I’ve been an indie author now for a full year. It’s been a whirlwind and a roller coaster, and I wouldn’t change the last 369 days as a published author for anything. Why? It really comes down to three things: control, community, and chrysalis. You’re probably wondering about the last one, but I’ll get to that in a minute.

Before deciding to self-publish, I threw my hat into the ring and spent some time chasing agents and traditional publishers. I polished my query letter until it shined and joined the ranks; vying for attention with thousands of others all hoping for a second look. It was exciting and exhilarating, and depressing. After a while it began to feel like every letter I sent was a shot in the dark and someone else’s hand was on the light switch. Self-publishing changed all that. It put me in control. It gave me the power to decide my word count, my cover, my price—my future. It also brought me way outside my comfort zone. I wasn’t sure I would like it out here. Despite wanting to be published, I enjoyed my little circle. I could write until my heart’s content and I didn’t have to talk about myself. I didn’t have to think about how my words were in thousands of people’s heads, and worry what they might think of them. Jumping into that giant ocean full of published authors was a little scary. But something curious happened in those first few months. I started connecting with others like me, and the ocean started shrinking: I’d found a community. Sharing tips, jokes, sarcasm, support, the good and the bad, and sometimes plain just old nonsense, the community of indie authors I discovered is so much better than that lonely little comfort zone I left behind. I guess that’s what I love #IndieBooksBeSeen. It isn’t just a hashtag or a movement. It’s a community.

Being an indie author has allowed me to grow as a writer. It cracked open that chrysalis I’ve been sheltered in for years, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.

Want to read why other authors love being indie? Hop on over and take a look at the wonderful blog of Christine L. Rozzelle