A Page Beyond

What Can You Do with a Self-Published Book?

As an independent author, you probably have a lot of questions about your publishing options. In this article, I’ll explain why you should consider releasing a self-published book.

“You Can’t Do That with a Self-Published Book”

A lot of people worry that their book won’t be taken seriously unless they work with a traditional publisher or an expensive hybrid publisher. Many hybrid publishers, in fact, like to reinforce this notion.

And it’s not just publishers. In 2019, a grad school professor told me, “You can’t do what you want to do with a self-published book.”

Oh, Yeah? Watch Me!

This thinking, while sometimes well-intended, is seriously outdated.

So far, I’ve been able to do everything I wanted — and a few things I never dreamt — with a book I published myself. 

My books have opened doors for speaking engagements and training contracts. ​​I’ve sold hundreds of copies of my books to corporate clients and conference organizers.

And just last week, my book and expertise were featured in The New York Times!

How did the reporter find me? She saw my (self-published) book on Amazon.

A Self-Published Book Doesn’t Have to Look Homemade​

Don’t be tricked into thinking you can’t build a business around a self-published book.

Sure, you’ve probably purchased a book from Amazon at some point that looked… homemade. I have ordered more than a few books that look less than professional. That’s a shame. It doesn’t have to be that way.

But I’m willing to bet the reverse is also true. You probably own several books that you’d be shocked to learn were independently published or self-published.

When you follow a proven process, like my 7-Step PUBLISH Method™, you can create a beautiful book that no one will ever know you did yourself. And you can do it at a fraction of the cost of hiring a publisher. What’s more, you will own your copyright. This means you can create workbooks, journals, foreign language editions, and more, without needing permission from a publisher.

Times Have Changed

The old rules of publishing no longer apply. Gatekeepers have been rendered obsolete. There has never been a better time for you to put your ideas out into the world. On your own terms.

Oh, remember that professor who told me I was wasting my time self-publishing? After the course was over and the grades were in, I sent him a copy of my book. He called me to say that he had been wrong. Then he left me a 5-star review on Amazon.

So, tell me. What can you do with a self-published book?