The 5 Stages of Self-Publishing

  Since the release date of my debut novel is fast approaching (1 week away!!!) I thought I would sit down and try to collect some of my thoughts regarding the self-publishing process - for your enjoyment. Because I am kind and generous like that.

STAGE #1 - A WHOLE NEW WORLD




  You've finished all your drafts. You've got you manuscript back from the editor and are quickly revising in order to send it for formatting. You're thinking of a release date, your blog tour, your cute instagram posts where you'll hold your very own paperback in your very own hands. Not to mention, the thrill of releasing this masterpiece into the world for everyone to fawn over! The prospect of being a really and truly published author fills your little writer heart with unspeakable joy and happiness.

  But then...

STAGE #2 - THE SUDDEN WEIGHT OF WHAT YOU'VE TAKEN ON



  Comes out and hits you square in the face. And you're down for the count emotionally (maybe also physically if you're weak and pathetic like me). What have you done? You've created a monster that you don't know the first thing about controlling??? There's no one to help you, you're totally alone on an ocean of self-doubt and terror and social media marketing. *cue internal screaming*

STAGE #3 - INTERNAL SCREAMING INTENSIFIES



  Because wait a minute...how does Amazon work? How does Goodreads work? How will you get enough people to sign up for this blog tour? HOW much money did I pay for formatting??? All of this may or may not drive you over the edge of despair, depending on the solidity of your heart and soul. At this point you will be tempted to give up, throw in the towel, telling yourself "I'm just not ready for this, I'll try again when I figure it out more."

  *chuckles* Oh, but you've forgotten something very important, my dear.

  Care to guess?

  ACCOUNTABILITY. *shudders* You put out a release date for this thing and everyone's expecting something grand.

STAGE #4 - HORROR 


This stage may last for a long time or a little while, depending on how easily you are paralyzed by fear and how much you hate public attention basically how much you are like me. When you realize you're holding this ENTIRE thing on your shoulders and people might NOT EVEN LIKE it after you've poured your heart, soul, blood, sweat, tears and terror into it, well, HOW DARE THEY? And HOW DARE YOU EVER ASSUME THEY WOULD. Look at the mess you've made for yourself? All for a bunch of ingrates who won't even appreciate it - they might even hate it. What will happen to your self-esteem then!!?


STAGE #5 - I THINK I'M GONNA BE OKAY




  And then, you finally figure something out. You've got your Amazon page set-up. You get your cover back from the illustrator. People start sharing your book's release around and talking about it. Things start MOVING and the excitement builds and you go...wow.

  And EVEN BETTER than all of that, the day comes when you're holding your very own book in your very own hands and it's the most magical thing you've ever felt or experienced. It's totally surreal, you can't believe it's actually happening to you. From then on out you know, it's all gonna be okay.


(here is my experience with that feeling from this past Monday)



  There you have it, my 5 *personal* Stages of Self-Publishing. Can my fellow indie authors relate to any of this? Or am I the only one who had multiple breakdowns about the process? :P Commiserate with me!

Comments

  1. This article was so realistic and hilarious. Emily I love how your picture is taken right between faith and hope! XD That sums the whole thing up in a picture.And CONGRATS! How wonderful must it feel being a indie published author?

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    1. Thank you, Anna! Haha, I didn't even notice that to be honest. That is kind of how it is being an indie publisher though. Lots of faith, lots of hopes.
      It is a really cool feeling, I am so excited for release day!

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  2. Haha, this is great!! Of course I've never gone through this process before, but I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of indie authors go through this. (Love the pic of you by the way ;)

    So excited that you getting published! :D

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    1. Thanks, Karyssa! I don't think I'm the only one but I could be wrong. XD

      Thank you! I'm super excited as well!

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  3. I loved this! xD I'm hoping to self-publish sometime next year, and have already tried to imagine what it's going to be like. I think this post gave me a good look into what it will be like xD

    I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL YOUR BOOK COMES OUT. Is it going to be on kindle too? :)

    audrey caylin

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    1. If you have crippling social anxiety and a keen ability to procrastinate, this too can be your experience! XD I'm glad you enjoyed it.

      Yes!! It is currently available for pre-order on Kindle. :DD

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  4. I haven't even finished a first draft yet *hides* but your 5 stages sound exactly, EXACTLY like what I would go through. With emphasis on stage 2 and 3. ;)

    Hope everything goes well!! (I will get my character interview questions to you SOON. (see, accountability)) :D

    Jem Jones

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    1. Don't hide! First drafts are the most important (and hardest) part. :D
      Hehe, I'm glad I could emotionally prepare you for your inevitable future as an indie writer. ;)
      Thank you! I love your questions, they were so fun to do.

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  5. oh my goodness, self-publishing sounds so intense! you are amazing & congrats on your book coming out soon!!!

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    1. It is kinda intense. XD But I think any form of writing work will be if you're putting the effort in. Thank you so much!! :D

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  6. THIS POST IS SO HILARIOUS AND SO TRUE AND SO RELATABLE OMG. :'''') I, too, am self-publishing my books and THE STRUGGLE IS REAL AND VERY SCARY AT TIMES!! *nervous laughter* these GIFs perfectly described the insanity hahahahaskfjlskf PERFECTLY.

    ALSO OMG YOUR BOOK IS FREAKING BEAUTIFUL WHEN CAN I READ IT?!?!??!?? It really is the most surreal feeling ever to hold your own book in your hands it's just like fjdjfkljdfjsl ugh omg :'''''') *tosses confetti and waffles at you* CONGRATULATIONS, EMILY!!

    rock on,
    abbiee

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    1. I'm glad I found someone to relate to my crazy! XD Ah, are you self-publishing now too?? I gotta read it.

      Thank you so much! I love the cover to death. It comes out THIS SUNDAY!! I will have links up in a post about it on Sunday so stay tuned. ;)
      Thanksss!! :D *dances in confetti* *doesn't know how to dance in waffles*

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