The Real Truth About Self-Publishing: Freedom, Control, and Why It’s Time to Ditch the Myths

Let’s face it—self-publishing is hot. It’s been around for years, and yet it’s still surrounded by misconceptions, confusion, and lots of bad advice. If you’ve ever dipped your toes into self-publishing, you’ve probably encountered a ton of opinions on how to get it “right”—everything from “just upload to Amazon and let it do its magic” to “you need to buy this $5000 course to learn the real secret.” But here’s the thing: there’s only one secret to self-publishing, and it’s a whole lot simpler than all that.

What it boils down to is this: freedom and control.

Yep, you heard me. The real deal about self-publishing isn’t about avoiding the traditional route, it’s about embracing total ownership over your work—and that doesn’t just mean hitting “publish” on Amazon KDP and calling it a day. No, no—self-publishing is a mindset. It’s about becoming the boss of your own author career.

In this post, we’ll dig into what it really means to be an independent author, the price of true freedom (spoiler alert: it’s not free), and why depending on Amazon isn’t going to cut it in the long run. If you’re ready to get real about your self-publishing future, keep reading.

Breaking the Myths: What is Self-Publishing REALLY About?

Self-publishing is one of those topics where everyone seems to have an opinion. You’ve probably seen countless authors online throwing around terms like “hybrid publisher,” “vanity publisher,” or “traditional publisher.” But honestly? A lot of that chatter is just noise.

Let’s clear the air: in today’s publishing world, there are only two kinds of authors:

Dependent Authors: These folks lean on platforms like Amazon KDP, Kindle Unlimited, and other services to manage most of their publishing needs. They follow a pre-set system, let algorithms do the heavy lifting, and hope for the best.
Independent Authors: These authors take full control. They own their ISBNs, manage their own printing, set their prices, and call the shots on distribution. If you want freedom, this is the path you need to walk.

If your book is only available on Amazon, guess what? You don’t actually own a book. You’ve got a manuscript hosted on KDP. That’s not real independence.

Why This Matters

Being independent doesn’t just mean writing your book—it’s about owning every aspect of your publishing journey. From setting prices to deciding where your book will be sold, the more control you have, the more profit and growth you’ll see. And trust me, your sales will thank you for it!

The Price of Freedom: Why Self-Publishing is NOT Actually Free

Alright, I know what you’re thinking: “Self-publishing is free, right? Just upload my manuscript to Amazon, and bam—instant book deal.”

But here’s the cold, hard truth: self-publishing is NOT free. And if you’re waiting for someone to tell you otherwise, you’re in for a rude awakening.

Yes, you can upload your book to platforms like Amazon KDP for zero upfront cost, but if you’re serious about success, there’s always a price. And no, I’m not talking about the cost of printing your book through a print-on-demand service. I’m talking about the cost of learning, growing, and evolving as an author and entrepreneur.

Here’s What You’ll Need to Invest In

Education – You need to learn the business of publishing. This means understanding marketing, branding, sales funnels, and how to build your author platform. Just because you can write doesn’t mean you know how to make money from it.
Printing – Want control over your book’s look, feel, and cost? You’ll need to explore options beyond KDP’s print-on-demand service. This requires upfront investment in higher-quality printers and learning how to manage your own inventory.
Marketing – Relying solely on Amazon’s algorithm to push your book is like waiting for your car to drive itself to the gas station—it’s not going to happen. Effective book marketing requires strategy, creativity, and investment in ads, newsletters, and other platforms.

So, yeah, freedom comes at a cost. But that cost isn’t a scary thing—it’s a necessary investment that leads to the real payoff: control over your work and your income.

Amazon is NOT the Be-All, End-All of Publishing

Many authors mistakenly believe that self-publishing is Amazon. But here’s the thing: Amazon did not revolutionize publishing. The only thing that changed is the technology. The fundamentals of publishing—getting a book into the hands of readers—have remained largely the same.

Now, I’m not saying you should throw Amazon out the window. It’s still a powerful tool. But if you’re relying entirely on KDP for your sales, then you’re putting all your eggs in one basket. And guess what happens if Amazon changes its policies, raises its fees, or cuts your royalties? You’re left scrambling.

Smart Independent Authors Do This

Build their own websites and sales funnels: Don’t just rely on Amazon to sell your book. Build your own platform to sell directly to your readers.
Diversify their distribution: Get your book on multiple platforms (Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play) and explore independent bookstores.
Control your pricing and branding: Amazon may offer tools, but you don’t have to follow their pricing guidelines. Make your own rules.

You don’t need to live and die by Amazon. Build your own empire and let Amazon be a piece of the puzzle, not the whole puzzle.

Originality is the Key to True Independence

When it comes to being a truly independent author, there’s one trait that will set you apart from everyone else: originality. I’m not talking about having a quirky writing style or an eccentric voice (although, that helps)—I mean creating your own path.

In a world of cookie-cutter publishing solutions, the most successful authors are the ones who decide to reject the default and blaze their own trail. The best authors are the ones who see the status quo and say, “Isn’t there a better way?”

If you’re just following the crowd, doing what everyone else is doing, you’re never going to stand out. Independence is about thinking differently, doing things on your terms, and building something unique.

A Case Study in Real Independence: Own Your Book Press

If you’re wondering what true independence looks like in action, look no further than my book, Own Your Book Press. In it, I lay out how I broke free from the shackles of traditional print-on-demand services and found a more sustainable, cost-effective way to print and publish my books.

For many authors, services like KDP may seem good enough. But for me? “Good enough” was never enough. I wanted better—better control, better quality, and better profitability.

Own Your Book Press isn’t just a guide—it’s a blueprint for anyone ready to take their publishing career into their own hands. It’s the manual for authors who are tired of being told what to do and are ready to chart their own course.

Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Take Control of Your Publishing Future

Here’s the bottom line: self-publishing is not about uploading your book to Amazon and crossing your fingers. It’s about control. It’s about owning every aspect of your book’s life cycle—from creation to printing, pricing, and distribution.

If you’re tired of waiting for permission, it’s time to step into the driver’s seat and own your publishing destiny. Invest in your education. Take control over your book’s fate. And most importantly, never settle for “good enough.”

Want to get started? Order your copy of Own Your Book Press (Visit ownyourbookpress.com) and take your first step toward true publishing independence. Trust me—you’ve got this.

By taking control of your publishing journey, you’re not just releasing a book—you’re building a lasting, profitable business. So what are you waiting for? The choice is yours: stay dependent, or become truly independent!