Hey there, fellow money-savvy readers! I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving break. Today, I'm excited to finally share my personal journey into the world of self-publishing. This is the number one question I get asked when speaking to future authors so let’s dive into why I decided to take control of my publishing destiny and reach teens and young adults around the globe.
From Nonprofit to Self-Publishing: A Natural Progression
Before I delve into my self-publishing adventure, let me give you a little background. I've been passionate about financial literacy for a while now. I founded a nonprofit organization back in 2018 dedicated to teaching financial literacy, which allowed me to connect with students and their families from all over the state of North Carolina and beyond. But, I felt like I could do more to reach and empower a wider audience. So became my first book, The Money Club: A Teenage Guide to Financial Literacy. Here are some of the reasons I decided to go the self-publishing route.
1. Empowering Teens and Young Adults Worldwide
My primary motivation for self-publishing was to expand the reach of my financial literacy message. I wanted to empower young people worldwide with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions. Self-publishing allowed me to take my message directly to the audience I aimed to serve, without the constraints of traditional publishing.
2. Control Over Content and Timelines
Self-publishing gave me the freedom to control every aspect of my book, from content to release dates. I could ensure that the content was fresh, relevant, and tailored to the needs of young readers. No lengthy approval processes or edits that dilute the message – just my authentic voice.
3. Global Accessibility
Traditional publishing often restricts distribution, especially for new authors. By self-publishing, I could make my book accessible to readers all around the world. It didn't matter where they lived, my book could reach them. I've sold books in Australia, India, and the UK!
4. Cost-Efficiency and Sustainability
Financial literacy is all about making informed financial decisions, and practicing what I preach was vital. Self-publishing allowed me to manage costs efficiently. I could invest in high-quality content and design without the overheads associated with traditional publishing.
5. Direct Connection with Readers
One of the most rewarding aspects of self-publishing is the direct connection with readers. I could interact with them through social media, email, and events, gaining invaluable feedback and insight into their needs and challenges.
6. Fulfilling My Mission
In the end, self-publishing aligned perfectly with my mission of spreading financial literacy. It allowed me to take my passion to new heights and have a more significant impact on the lives of young adults worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Self-publishing has been a remarkable journey that has allowed me to bridge the gap between my nonprofit work and my dream of reaching a global audience with financial literacy education. It's about more than just publishing a book; it's about a vision, a mission, and a deep commitment to helping others.
If you're considering self-publishing, but are unsure, take the plunge. It's a journey filled with opportunities, challenges, and the immense satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. And if you go the traditional publishing route, that's fine too! What works for me won't work for everyone.
Stay financially literate, stay empowered, and stay self-published. 📚💰🌎