I wrote this reflection two days after I self-published Nirel, book one in The Timekeepers of Laeviin series. If you're planning on being an independent author, know that it might take a while to achieve the success you hope for, and that is okay. We're running a marathon, not a sprint.
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What a whirlwind this journey has been.
I want to focus on the day of and day after self-publishing because it was intense. This might be cliché, but it was a rollercoaster of emotions. Seeing my book go live on Amazon at midnight, to waking up to three five star reviews already posted on Amazon, to my book showing up on Goodreads… that was euphoria.
Then there was the frustration of ads not starting on time and the paperbacks not being available yet. That was terror and anxiety.
And then there were the honest reviews that both praised my book and explained its weaknesses. All of these reviews were from my advanced readers at this point, and they were honest and mostly positive. Perfect, really. But my book isn’t perfect and seeing its flaws spelled out made me curl into a ball and sob. I’m gonna point out that there is nothing wrong with crying because something is stressful or hard to hear. We cry, we learn, we grow.
I’m not the toughest chick. I knew putting myself out there would feel good and hurt, but I did it anyway.
I’m so glad I did.
Are you hoping to self-publish one day?
Just be aware that it’s emotionally wonderful and horrible, and to give yourself grace as you adjust to having your book out in the world.
Tell imposter syndrome to shut it.
Be kind to yourself.
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