Why Self-Publishing Is the Best Option for Aspiring Authors

Take control of your story, your brand, and your future as an author.

Book | Image Created by Substack AI

I remember the day I finished writing my first book. It felt like I had climbed a mountain. The days of late nights and early mornings, coffee-fueled writing and editing sessions, and self-doubt were behind me. I had a finished manuscript. But then came the big question:

Now what?

Like many aspiring authors, I believed traditional publishing was the golden ticket. I imagined a big book deal, a book tour, and my name in lights.

But something disturbed me about the big publishing companies. The gatekeepers, the timetables, and all the "requirements" to validate my book seemed a bit over the top.

That’s when I discovered self-publishing—and it changed everything.

Since then, I’ve self-published 19 books, 15 of which became bestsellers. I have no agent or publisher. It's just me, my process, and a simple, minimalist strategy that works.

If you’re an aspiring author, let me tell you something you need to hear:

Self-publishing isn’t a second-rate option. It’s the smartest path for new writers who want to take control of their creative future.

Here’s why.

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You Control Everything (And That’s a Good Thing)

Traditional publishing can take 12–24 months from contract to launch—if you even get accepted. With self-publishing, you set the timeline.

• Want to publish in 90 days? You can.

• Want to choose your editor, cover designer, or title? You can.

• Want to keep your book exactly how you wrote it? Absolutely.

Creative control is one of the biggest reasons self-publishing wins. No one will tell you to rewrite your ending or cut a character you love. Your vision stays intact.

And it’s not just creative control. You also own the rights, which means you can repurpose your content, create spin-offs, or turn your book into a course—without permission from a publisher.

You Keep More of the Profits

With a traditional deal, you might earn 10–15% royalties on your book’s retail price—after your agent takes their cut. That means if your book sells for $20, you might earn $2.

With self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP, you earn up to 70% royalties. Sell that same $20 book and keep $14.

You can also:

• Bundle your book with courses or coaching

• Sell directly from your site (and keep 100%)

• Run promos, discounts, and pricing experiments on your terms

In short, self-publishing allows you to earn more from every book sale—and build long-term income streams.

You Build a Platform, Not Just a Product

When you self-publish, you’re not just writing a book but building a platform.

You learn how to:

• Market yourself

• Grow an email list

• Connect with readers directly

• Share your message on social media

That platform becomes an asset. It helps you:

• Launch future books to a warm audience

• Monetize beyond the book (through coaching, speaking, and digital products)

• Build your author brand on your terms

Many traditionally published authors still have to market themselves, so why not build that skill now and own the results?

The Stigma Is Gone

Let’s be honest: self-publishing used to come with a stigma. People assumed your book was low quality or rejected by publishers. But those days are gone.

Some of today’s bestselling and most respected authors are self-published or hybrid authors. Readers don’t care who published your book—they care whether it’s good.

With professional editing, a quality cover, and a strong launch plan, your self-published book can sit next to any traditionally published one.

You Can Publish Faster and Learn Faster

One of the most significant benefits of self-publishing is speed and feedback.

When you publish quickly:

• You learn what works and what doesn’t

• You gather reviews and refine your next book

• You build momentum and gain confidence

Some authors wait years for a single book deal. Self-published authors can publish multiple books in that time, growing a backlist, building an audience, and creating sustainable income.

Done is better than perfect. Every book you publish is a stepping stone to a better one. That’s the beauty of self-publishing—you’re always learning, improving, and growing.

It’s Never Been Easier

We live in an age where technology and tools have made self-publishing simple, accessible, and scalable. You don’t need a team of experts—you need a process.

You can write your book using Google Docs or Scrivener.

You can format it with tools like Atticus, Vellum, or Word.

You can upload to Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and other platforms in hours.

And best of all—you don’t have to figure it out alone.

I created The Minimalist Author Way to help aspiring authors go from idea to bestseller in just 90 days—without overwhelm, burnout, or time waste. It’s the same system I’ve used for 19 books and counting.

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Conclusion: Take the Leap—Your Story Deserves It

You don’t need permission to become an author. You don’t need a big publishing deal, an agent, or thousands of followers.

You need:

• A clear idea

• A simple system

• A commitment to share your story

That’s what self-publishing gives you—the freedom to move forward now, to learn as you go, and to build a writing life that works for you.

Stop waiting for a gatekeeper. You are the gate.

The world needs your story—and there’s never been a better time to share it.

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My name is J.R. Heimbigner and I am a #1 Bestselling Author on Amazon with 19 self-published books. I have something I want to share with you:

1. The Minimalist Author HQ (Substack)

2. The Minimalist Author: Self-Publishing on Your Terms (Book)

3. The Minimalist Author Way (Course & Community)

Also, this post may contain sales or affiliate links, so I might get a little kickback if you purchase anything. Thank you in advance!