I finished writing this book, I felt a happiness that I cannot describe. I’d never felt so alive, accomplished, or proud of myself. Finishing the editing process was another thrill of accomplishment. Watching it go live as a book for others to hold in their hands and (hopefully) love will be the best part yet. It’s hard work to publish a book. But it’s so worth it!
In Conclusion
These are the 3 things I’ve learned from self-publishing. If you’re in the middle of self-publishing, I’d love to hear what your top 3 things you’ve learned are! I hope these tips will help encourage you to keep going if you’re struggling, or to make you laugh if you’re more seasoned.
Much love,
Ellen
Ellen ES Ceely 
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