The Realities of Becoming a Self-Published Author: The Highs and the Lows

(What writers really need to know before hitting “publish”)

Self-publishing looks exciting from the outside - creative control, higher royalties, your book out in the world faster than traditional publishing ever allows. But if you’ve ever typed “Is self-publishing worth it?” into Google, you already know there’s another side to the story.

This blog breaks down the real pros and cons of self-publishing, the emotional rollercoaster, and the practical realities most new authors don’t hear until they’re already knee-deep in the process.

The Highs of Self-Publishing...the bits that everyone sings about...

1. Full Creative Control

One of the biggest benefits of self-publishing is the freedom to make the book you want to make. You choose the editor, the cover designer, the formatting style, and how your book is positioned. For authors frustrated by gatekeepers, this is a liberating path.

2. Faster Publishing Timeline

Traditional publishing can take 18–30 months...sometimes longer! When you self-publish, you control the schedule. Once your editing and formatting are complete, you can publish within weeks. For writers eager to build momentum or publish multiple books a year, this speed is a major advantage.

3. Higher Royalties

Platforms like Amazon KDP and Apple Books offer significantly higher royalties than traditional contracts. If you build a strong author platform, those earnings can grow predictably over time.

4. The Confidence Boost

Seeing your book available worldwide — knowing you made that happen — is an incredible feeling. The pride is real, and it never fades, even after multiple books.

Now for the Lows of Self-Publishing (the parts no one warns you about)

1. You Become the Whole Publishing Team

When you self-publish, you’re not just the author. You’re also the project manager, marketer, strategist, and quality-control department. Editing, formatting, cover design, metadata... it all lands on your plate unless you outsource it.

2. There Are Costs

A professionally self-published book requires investment. Editing, cover design, proofreading, and formatting are not optional if you want a book that competes in the market. This is one of the most-searched topics: “What does self-publishing cost?” And the truth is: it varies, but quality always costs something.

3. Visibility Isn’t Automatic

Here’s the big reality check: uploading your book to Amazon doesn’t guarantee sales. You need an author platform, email list, visibility strategy, and ongoing book marketing to keep your book discoverable. This is where many authors struggle; not because their book isn’t good, but because they didn’t know they had to become their own marketing department.

4. Emotional Highs and Lows

Reviews, rankings, sales fluctuations... self-publishing is an emotional game. Every author experiences doubt, comparison, and occasional panic Googling. It’s part of the process, not a sign you’re failing.

So, Is Self-Publishing Worth It?

If you’re committed, strategic, and open to learning - yes. It’s one of the most rewarding paths an author can take. But go into it with realistic expectations, a clear plan, and the willingness to treat your book like a product, not a passion project.

Self-publishing isn’t the easy route…But it is the route where you have the most control, the highest potential earnings, and the opportunity to build a long-term author career on your own terms.