Hi everyone!  I decided to do a “5 Things” post because I love lists and because I’ve always thought 5 was a good number :).  This week I’m going to focus on 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Self-Publishing.  Just so you know, I could probably do a list with over 100 items on this topic!

So, here we go.

Before self-publishing ADORKABLE, I wish I knew:

  1. No matter how much research I did, no matter how many articles, books, guides or author posts I read, I would never know everything I needed to know.  Some things can only be learned through the process.
  2. Self-publishing is not as crazy/impossible/unthinkable as it sounds.  It is a lot of hard work (and will cause plenty of nervousness and anxiety), but it’s not impossible.  You can figure out Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook etc.  The truth is anyone can do it.  And they do, every day.  You just have to be ready to put in the work and for things (the good and the bad) not to go exactly as planned.
  3. Sometimes it’s better not to wait.  This is a personal item, but I wish I hadn’t waited as long as I did to self-publish.  After you’ve done all the research, lots and lots and lots of research, you have to put your thoughts into action.  Sometimes the people you love and who’ve shared in your dreams don’t have the time to see those dreams come true unless you act swiftly.  And there are times when, even if you do act fast, it’s still not enough.  Anyway, I don’t think anyone should self-publish before they are completely ready.  But personally, I think I was ready–ADORKABLE sat complete and on my computer for a looong time.  Despite the success the book is currently seeing, waiting for the perfect time in my case, was maybe not the best move.
  4. A bad book review can rip you heart out–but a good one can mend it back together.  Also, just try not to go crazy reading the reviews!!!
  5. Pat was right.  I can do this.  Believing in myself was the hardest part.  I always believed in my books.  I always believed in ADORKABLE and my characters.  My family always supported and believed in me and my work.  The truth was: I was the one holding me back.

Getting over that last hurdle (believing in myself) is still a daily struggle.  But I can and am doing it.  And whether it be self-publishing or traditional publishing, you do it can, too.  I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Cookie O’Gorman

 

4 Comments on 5 Things: I Wish I Knew Before Self-Publishing

  1. You have a wonderful weekend also! I think more people believe in you more than you know. I loved your book, it was wonderfully written.

    • Thank you so much, Karen! I’ve always had a problem with self-doubt, can’t seem to shake it for whatever reason. I’ll keep working on it, though, and again, I’m so so happy you enjoyed the book!

  2. Yes, as usual, Pat was right. I know she is loving every minute of your journey and is trying not to say, “I told you so.”

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