How I got started on self publishing my first book
2018. The year I came across my old poems in a tiny box hidden under my bed. Accumulated poetry notes from previous years I had written while going through relationship heartbreaks. I had writen notes to help me see the good in the romantic relationships that did not work out. As I was thinking of throwing each poem to the trash, I began to read them one by one and the idea of making it into a book came to mind. How can I do that with no experience in the publishing world ?
What I did was this:
- Google. It’s no surprise the internet is a powerful resource if you learn to use it wisely. Which leads me to my next action…
2. Research. I reserched every self publishing website and publishing companies I can read. I went on self publishing blog authors and went on publishing blogs. I wanted to know the pros and cons of self publishing. If the common route of having a publishing company would be best to approve my book.
3. Make sure your book is already written and completed or close to completion.
Once I did all my research and made a decision where I wanted to go with publishing it , I go to work. In hindsight, I wouldn’t of done that first because researching and learning about other peoples self publishing journeys can be discouraging when you read more about the pros and cons. In my opinion, I feel It’s better to have your book ready to go and not have to feel discouraged in writing it while doing research on publications.
4. Write. Complete it.Edit. Edit more. So many people want to self publish or write a book but never make it happen because they haven’t even started writing it. Take the first step and just write. Before you know it, all the writing, editing, deleting and completing will be 100% worth it.
5. Make sure you know your WHY. Yes, writing a book, especially self publishing your own book can be exciting and rewarding but I always think about a quote I’ve read from the author Simon Sinek :
“Working hard for something we do not care about is called stress, working hard for something we love is called passion.”
So I’ll leave you with this. Know why you are doing it. Since 2018. I’ve self published a total of two poetry books and when I think about why I wrote them and self published them, was simple: To inspire, give hope to women, humans to always believe in love and to know that they are truly capable of anything they dream of.
If you want to get more information on the self publishing websites I used or any additional comments or questions. Please feel free to reach out to me inspirednans@gmail.com or on my blog www.gofollowyourbliss.wordpress.com
My poetry books ‘Hopeful Romantic Soul: Notes to love’ and ‘ Beautiful Imperfect Soul’ are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
