I try to keep a good attitude about me when asked why I chose to self-publish.  My reasons do not stem from happy occurrences and the person asking usually exhibits a bit of cynicism about those who pursue this particular avenue.

Years ago I had a high powered literary agent that believed in and loved my work, but
stressful and sad circumstances came into my life and I was compelled to withdraw from the pursuit of my dream.

And then about a year ago I lost my secure (or so I thought) office job and was unable to find
another.  Searching in a different direction for a career in which to support myself, my eyes fell upon a box I had paid little attention to for almost four years.  It was the box containing my manuscript.  I thought about it, but dreaded the prospect of finding another agent.  That week, the mail delivered the answer to me:  the cash-out check from the 401k plan I had at my lost job.

Another reason surfaces when I think about why I did it.  Traditional publishers do not always choose wisely.  Last year, I discarded three books I had begun to read but lost the desire to finish because they were poorly written and not worth the effort!  One was obviously published just because the author was famous, and the other two were just . . . well . . . bad!

One afternoon in May, I was whining to a group of friends about having to be my own publicist and wishing I could be ‘discovered’ by a traditional publishing house; wishing
for someone else to take care of money output and marketing while I did nothing
but write (wishful thinking, I know!).  A woman in the group was quick to point out to me that there was no guarantee this would happen – she’d had her children’s book published but was dropped like a rock when it became apparent it wouldn’t be a best seller.  And, she continued, that anymore they are mostly looking for something that is either sensationalism or will make a good movie.  In short, she has developed a pessimistic attitude towards publishing (she sees no future at all in self-publishing) and has taken a different career path.

So far, I feel I’ve made a good decision.  Did I spend more money than I should have?  Yes.  Am I struggling to get my work noticed?  Yes, but with perseverance it will happen.  I am frustrated by having to be my own publicist, but I am smart and learn things quickly.

The publishing world is going through great changes.  I look forward, with an optimistic attitude and a smile on my face, to seeing where they lead us.