What I Learned From Self-Publishing 4 Times

I’m shocked that I’ve never written about this before.

I mean, it’s one of my biggest accomplishments and greatest comebacks.

“Oh you wanna be a writer? You don’t wanna go to college? Have you written anything?” They say this with a polite nod and a barely concealed concerned expression. They are gently prodding, seeing just how serious I am about this.

“Yes, I’ve actually written and self-published a total of four books,” I explain.

“Oh! Wow! That’s impressive!” They say

“Yes, I actually published the first two when I was only eleven and twelve.”

Then they’re even more impressed. I mean, even though it does rub me the wrong way I know why they’re concerned. I meet so many people, young and old, who claim to have similar aspirations yet haven’t done too much about it.

There’s a lot that goes into writing a book, and you have no choice but to learn a few things along the way.

Here are the main things I learned from publishing four books.

1. You have to push through

If you want a book with your name after the word “by” on it, you gotta push through the tough stuff. It’s part of the deal. I know its hard, but let me tell you there is nothing more satisfying than getting to hold a copy of your book in your hands after months of hard work.

2. Pay attention to details

Grammar, plot holes, everything. You can’t push something that big into the world without combing it over again and again, and again again.

3. Planning is important…sometimes?

If I had to put myself into a category, I would label myself as more of a spontaneous person. Planning is fine up to a point, but what are you gonna do if something else comes up that doesn’t go with your plan? What if you have the opportunity to go to Six Flags with your friends but you planned to juice some beets instead? What are you gonna do? Juice the beets? Sad.

When it comes to writing, I should probably spend more time planning than I do. However, I’ve always had a basic idea for a plot, I planned out the first quarter to half of it, then I just dive in and if things change they change. If I get stuck I gotta unstick myself.

Not sure if I should really stick with this. I mean, I have four published books but way more unfinished manuscripts on my computer.

4. Inspiration comes from anywhere

I used to answer the question “Where do you get your ideas?” with an arrogant (and hilarious in context [to me, at least. I crack myself up]) “I don’t know, stop asking me.” But last night I watched an episode of Columbo and I liked the answer one of the characters gave much better.

Ideas come from anywhere. A bit of conversation, a stranger on the bus, a flower growing out of a crack in the asphalt. If you have an imagination, you can take inspiration from anywhere.

5. Research

Yes, writing actually taught me how to research. If I needed to make sure something was plausible, Google is where I turned to.

I’ll let you all know when Book Five is out.