The Joy of Self-Publishing
If you’ve been exploring the idea of self-publishing your own book for any length of time, You’ve no doubt already realized that there’s no end to the amount of advice out there about the best ways of getting it done.
There are systems to follow, rules to adhere to, coaching packages to purchase that guarantee your success. And a lot of this information is truly valuable! I definitely have my own host of tips and tricks that I advocate for in my offerings as a self-publishing concierge.
But what if I told you it could also just be a really fun, pleasurable, and enjoyable experience?
It’s true!
From where I’m sitting, self-publishing is (or at least can be) a genuine delight.
something like devotion
Look, of course I’m not suggesting that every aspect of the process is going to be effortless and easy. Obviously it’s inevitable that you’re going to hit some chunks of time where progress feels like a slog or you feel frustrated by the many balls you’re trying to keep in the air as you juggle the various components of the work.
But I am saying that the whole process doesn’t have to – and dare I even suggest that it shouldn’t – feel like an uphill battle.
You’re in love with your subject matter, right? I mean, why else would you commit yourself to writing thousands upon thousands of words in service of it otherwise?
So think of it this way: This is a unique moment in time when you’re going to get to focus on that subject matter very intensely, with what should hopefully feel something like devotion.
It’s like you’re having a hot and heavy affair with your book – you wanna romance the hell out of this thing, sneaking special alone time together to get to know it better, to treat it like the most important thing in your life. (Because, for the time being at least, it probably is.)
Or maybe a metaphor that speaks more to your situation is treating your book project like a newly adopted puppy.
Sure, maybe it’s going to make a bit of a mess of your life while you’re getting adjusted to your new reality together, but also – OMG, can you even handle how cute it is?! Don’t you just wanna document every adorable little thing about it so that you can share your joy with your besties in the group chat?! That documentation is also going to help you remember this unique moment in time after it’s grown up a bit and the newness and intensity have worn off ever so slightly.
It is absolutely possible to have these kinds of feelings about your self-published book project! I want this for you! Don’t let the weight of someone else’s benchmarks or the supposedly codified industry-standard ways of doing things steal that joy from you.
one ticket to the circus, please
And of course I don’t mean that you should be focused exclusively on the finished project either. This is not supposed to be an “I’ll be happy when . . . ” situation. Of course it’s natural that you will feel a particular burst of pride and accomplishment the first time you hold a finished copy in your hands, or the first time someone actually buys your paperback, or the first time you give a reading or do a book signing.
But I think it’s just as important to connect to the thread of joy that runs through the entire process of creation, from getting the manuscript written and edited to working on the layout with the designer to crafting the back cover copy and even setting up your metadata with the online retailers.
If you’re collaborating with professionals on these different parts of the process, chances are pretty high that they deeply love and are devoted to books and stories and the beauty of writing too. So you’re truly in this together, relishing the infinitely creative variations that are available in every micro-decision that goes into supporting the flourishing of your book project.
One of the big things that I, personally, love about self-publishing is that it creates a real “putting on a show” atmosphere in an author’s life.
It’s like the circus coming to town – suddenly, out of nowhere, a tent goes up to mark the space, and all manner of performers show up in their spangly costumes to create moments of amazement for and with the audience.
You as the author get to be the ringmaster in this scenario! You’re bringing all the magic together, sharing your vision for how to maximize the beauty of this special event and treating everyone to an unforgettable, even transformative, experience.
redemption strategies
In the moments when you may feel very far away from this kind of magic, here are some tips for getting back into the flow.
Talk to your book.
Seriously. Treat it like the living being that it is.
Take a moment away from all the deadlines and hustle and bustle and get quiet enough to connect with the spirit of your book, with that kernel of inspiration that started the whole process in the first place.
You might say something like, “Hey buddy. I know I’ve been expecting a lot out of you lately, and I’m sorry if I haven’t taken enough time to just appreciate you and thank you for being in my life. We’ve been on some wild adventures together so far, and I’m so excited to see where this process takes us next. Love ya!”
And then listen or feel for some kind of response. Your book is in a relationship with you just as much as you’re in a relationship with it. You’ll know when it has a response for you if you make the space for it to arise. And you might be surprised by what it has to say!
Create an altar for your book.
Set up a little area on or near your desk, or on a bookshelf, or even just a page in your favorite notebook where you can create a representation of your highest ideals and most cherished dreams for your book.
Maybe you want to include a framed photo of a family member or mentor who always encouraged your creativity. Or a copy of a book that ignited your imagination with what it was was possible to achieve with the written word. Or a beautiful fountain pen that symbolizes the elegant flow of your words onto the page. Or a vase of fresh flowers that reminds you to stay connected to the fleeting beauty of each ever-changing moment.
Let this specially demarcated area serve as a power-up spot where you can creatively recharge when your inspiration batteries are running low or when you’re otherwise feeling dull, distracted, or ground down by all the details you’re trying to keep straight.
These physical objects can serve as an anchor to the reality of the process in moments when your book still feels incredibly abstract or when the finish line feels way too far away.
Lean on your support team.
If this is your first time self-publishing, there’s a good chance that no one has ever given you the author’s equivalent of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. So some of the wooziness you’re feeling might seem catastrophic to you when, in the grand scheme of things, it’s really not a big deal at all.
(Maybe you’re even having your own psychospiritual crisis?)
This is the perfect time to lean on the freelancers and other book-industry professionals in your orbit. Reach out to them with the questions or concerns you may be having, especially when it comes to the more abstract and emotional parts of the process that may not have an easy answer that you can turn to a search engine to resolve.
Don’t be afraid to say, “Hey, so, is this normal? I feel kind of weird and insane about the book right now. Can you walk me through what’s actually happening behind the scenes while I’m shitting my pants over here?” Chances are your editor or designer or marketing consultant knows exactly why you’re freaking out and can either assure you the problem isn’t as insurmountable as it might seem, or can at least help you brainstorm ways to mitigate whatever you’re struggling with.
You hired these professionals for a reason; you can trust them to help you get through your assuredly temporary crisis. Then you’ll be on your way to getting back into the flow of inspiration.
a grand love story
There is the book that you’re writing on one hand, yes.
But there is also the grand love story that you’re being written into during the self-publishing process.
Hold on to the beauty of that love.
I guarantee that it will create magic in your life, and in the life of your book, that you never would have expected.
Give yourself the gift of finding the happy ending after every page turn in the Choose Your Own Adventure story that is finally becoming a published author.