1. Deadlines, Schmedlines…
My deadlines are self-imposed…sort of like my flexible rule about the acceptable number of days clean clothes may remain peacefully at rest in their basket.
2. The opportunity to relentlessly stalk work closely with my super-talented illustrator…
I’m not sure this one would be on Kevin Richter’s Top 5 list. But, he has the patience of a saint and has agreed to travel this road with me one more time. Allow me to introduce our newest Dust Fairy, Absolutely Aggie.
3. I can give my book away for free…
I don’t mean KDP Promotions. I mean I can give my book to any charity, school, library, or organization I choose. In fact, I started my own literacy initiative to get books to kids in need. Since November, over 30 authors have joined me to get books to kids in need!
4. Even though I’m self-published, I get invited to “real author” events…
I love visiting schools. I recently had a Skype visit with my first group of out-of-state children, and it was awesome!
I am not exactly proud of it, but I did autograph a girl’s arm (seriously, I tried to decline, but she was eerily persuasive).
5. I was able to find a high-quality Print on Demand service that did not suck…
I am really happy with the quality of my final product. It passed muster and earned the right to sit with “real” books in libraries and bookstores (it’s even on the shelves at our local Barnes and Noble store). Bonus-people, not related to me, actually bought copies of my book!
What things DON’T suck about your self-publishing story? I’d love to hear about your journey. Don’t be shy-leave a reply!
![539284_2760626228489_1224200914_n[2]](https://michelleeastmanbooks.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/539284_2760626228489_1224200914_n2.jpg?w=350&h=262 "539284_2760626228489_1224200914_n[2]")
Michelle Eastman Books 
Jen @The Haute Mommy Handbook
Congrats on your book!! What service did you use to self-publish?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Michelle R. Eastman
Hi there. I use Ingram Lightning Source.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stacy S. Jensen
Congrats on all the non-sucky things. I love the pix you have for the “signing.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Michelle R. Eastman
Thank you! I love that pic too! Now, I just have to figure out WordPress…I am just now seeing your comment.
LikeLike
Pingback: Top 5 Things about Self-Publishing that DON’T Suck…Update | Michelle Eastman Books
marianallanos
This is a great list and I agree with all. Even though my books are on paperback, I’m still happy with the quality. Hardcover will be my next step (especially if I want to get in libraries). Something I would add though, about non-sucky things in self-publishing, is the ability to have creative control over the WHOLE process. That alone is amazing, especially if you are a control freak like myself 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Michelle R. Eastman
I agree! That is a big reason I chose to self-publish the next book. I cannot imagine handing over the reigns to anyone else. I don’t typically use the “S” word, but it does fit certain parts of this journey!
LikeLike
Norah
I like your ideas! Congratulations on your book! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Michelle R. Eastman
Thank you! It’s been quite an adventure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
lgould171784
I try to remind myself, as you do, that all my deadlines are self-imposed, especially now that I’m retired. The only problem with that is, I have so many self-imposed deadlines that I still feel rushed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Michelle R. Eastman
I know the feeling. But, those self-imposed deadlines are important to help us stay on track! There is just never enough time in a day.
LikeLike
Taneeka Bourgeois-daSilva
At first, I didn’t like the term self-publish. It sort of had a bad ring to it. Later, I realized that it meant I had the freedom and control to push my vision forward. Since publishing my first book in November 2014, I’ve had an article published in the IBPA Independent Magazine, I’ve had a book signing at an elementary school, and Broccoli Chronicles has been selected as a finalist in the 2014 Foreword Reviews’ IndieFab Award! Plus, I have another book event coming up in October and another article is being published in May. I am so happy and truly blessed! Thanks for sharing and allowing me to share!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Michelle R. Eastman
Congratulations! I wish you continued success! Thanks for connecting.
LikeLike
Pingback: And the sign said self-published indie people need not apply… | Michelle Eastman Books