“Knowing and Going for Your Goal”
Dear writer,
I hope you had a great week and benefited from our exploration of publishing! This week, we’re going to zoom in and take a look specifically at self publishing.
Self publishing is a wide open world often best suited for those who are doing something new and whose story has a unique message, format, or audience. For some, self publishing will be the best path they could ever choose, offering them complete control and flexibility. On the flip-side of all the freedom is the reality that, as a self publisher, the final results are also your responsibility.
This can be an exhilarating journey as you work hand in hand with the Lord, with professionals, and with others to learn how to launch His message to your readers. But before we dive in, let’s take a look at some others who went against mainstream trends and chose a more or less “self-published” path.
Self Publishing in History
Karl Benz, maker of the first prototype of the modern car, is a wonderful example of a “self-published” path. In an era when many were exploring the possibility of horseless vehicles, Karl Benz’s love of bicycling prompted him to dream of a motorized tricycle that would carry two passengers. While others had tried to develop a motorless carriage, Benz’s approach was unique. Instead of adding a motor to a wagon, he pioneered a vehicle that was designed expressly for and around the brand new combustion engine. Though many of his contemporaries at the time derided his innovation, Benz’s work created the first prototype of our modern cars.
It can be the same with us, writer. When our ideas are new, while they might be received very well by readers, sometimes traditional publishers might not want to take a risk on an unproven model. But here’s the beautiful thing: for every type of literature and artistic device you see now, there was someone who was the first to pioneer it. Self publishing is that opportunity for you to pursue a new path and, like Benz, to attempt great innovation. And if you find parts of your approach don’t quite work, self publishing gives you the flexibility to adjust and adapt as you go.
Self Publishing in the Bible
The prophet Jeremiah is another great example of a man who “self published” an idea different than the norm. While others in Israel languished under the Babylonian occupation and exile, Jeremiah sent an unusual God-given message of hope to his Israelite brothers and sisters. Though no end to Babylonian oppression was in sight, Jeremiah bought a potter’s field in expectation and prophetic demonstration of God’s promise that Israel would eventually return and be restored to the land. His act and words still inspire hope for those who feel exiled to place their faith in our covenant-keeping King.
In the same way, writer, your message might take a unique format or require special timing. These are also great reasons to choose a self publishing route.
Self Publishing in Life
For me, I chose a “self-published” route when I followed God’s leading to quit my job and begin writing. Though I had no promise of income, I felt the Lord’s timing at work and pursued His call. By the time my book published, the events on my pages were being played out in the streets of cities across the nation. I had no idea that would be the case, but God did and following His timing kept me in step with Him. Though I’ve only attended a couple of book signing events since publishing, I’ve sold over 200 copies of my books, selling as I go, because the story He gave me contains ideas whose time has come.
It’s the same for some of you, writer. Sometimes the Lord’s timing is best suited by a self publishing path that frees you to use and develop your work in unique ways and with the specific timing that He’s leading.
Self Publishing in Your Life
Now here’s the thing interesting thing. With freedom comes responsibility. A self publishing path requires proactivity and discipline, and many wonder if their efforts will actually “pan out.” But here’s the beautiful thing. Nothing done in love is ever wasted. God will take our faithfulness and swallow it up in His to work in ways we might never expect. Here’s where He promises to do so…
- Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. – Psalm 126:5
- The hand of the diligent will rule… – Proverbs 12:24
- Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank. – Proverbs 22:29
- It [love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. – 1 Corinthians 13:7-8a
- If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. – James 1:5
You see, writer, through a self-publishing path requires discipline and diligence, if you feel the Lord’s leading that your story would best reach readers through that path, you need not fear. It may not always look like we expect, but pursuing His path will always bring about the results He intends.
Just like Carl Benz, though he did not see motorized cars become a reality for the everyday man, his innovations paved the way for motor vehicles as we know them today. And though Jeremiah didn’t see the full restoration of Israel, the property he bought and the words he wrote spoke volumes to the people suffering in exile. His works still speak volumes today even as Israel dwells in its land as promised. For me, my self-published path not only launched my book but opened the door for me to help birth and run Experience Writing and to launch other writers into their future.
And it’s the same with you writer. If you find a self publishing path is God’s path for you, you can trust Him to make it fruitful. Our job isn’t to produce the fruit. It’s to diligently remain connected to Him as we faithfully and persistently do what He’s asked.
Where to Start with Self Publishing
If you are feeling that a self publishing path might be for you, here are a few things to consider.
- Understand the Process. If you are new to self publishing, I encourage you to familiarize yourself with its language and process by attending some workshops or classes or by diving into some research. Many resources on self-publishing are entirely free and can help you begin to orient you to the journey. Reedsy.com and SelfPublishing.com are two great resources to get you started!
- Know What You Know. Assess your skills, gifts, and talents. Do you have an eye for design? Are you a natural social media promoter? Determine what skills you have that you might be able to grow, strengthen and apply to help you along your publishing path.
- Know Where You Need Help. At some point, we all need help along our publishing path. Even it’s simply to print the books! There is no shame in asking for help and seeking out professionals as needed. You might only need a cover designer or a typesetter or a web builder or marketing coach. But if you feel like you need it all—never fear! There are countless individuals and businesses dedicated to helping authors walk through the self publishing process. Just be sure the service you are considering is legitimate. Scams do exist. This is where leaning into the Lord for wisdom, doing a little research, and seeking the counsel of others is key.
- Know Your Goal. Remember as you move forward to say connected to the Lord and to make your decisions based on the goals He’s put on your heart. This will help you weigh and rank your priorities as you go. For some, you’ll need to invest in a killer cover. For others having a solid social media marketing plan will be critical. It’s all depends on what the Lord is asking you to do and what you will need in order to accomplish that goal.
Because here’s the thing, writer. Self publishing is a comprehensive process that begins with editing and takes you through typesetting and cover and web design and into printing, marketing, and more. But instead of being overwhelmed, we have the opportunity like Benz, who was not overwhelmed by the wide openness of the field of motor vehicle innovations, to create a path in uncharted territory. Or Jeremiah by the oppression of the Babylonians, to create unexpected vision and hope for others.
When we keep our eyes fixed on the goal, we have the opportunity to uncover the best and sometimes altogether new methods and means of expression, sometimes paving a path for ourselves and others in ways we never dreamed.
So, I encourage you, today. If you’re considering self publishing, don’t let the unknowns overwhelm you. Lean into your King to guide you and don’t be afraid to seek out help. You’ll never know what treasures you may unearth and whose lives will be changed as you do.
#Selfpublishing #NoFear #EveryWriterWriting
