There are the terms self-publishing, independent publishing, and traditional publishing. If you would prefer to avoid rejection letters from traditional publishing companies, write the manuscript and rely on the editing services, (assisting you with editing, formatting, book design, and cover art), and print a run of copies and distribute the books, self-publishing is for you. With self-publishing, you can release your book in any quality you desire, without the option of paying for editing services and your book will be listed on various online bookseller sites.
Independent publishing also entails writing your own manuscript and relying on editing services but is not as well-known and, most of the time, as marketable as traditional publishing companies (like Bloomsbury Publishing, Penguin Random House, Doubleday, and HarperCollins). With traditional publishing companies, there’s the stress of querying an agent or pitching your book to a small publisher for proper representation. The querying process can take a staggering six months to a year until you may land a contract.
Usually, self-published writers are accessible. Many self-publishers seem to have fun-loving personalities and are approachable, which sets them apart from other authors. How many customers would a combative author have anyway? Self-publishers are more than likely to respond if you have a question. They do not have to bear being told by mainstream publishing companies on what to write about and their creative input is something that can be explored. It can be a hassle for authors to get their work released in bookshops, and on rare occasions, books (like Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown, Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James, and Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs) can gain mainstream success. The possibilities are endless but are like winning the jackpot at Publishers Clearing House. Some self-published content can still make its way into sticky-floored movie theaters.
Plenty of self-published books are underrated. It can be an ongoing challenge for self-published authors to get their books into multiple bookstores. As an author, if your distributor has return capabilities and agreeable terms regarding the wholesale discount, bookstores will make time to buy your books in bulk. Nearly anyone is capable of self-publishing a book, but that does not mean that every self-published book is less valuable than a regular one. Feel free to read this list of seven self-published books you should check out at the bookstore this September. If you feel that any self-published books that belong on this list, drop a comment on The Bookshop Blog’s Twitter account.
7. Single Ladies’ Bucket List by Kimolee Eryn
Kimolee Eryn’s debut novel, Single Ladies’ Bucket List, can be found at your local bookstore. It is set in San Diego, California. Vida Gregory is a 32-year-old black woman struggling with the weight of her life of indecision. With the help of her friends, family, and a figure from her past, she searches for the life she almost left behind. The story is described to be only half Eat. Pray. Love and even less Sex and the City. If you have a Barnes & Noble store around, pick the book off the shelf, turn the pages, and see if you like anything.
Single Ladies’ Bucket List was self-published on Blurb, the paperback version is 314 pages, and although many of the customers are dissatisfied with Blurb, Single Ladies’ Bucket List is an exception.
6. How to Date Hot Older Women: The Ultimate Guide to Dating Older Women. Written by a Mature Model by Elaina St. James
Don’t you just love how-to books? Older women can be irrefutably intriguing, confident with themselves, have a sense of mystery, and are experienced with dating. Elaina, who has an OnlyFans account, is a 54-year-old mom-of-one from Chicago, IL. The book is only a 27-page read and what better way to learn to advance your livelihood than by learning from those older than you? Your octogenarian can be by your side in no time, but if you prefer younger women, there are still tips you can pick up.
5. Pink Skies: The Lost and Found of Youth by Yara Cloudt
This is an autobiographical collection of poems, focusing on having your first love, first heartbreak, coping with depression and loss of purpose in life, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, and finding your true self.
4. The Drifted Poet by Bethany Crenshaw
Published by Barns & Noble Press, The Drifted Poet has a poetry collection of melancholy hopes and explores individuality. Strong themes that can help you get through life are touched on, such as sexual assault, drug abuse, and suicidal tendencies.
3. Creek Fishing, Survival by Victor Cox
Peace and relaxation are things everyone desires. Creek Fishing, Survival tells the story of Victor’s fishing experience. He heads to the mouth of a creek where it meets a lake, to the point that the sun is setting. Time sure does fly by fast when you’re having fun. When it’s dark, that’s when Victor’s mind runs amuck with terror-induced events. He somehow figures out how to make his way back to his truck.
2. The Boy and His Angel by Kirsty Mosely
After you pick up one Kirsty Mosely book, you may find yourself searching for more of her independently published stories. In The Boy and His Angel, full of 30 pages, you can finally find out what happens after the couple, Amber Walker and Liam James, were dancing in the studio at the end of The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window. This is a bonus catch-up story, set five years after the ending of The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window.
1. The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window by Kirsty Moseley
On April 15, 2011, The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window was self-published on CreateSpace Publishing as Mosely’s first novel. The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window is a 271-page book that is an International bestselling novel and a finalist of the Goodreads Choice Awards YA Fiction 2012.
In the book full of riveting details, Amber Walker who has an unhealthy relationship with her older brother’s best friend (Liam James), sees a side of him that nobody else does. One night, Liam notices Amber crying and climbs through her window to cheer her up. That moment sparked a love/hate relationship between them, spanning the next eight years.
At night, Liam is her safe haven and protector. When he’s around, the memories of her abusive childhood from her father are non-existent, but he is also cocky, arrogant, and a playboy in training. Knowing that he has never had a girlfriend and has a “hit it and quit it” mentality, he should be the last person anyone should fall in love with. Since Amber’s brother is overprotective, the storytelling strikes my interest, leading me to want to know more. How will her brother react to the romantic news?
Did any of these books pique your interest? Check out your local bookstore to see if any of them are in stock. And if there are any other books that should have made this list, please let us known on Twitter or in the comments below.
