5 Reasons You Should NOT Self-Publish

Are you thinking about self-publishing your book? Before you take the plunge, let’s talk about why you absolutely shouldn’t go down this path...unless, of course, you’re actually interested in owning your own success. 😉

Here are five reasons why self-publishing might not be for you—unless, of course, you want to take control of your book’s journey and reap the rewards!

1. You’ll Have WAY Too Much Control

One of the biggest downsides of self-publishing? You get to make all the decisions. All of them. From choosing your book’s title and cover to setting the price and marketing strategy, the power is in your hands.

Who wants that kind of responsibility? Isn’t it easier to let a traditional publisher decide everything for you? Of course, if you like the idea of having full creative control over your work and ensuring it aligns perfectly with your vision, then maybe—just maybe—self-publishing isn’t so bad after all. 🤔

2. You’ll Actually Keep Most of the Profits

Oh no! Self-publishing means you’ll earn higher royalties. While traditional publishers take a significant cut of your earnings, self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP allow you to keep up to 70% of your book’s revenue.

But who needs more money, right? If you prefer to give away a large portion of your earnings, traditional publishing might be the better route. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the financial rewards of your hard work, self-publishing could be the right choice for you. 💰

3. You Might Build a Dedicated Fanbase + Loyal Community

Be careful! Self-publishing might lead to something dangerous: a loyal fanbase. When you self-publish, you have direct access to your readers, allowing you to connect with them on a deeper level.

This could mean building a community of raving fans who eagerly await your next book. But let’s be real—who wants a bunch of people supporting and cheering for them? If you’re okay with forming meaningful relationships with your readers and growing your audience, self-publishing might just be worth it. 🌟

4. You Can Publish on YOUR Timeline

Another downside of self-publishing? You don’t have to wait for anyone else. Traditional publishing timelines can be agonizingly slow, sometimes taking years before your book hits the shelves. But with self-publishing, you’re in the driver’s seat.

You can publish your book whenever you’re ready, whether that’s in a few months or a few weeks. If you enjoy the thrill of waiting around for things to happen, stick with traditional publishing. But if you prefer to move at your own pace and get your book out into the world on your schedule, self-publishing is the way to go. 🚀

5. You’ll Learn New Skills (Gasp!)

Self-publishing forces you to wear many hats—author, marketer, designer, and more. You’ll likely pick up valuable skills along the way, from understanding book cover design to mastering social media marketing.

But who wants to become more knowledgeable and versatile? Learning is so overrated! Unless, of course, you’re someone who thrives on personal growth and enjoys acquiring new skills. In that case, self-publishing might just open doors you never knew existed. 🎓

So, Should You Self-Publish?

If you’re someone who craves control, wants to keep more of your hard-earned money, enjoys connecting with readers, likes working on your own timeline, and loves learning new skills—then yes, self-publishing might just be the perfect fit for you.

But don’t take our word for it! Test the waters yourself by joining our FREE 5-Day Write Your Damn Book Challenge. You’ll get a taste of what self-publishing is all about and discover if this “terrible” path is actually the key to your author success. 😉

Ready to Become a Published Author? Start with Authorized!

If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book but didn’t know where to start, or if the idea of self-publishing feels overwhelming, Authorized: How To Write + Self-Publish a Nonfiction Book on Amazon is the guide you’ve been waiting for.

This book is your all-in-one resource to take you from idea to published author. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to know about writing, self-publishing, and launching your own nonfiction book—right on Amazon.

What you’ll discover:

  • Step-by-step writing guidance to help you turn your ideas into a well-structured, compelling book.

  • Expert tips on self-publishing—from choosing the right platforms to formatting your manuscript.

  • Proven strategies for launching and marketing your book to reach your target audience and maximize sales.

  • Tools, resources, and insider advice that will save you time, money, and headaches along the way.

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take the leap into self-publishing, Authorized will empower you with the knowledge and confidence to make your dream of becoming an author a reality.

Grab your copy of Authorized on Amazon today and take the first step toward sharing your story with the world!

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What Size Should Your Book Be? Understanding Book Trim on Amazon KDP