From Vanity to Victory: How Self-Publishing Changed the Publishing Game (and why it’s the best time ever to tell your story)
There was a time when the words self-published author came with a heavy side-eye. It was called vanity publishing, and for many, it was seen as a last resort—a Plan B when traditional publishing houses said no. Writers who dared to go it alone were often treated with a mixture of pity and scepticism.
Fast forward to today, and the entire landscape has been turned on its head. Self-publishing is no longer a sign of defeat—it's a bold declaration of independence.
Authors like Andy Weir, whose self-published novel The Martian launched him into Hollywood fame, and Thomishia Booker, who created her Hey Carter! Books empire and secured a Netflix partnership for her YA series, have shown the world that there is no shame—only strength—in backing your own voice.
In fact, self-publishing has become a gateway to opportunity, entrepreneurship, and even greater creative control.
A Revolution in Storytelling
The traditional publishing world once held all the cards. If you wanted your story in the hands of readers, you had to jump through a dizzying array of hoops: literary agents, acquisition editors, marketing committees. It was a slow, selective, and often intimidating process.
Then came the rise of platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, and others. Suddenly, writers could reach readers directly. No permission needed. No waiting for approval. If you had a story to tell, you could put it into the world—and let the readers decide its fate.
And they did.
From steamy romances (E. L. James) to intricate sci-fi sagas to vibrant children’s books, independently published titles started topping bestseller charts. Readers cared less about how a book got into their hands and more about the experience it delivered.
Authors Who Crossed Over—and Thrived
Self-publishing doesn’t mean you have to choose between one world and the other. Some authors have successfully blended both.
Andy Weir originally serialised The Martian for free on his website. Reader enthusiasm led him to self-publish it as an ebook. It wasn’t long before Crown Publishing came calling, followed closely by a major film adaptation starring Matt Damon.
Thomishia Booker built her brand through self-publishing to answer a critical need: authentic, affirming stories for Black children. Her success caught the attention of Netflix, demonstrating that independent voices are not only powerful—they are necessary.
Other authors, like Colleen Hoover and Hugh Howey, began by self-publishing and then struck selective traditional deals while keeping ownership over much of their work.
It’s no longer about proving yourself to the industry—it’s about proving yourself to your readers.
Why Self-Publishing Is Empowerment
When you self-publish today, you’re not "settling." You're:
- Retaining your creative control.
- Keeping a larger share of royalties.
- Building a direct relationship with your audience.
- Making smart decisions about your career on your own terms.
You’re an artist, a business owner, and a storyteller all rolled into one.
And there’s no greater validation than connecting authentically with readers who believe in your work.
My Own Journey: Conquerabia: The Struggle for Identity
When I published my debut novel, Conquerabia: The Struggle for Identity, I knew the story had the power to resonate deeply. It explores Trinidad's dramatic journey through discovery, colonisation, and the fight for self-definition.
Rather than wait for gatekeepers to "allow" it into the world, I chose to release it independently—and it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions of my career. Through my website, dianehindswrites.com, I’ve connected directly with readers who have been moved, challenged, and inspired by Conquerabia.
The freedom to shape my own path, to own my narrative both creatively and commercially, has been priceless.
And in choosing this route, I’ve become part of a growing community of authors who are rewriting the rules—not waiting for permission to tell the stories that matter.
The Future Is Multi-Path
Today, there is no single "right" way to be an author. Whether you land a traditional publishing deal, build a thriving indie career, or do a bit of both, what matters most is staying true to your voice and your vision.
Self-publishing is no longer a "vanity" project. It's a victory lap for those bold enough to bet on themselves.
If you’ve got a story inside you, there’s never been a better time to share it with the world.
Diane