Every writer dreams of having their work published. After all, "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house" (Matthew 5:15).
As a writer, I shared that dream. The traditional path was clear: write the book, pitch it to an agent, wait for a response… and most often, face rejection. I’ve walked that road—scouring the internet, searching for someone who would deem my work worthy of publishing.
The rejections came, some polite, others blunt, but all leading to the same conclusion: No. At first, the rejection stung. It made me work harder, hoping the next pitch would land, but the results were always the same. Then I had to ask myself a vital question:
Would I give up writing?
The answer was a firm no.
So, what was the alternative?
As a Nigerian living in Nigeria, I never visited local publishing houses. I had always relied on the internet, believing it would widen my horizons and give me global opportunities. That was my mindset back then.
Another option I considered was self-publishing (The traditional way but with me footing all the bills, of course). I could use a printing press, produce physical copies of my book, and sell them to bookstores—or even hawk them on the streets, though I had no desire to do that (I’ve seen people go that route, and it’s tough).
After more reflection, I realized I couldn’t abandon my love for writing. I’ve always had a passion for storytelling, and I knew there was an audience out there waiting to hear my stories. Why let these challenges snuff out my God-given talent? I needed to go the self-publishing route but needed the financial burden to be a lot less or almost non-existent.
So, I looked for alternatives
My search had already changed from "traditional publishers" and "literary agents" to "self-publishing." I dived into countless articles, read success stories of authors who had gone this route, and learned about the tools available to independent authors. It was a complete mind shift.Initially, I was sceptical about self-publishing. I thought recognition from a prestigious publishing house was the only way to validate my work. But as I learned more, I realized the real goal was to get my work out into the world—no matter how. I eventually decided to try Amazon’s CreateSpace (now KDP). It allowed me to take baby steps toward self-publishing, and suddenly, things seemed much more possible.
Why I Embraced Self-Publishing.
1. No More Rejection: Rejection was the main source of my frustration and sadness. In self-publishing, I no longer had to wait for someone else to approve of my work.
2. Less Stress: I didn’t have to hawk my books or continuously pitch them to agents. The waiting game was over, and I could take control of my own publishing journey.
3. Control Over My Work: I was in charge of the entire process—deciding the pace, making changes as needed, and seeing it through to completion.
The Challenge of Self-Publishing
While the benefits were great, there was one major challenge: I had to handle everything myself. But I welcomed this challenge, knowing that it was better than abandoning my talent altogether.
What Happened Next?
I published my first book, Amber and the Bland Treasure. It didn’t sell, and the title has changed over time, but the important thing was that I had taken the leap. I had put my work out there—no rejections, no gatekeepers.Since then, as I’ve grown as a writer, I’ve learned many lessons about crafting an engaging novel. That first book, though imperfect, was the start of my journey.
New Discoveries with Online Novels
As I delved deeper into self-publishing, I stumbled upon platforms like Wattpad and Inkitt. These gave me a chance to write and receive direct feedback from readers. It was a game-changer.
1. Engagement with Readers:
It was amazing to upload drafts and watch readers interact with my stories in real-time. Their feedback was invaluable.
Did Chasing Traditional Publishing Set Me Back?
Yes, in some ways. I spent so much time pitching and waiting for responses that I lost precious energy and, at one point, even stopped writing. My career and life got in the way, and it wasn’t until the COVID-19 lockdown that I rediscovered my love for storytelling.Ironically, once I started publishing online, publishers began reaching out to me! The tables had turned. Web novel platforms like GoodNovel offered me the chance to earn money from my work—nothing big, but it was a start.
The Best Part About Online Publishing?
Your work doesn’t have to be perfect from the get-go. I’m not advocating for sloppy writing, but on these platforms, you can publish chapters, receive feedback, make edits, and improve along the way. Readers even help you spot errors. It’s an interactive and evolving process.I’ve built a fan base and connected with readers who follow my stories and engage with me on social media. There’s no pressure except to finish the book, not only to give the readers closure on the story but also have a sense of accomplishment for yourself.
Looking Ahead
These days, I barely think about traditional publishing. I have my work on Amazon, and platforms that handle print and shipping for hard copies—without me lifting a finger. I still hope to traditionally publish someday, but I’m no longer fixated on big-name publishers or being at the mercy of literary agents. Thanks to the internet, the world is at our feet, and alternatives abound.
Conclusion
I stopped chasing traditional publishing because there are better, more accessible alternatives. With web novel platforms, I can grow my readership, build a global audience, earn from my work, and continually improve my stories—all without the gatekeepers of traditional publishing. I hope my insights have been helpful.
Shalom.
