Lessons from Both Sides of the Shelf: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing
When I first sat down to write, I naively believed that the hardest part of being an author was typing The End. But as any writer quickly discovers, finishing the manuscript is only the first chapter of the journey. The real adventure—and the steepest learning curve—begins when you decide how to bring that book out into the world.
Over the course of my writing career, I’ve had the privilege of navigating both major avenues of modern publishing. I started in the indie world, self-publishing my debut novel, Sugar Mill Seasons, alongside several children’s books on Amazon. Later, I stepped into traditional publishing with my novel, Do Not Follow. Walking both roads has given me a grounded, practical perspective on what it truly takes to build a literary life today.
Self-publishing handed me absolute creative freedom and speed. I controlled every single detail—from line edits and formatting to cover concepts and release dates. But wearing every hat meant that while every victory was sweet, every operational burden fell squarely on my shoulders.
Stepping into traditional publishing offered structural support, editorial rigor, and physical bookstore distribution—like the unforgettable feeling of seeing Do Not Follow featured at local independent bookstores like Book People in Richmond. Yet, traditional publishing requires immense patience, shared control, and a major realization: even with a publisher behind you, an author must still be their own fiercest champion.
Whether you self-publish or sign with a press, the underlying hustle is remarkably similar. You still need to build your own digital home, reach out to local media like The Richmonder, share updates through university networks and alumni magazines, host literary tea parties, and lean on the steadfast support of your family, friends, and community.
Neither path is inherently superior; they are simply different tools for different artistic visions. Self-publishing provides autonomy and direct-to-reader access, while traditional publishing offers industry structure and broader retail placement. Whichever route you choose, the key is to embrace the process, take pride in the business behind the art, and keep telling stories that connect.
