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Tassandra Barnaby

Sep 5, 2024

Navigating the Self-Publishing Journey: Why I Chose Independence Over Traditional Publishing for "Ethereal Whispers"

When I first published my book, Ethereal Whispers: Ethereal Emotions, I was faced with a critical decision: Should I go through a traditional publishing house or self-publish? With no prior experience in self-publishing, I found myself navigating the complexities of this decision mainly on my own. What drove me towards self-publishing were the financial aspects and the freedom it offered.


As a new author, I quickly realized that traditional publishing often comes with substantial costs and less control over the process, which was a significant factor in my choice. Through extensive research, primarily driven by a deep dive into Google, I learned that self-publishing through platforms like IngramSpark and Amazon could be cost-effective and empowering. I also designed journals and was accustomed to creating and managing my products. This experience was invaluable when handling the intricacies of book publishing.


Self-publishing allowed me to retain complete creative control over "Ethereal Whispers: Ethereal Emotions." From cover design to pricing, every decision was mine to make. Moreover, the financial burden of publishing fees was considerably lower than anticipated if I had gone through a traditional publisher.


The learning curve was steep but incredibly rewarding. Navigating the self-publishing landscape taught me much about the industry and myself as a creator. It wasn't just about publishing a book and owning my work and career.


In conclusion, self-publishing has proven to be a viable and fulfilling path for me. It offered financial advantages, creative control, and a hands-on learning experience. If you're contemplating a similar journey, consider self-publishing a severe option. It's a route that has allowed me to share my work with the world on my terms and has been an eye-opening experience in literature and beyond.


If you want to document your thoughts, click the link to support my journey as a journal creator. For poetry enthusiasts, follow the link to support my poetry work and enjoy reading my book.






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