I am publishing my second novel Issie Mac in a couple of weeks time. Okay, it’s taken a while, actually it’s been five years since my first book Finding Eliza was published. And I’m not getting any younger.

Anyway my second book Issie Mac is in the throes of being published. I’m a self publishing author who has decided to back myself and take all the risks of sending a book out to the public with the assistance of a few skilled professionals. Sometimes, I challenge my own decisions along the way but mostly I’m happy with the results so far.

With my first book I used industry professionals for each stage of the process. I had an editor, who was experienced in many aspects of bringing a book through the different iterations of editing and proofing to the actual stages of book preparation and completion. Type setting choices, book cover design and options around online publishing, printing on demand and traditional printing all fitted together before the birth of my book. This time it’s similar but I am across the processes a little more and feel I know how it works.

But my first journey into self publishing was hard work. Getting it right and ensuring that the standard was acceptable was high priority for me. I decided to go it alone for the following reasons. I was a first time novelist in my sixties, I had another career behind me and my qualifications were not in writing, editing or literature despite having been an avid reader all my life and also dabbling in writing for many years. So, my logic was this; a mainstream publisher was not going to look sideways at me, too mature, no runs on the board and not enough time left to become a useful writer for the future! Occasionally, in my wildest dreams I did think by some divine intervention that I might land a book deal, but when my senses returned, I quickly weighed up the possibilities and decided not to waste my time.

And yes, the outdated discrimination and snobbery directed to self publishing writers does feel uncomfortable at times. On the other hand I am my own boss and I like the independence it gives me. If I mess it up, I am to blame but when all goes well I have a sense of achievement. But that doesn’t mean I always feel confident, the fact is, I second guess my decisions often. However, I think self publishing is suited to my personality. I’ve always liked a challenge but have high standards. I need to know how processes work and research until I have a handle on the big picture. On the other hand, I worry and when having those low self esteem moments I tell myself that I should have tried harder to find a traditional publisher, perhaps my work isn’t what it should be etc. etc.

But all the self doubting aside, self publishing is a credible thing to do providing you follow a few sensible guidelines. Always, yes always, use a professional editor. Sure it’s a biggish cost but it’s the only way I am confident that my work is moving toward a standard and will be credible in the long run. I also choose beta readers for their expertise in the issues I’m writing about or their ability and tenacity to read critically. I cringe when I hand over the manuscript in it’s early draft rawness, but for me the results are invaluable. My one rule is to be hard on myself and my work. Writing is for most authors, a long slog. If it hasn’t been a slog I know it’s not ready.

And then when the book finally emerges the angst starts all over again. What will the readership think of it? Did I do enough? But mostly, I have a sense of accomplishment. Self publishing can do that, I’ve found. Age is no barrier but not doing the homework is.