self-publishing your writing

I published my first poetry collection at 23 and it was the best thing I ever did (and at the time, also the hardest). The narrative that self-publishing is easy as uploading your work to Amazon and watching it sell omits the fun [chaos] of researching the publishing market, looking for comparative titles, figuring out cover trends, positioning your title in the existing book ecosystem, finding and working with an editor, setting up a business number, making a website, promoting on social media, organising a book launch event, etc. etc. I remember being SO overwhelmed. But when that first box of books arrived? And I got to read my poems to a small but honest crowd of readers? Two of the best moments in my life. Self-publishing opened doors for me that would have taken a lot more kicking otherwise, and it left me with valuable knowledge and skills that continue to serve me well. All this to say, if you’re considering self-publishing: do it. If this lil poet can, so can you <3