Self-publishing can be a wild ride, hey? It’s thrilling, but let’s be honest—it can also be pretty intimidating. When I first started, there were so many things I wish someone had told me before I hit that “publish” button. So, I’m here to share the lessons I’ve learned the hard way, so you don’t have to. Whether you're a newbie or you've been writing for a while, these tips will hopefully give you a clearer path through the ups and downs of self-publishing.
My Not-So-Perfect Publishing Journey
I didn’t start out as a self-published author. In fact, after writing eight whole manuscripts (yes, eight!), I signed a contract for three books. I was over the moon, but that high didn’t last long. The traditional publishing process? Slow. I mean really slow. By the time my second book was due to hit the shelves, I had already written a few more, and waiting around for them to get out into the world was driving me mad. So, a week after my debut novel came out, I took the plunge and self-published Taste for Coffee. And oh boy, did I learn a few things along the way. Let me share some of them with you.
Professional Editing: Worth Every Cent
Now, at first, I thought, “Eish, do I really need to pay someone to edit my book?” The price tag on professional editing seemed a bit steep, especially when I was still finding my feet as an author. But after going through the process, let me tell you: it’s worth it. A professional editor will spot things you’ll never see—plot holes, errors, awkward phrasing. They’ll make sure your book shines. Readers are way more likely to stick around if your book looks polished, so don't skimp here.
Marketing Is More Than Posting Once on Social Media
This one hit me hard. I thought once I hit "publish," I could sit back and watch the sales roll in. Turns out, no one knew my book existed! Marketing is just as important as the writing. You need a proper plan—know your readers, figure out how to reach them, and use every tool at your disposal. Social media ads, email lists, book bloggers, reviewers—get your book in front of people, or it’s going to sit on a virtual shelf gathering dust.
That Cover Design Thing? Yeah, It's a Big Deal
Here’s the thing: we all know the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” But guess what? Readers do judge a book by its cover. I thought I could slap something simple together and that it’d be fine. Spoiler: it wasn’t. My sales were flat. It wasn’t until I got a pro to design my cover that things picked up. People are visual; your cover is the first thing they see, so make sure it grabs attention. Trust me, the investment is worth it.
Find Your People: Writing Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely
Writing can feel like a solo gig, but it doesn't have to be. At first, I thought, "I’m in this alone." I didn’t even know other self-published authors in South Africa! But when I eventually connected with other writers—whether through online groups, forums, or local meet-ups—it made such a difference. Being part of a community of writers who “get it” is invaluable. You’ll get advice, support, and best of all, you’ll realise you’re not in this crazy ride alone. I find mine through the Romance Writers Organization of South Africa (ROSA).
It’s a Business, Bru! Know Your Stuff
Publishing is not just about writing. It’s also a business, and you need to treat it that way. I’m talking about the nitty-gritty stuff: copyrights, contracts, royalties, pricing your book, even tax stuff. If you don’t understand the business side, you might end up in a sticky situation, giving away more rights than you meant to, or pricing your book so high that no one buys it. Do your homework—this stuff matters!
Patience Is Key (Even When You Want to Scream)
Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat it—self-publishing takes time. Sure, there are a few overnight successes out there, but they’re the exception, not the rule. Don’t expect to hit bestseller lists the day after you publish. Building a readership takes time, and that’s okay. Keep writing, keep improving, and don’t lose your cool if things take a bit longer than you thought.
Final Thoughts
If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self to chill out and be ready for the long game. There’s so much more to publishing than just writing a book. There’s marketing, editing, design, networking, and so much business stuff. But at the end of the day, it’s all worth it. Every lesson, every mistake—it all makes you a better, wiser author.
So, if you’re thinking about self-publishing, or you’ve already taken the plunge, take these tips to heart. Keep writing, stay patient, connect with other writers, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. After all, there’s nothing quite like holding your own book in your hands.
Now go get ‘em!
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