Back in the day, I never would assume the thought of self publishing. At first, I believed that self publishing felt like a personal defeat when you've tried publishing in the traditional way, but constantly fail no matter how hard you try. But, now, I want to go back in time and punch my past self in the face for ever thinking of that. From what I've gathered from research, publishing anything for the world to witness is single-handedly one of the most difficult things to go through as an artist.
However, over the last couple of years, I've noticed a shift in publication. Mostly, I've noticed the different books that were becoming increasingly popular just like the ones that were already traditionally published by the big houses like Random House or HarperCollins. I didn't know at first, but some of these books I did pick up were actually self published and it baffled me. Why weren't recognized, who the hell knows. But, they deserve be known by the world. Once I opened up the door for them, I saw that the style of self publishing is absolutely endless with many possibilities. Self publishing can be ranged from submitting essays or short books for free, or allow people to download them for three-five dollars, or making zines..
Zines are something I began to fall in love with once I watched a video created by Ariel Bissett on Youtube. If you ever research on google or watch her video, a Zine is a minor booklet filled with whatever you wish like pictures, words, etc and with topics your little heart desires such as politics and feminism to name a few. Its something you can make and sell or even give them away for free. Its completely your choice! If I had a few zines, I would give you a few to read. Alas, I'm literally beginning my first ones just as I'm writing this article. They seem like fun and you are free to express your voice, which is something I personally believe we all need for 2017 especially after a difficult few months.
So what is the moral of this article you may ask? Well, compare to the last one I wrote for everyone; I'm learning that self publishing can be an experience of a lifetime. Self publishing is money consuming, hard work, and stressful much like going through traditional publishing. The entire process is about freedom. You are the mastermind of its release date, the content, the whole ordeal. You have the power to do whatever you want with works such as zines and other self published works. If you managed to get a enduring fan base, then congrats to you. If you want to self publish, then do it.
