There’s no denying that self-publishing can be something of a challenge. For most of us getting into it for the first time, it’s a steep learning curve and can sometimes seem like too much to take in all at once. However, it’s a challenge that is definitely worth it. Here are six reasons why self-publishing is worth the effort.

Do it in your own time

It might be hard sometimes, but at least you can do it in your own time. The only deadlines you’ll have are those that you set yourself and, since you’re in charge, you can move them if you want. Even though you might be eager to get your work published, you can still afford the luxury of taking your time to get things right.

Build up your skill base

Independent publishing is also an excellent opportunity to increase your skills, and this is something that we should never waste. You never know when you might need those skills again and, even if you never use them outside of self-publishing, it will still be something else to add to your list of achievements.

The satisfaction of a job well done

It’s also enormously satisfying when you finally get your self-published book out there. There’s nothing like seeing your own name in print and knowing you’ve got there under your own steam only makes it better.

Potential for success

Plus you never know, you could be the next big success story. There are plenty of self-published authors out there who are currently doing rather nicely for themselves and while success is never guaranteed, even just the prospect of it makes all the effort worth it.

Build your network

Self-publishing is a good way to build up a network of contacts. Those contacts might help you with your writing, your publishing, your ‘other’ career, or end up becoming your friends. Whatever they end up being, they’ll be immensely valuable.

Develop the writing career you want

Finally, self-publishing will always be worth the effort as it allows you to develop the writing career you want. You don’t have to meet anyone else’s standards or aims but your own. Unlike traditional publishing, where you are likely to be guided by what publishers want, with self-publishing you can do things entirely your own way. The freedom is amazing and it makes the whole process and all the hard work worth it.