Eight months post self-publishing--will I do it again? Should you?

If you are a writer like me, you wonder how another writer's books are really selling. Is self-publishing as good as some claim? Is it as bad?

My journey into self-publishing still makes me happy. Why is it important I'm happy? Because I wasn't last September when I almost gave up writing completely. I told myself last February when I took the plunge to self pub that I would stop when it was no longer fun. Today I can report that putting a book out there is still fun.

August was my best month so far. Overall, I've made almost as much money in the KENP program as I have selling e-books. So for now, that's where my books will remain.

How much have you made? you ask. Honestly, more than I did with my first book that was with a mid-sized publisher. I think that's because I have actively promoted and advertised The Bend more than I did The Mulligan. But since I'm doing it all my self online, I have more opportunities to set up the advertising, especially through Amazon.

Would I do it again? Of course. I hope to be much smarter about the next one--doing a low pre-promotional price, better book inside design, and being positive there is not one error in it as much as I can prevent. I will also choose better categories to set it up in, and start my Amazon advertising immediately rather than months later.

Already I am sharing the next cover and blurb and will heavily promote it as the time grows closer.
Honestly, selling is all about advertising. Who will find your book and buy it if you don't put it in front of them?

So my best advice to those who want to take a similar plunge? Write well, be brave, advertise and just do it. 

ENTER- The Fear of Submitting your Book

It's one word. One push of a button. One second of my time after all I've done to prepare.

My finger wavers over the key. If I push the button, my book  gets published. Self-published. I've written the cover blurb at least a hundred times. I've revised the cover over and over, seeking advice from other writers and friends. My story has been edited by Beta readers, critique partners, my ex-agent and a professional editor.

I should be ready.

But is any writer ever ready for what comes after they submit their work to the world?

The other day, I read a few nasty comments on Amazon about one woman's book. I endured a bad one myself on my first novel. But this is different. I don't have the backing of a publishing house. I have me. Only me.

The me who did my best to present the best product I can at this point in my writing career.

My husband reminded me how he bid jobs in construction for so many years. Some of his customers loved his work, others complained. He couldn't please 100 % of the people 100% of the time.

I won't either.

Yet still...

I've set the release date. My mother's birthday and the day my father died. Perhaps I chose that date so I can remember it but perhaps to remind me it's just a button. A push of the finger.

So much more in life is important.