I did it my way

Stepping into the world of self-publishing has been a revelation, a journey that has allowed me to shape my literary dream from inception to realization. While a colleague opted for the traditional route—sending their manuscript to publishers and agents, then waiting for elusive feedback—I took control of my destiny. From the exhilarating moment of hitting the "publish" button to deciding the release date that felt right for my story, every choice was mine to make. I navigated the creative process with autonomy, choosing the cover design that resonated with my vision. Witnessing my book available for readers globally in a matter of weeks, rather than months, has been incredibly fulfilling.

In stark contrast, my colleague is still entangled in the waiting game. Months have passed, and the anticipation for feedback lingers. Even if a publisher picks up their work, the responsibility of marketing will inevitably fall back on them. In the self-publishing realm, I've found a swifter, more direct path to readers. The agility of digital platforms and print-on-demand services has enabled me to connect with my audience without the prolonged wait associated with traditional channels.

The financial rewards of self-publishing are another noteworthy aspect. Retaining a higher percentage of book sales has not only fueled my passion but also served as a testament to the viability of this path. Ultimately, self-publishing has proven to be a dynamic and rewarding journey, offering me control over every facet of my book's destiny. As my colleague awaits responses, I can confidently say that embracing the autonomy of self-publishing was undoubtedly the right choice for me, an avenue that has transformed my writing from a solitary endeavor into a shared adventure with readers worldwide.