This week, I was honoured to be invited to present a guest article over at Molly Greene’s excellent blog for self-publishers. I decided to talk about tackling the fear involved in self-publishing, because I suspect it’s something that many indie authors face, but don’t always admit to!
Certainly, it took me by surprise just how tense and anxious I became in the lead-up to publishing my debut thriller Poison Bay last week. It’s been three months of crazy-stress, ever since I first announced my intention back in September.
I had expected to have some natural immunity, having worked in publishing for donkeys years, been published before, and helped plenty of authors and startup niche publishers press the big red Publish button.
It turns out there is nothing in the world quite like being your own Publisher for the first time. I salute those of you who have done it!
In the article on Molly’s blog:
- I identify the factors that seemed to make it so stressful for me
- I share four things I have learned: two psychological, and two practical.
Please click on over to Molly’s blog for the rest of the story…
http://www.molly-greene.com/beat-the-fear-of-selfpublishing/
And feel free to discuss it with me either here or there. Have you self-published? How did you tackle the stress? Is fear holding you back from publishing your own book?
Featured image via DepositPhotos/nnfotograf
Hi Belinda,
Congratulations on your book! I can certainly relate to the fear of self-publishing your own book. With me, I had so many doubts as to whether people would like it. As it turns out, my first self-published book wasn’t that bad! 🙂 I’m heading over to read your guest post now. Thank you.
Thanks Hiten… I agree, the fear of whether people would like it was a problem for me too. Once I had a few positive reviews, it helped with that feeling. When I got the occasional negative one, it wasn’t as important, because the overall picture was positive! Definitely an intimidating process…
Congratulations, Belinda! Woot woot!
Ah, yes, it’s all well and good when we’re giving other people advice, but when it’s our own souls we’re putting on display…..
The beginning, not the peak. Love that.
Best of luck with this and the next 🙂
Thanks so much, Michael! 🙂 Yes, it’s my first novel, not my best novel, and that’s OK. Best to you also in your publishing adventures.
I think fear is a writer’s constant companion. We are only as good as our last publication be that a short story in a magazine, an article, e-book or traditionally published book. I have had success with short stories and articles and am now working on a novel – but I am petrified of self-publishing it in case it’s not up to scratch.
Sally, I’ve been thinking a few times recently that the collective noun should be “an insecurity of writers”. 😉 I am so looking forward to your novel. Go for it!
A great and brave post, Belinda! I wish you get much deserved success! I have already bought Poison Bay!
Thanks so much, Maria. I really appreciate your support!
Great article Belinda!
I’m in the process of self-publishing my first children’s picture book and I overcame the fear by telling myself I’m creating one book for my great-niece and whatever else happens is a bonus!
My illustrator Meaghan and I are figuring it all out as we go and having such a good time.
good luck with your book.
That’s wonderful, Kerry. What a great way to look at it.
I’ve also chosen to work with some people who are expanding their skills into new areas with this one… it’s been a deliberate decision of mine. And I agree that it makes it extra satisfying.
The very best of everything for your upcoming book!