Are Self Publishers Losers?

Can I just be honest here? Self-publishing feels like failure. Like, "What? You can't get a real publisher to print your book so you had to do it yourself? Must be pretty crappy writing for you to go that route. What a loser."

Yeah, that's what it feels like sometimes, but I've got lots of writerly buddies, even big names, who self-publish with confidence and finesse. How do they spin what could be construed as losing into winning? Well, besides a ton of hard work, they have a winning mindset, and you can too once you've read through the following handy dandy list . . .

10 Ways To Know If You're a Self-Published Winner

1. You hold in your hands a printed copy of the book of your heart. Winner!
2. You are asked to speak on something related to your book. Winner!
3. You encounter and encourage other writers because of your book. Winner!
4. You've got new ideas for other stories you can't wait to write and now you know they will be published. Winner!
5. You've sold enough copies to not only pay back your output but you're now raking in pure profit. Winner!
6. Readers ask you when you're next book is coming out. Winner!
7. You launch your book and gobs of people come to the party. Winner!
8. You are interviewed on a local radio show and people call in to ask questions. Winner!
9. You're invited to guest post or write an article about your book or writing journey. Winner!
10. Positive reviews start showing up on Amazon. Winner!

Don't get me wrong. Not every self-pubbed book is a winner. Some are stinkers. But you'll find the same with traditionally published books as well. The point is not only should you not judge books by their covers, but don't judge the authors by their book covers (or publishers) as well. Coexist already.