10 Things I Hate About Self-Publishing

10. It’s so easy that people do it before considering their options.

9. A self-published book that sells poorly destroys the chance to get a traditional deal later.

8. “Experts” in self-publishing are often just authors themselves, with zero experience publishing books other than their own.

7. Companies that help folks self-publish often fail without much notice, leaving authors stranded.

6. Authors of color and from marginalized communities often believe that self-publishing is their only option, which it’s not.

5. Self-published books only support Amazon and do not end up in libraries, independent bookstores, at Barnes & Noble, in airports, or on bestseller lists (99% of the time).

4. Ads for self-publishers are deceptive and misleading. 

3. Books that could have helped thousands of people . . . don’t. (See #5)

2. Authors don’t know what is involved in writing, producing, and selling a book successfully — and therefore fail to do so.

1. Most authors I speak with express regret that they self-published instead of giving themselves the time, space, and chance to get a traditional book deal.