© 2026 Rhonda Dragomir

Blunt questions bring everything into focus, even if they make us squirm. Family members had endured too many angst-ridden discussions about whether to self-publish when my son-in-law, Chris, asked, “How many people will read your books if they’re still on your computer when you die?”

I blinked and swallowed. Hard. Of all the factors I’d considered, I’d omitted that one. If my ultimate goal is for readers to enjoy and be challenged by what I’ve written, I’m running out of time. My computer’s writing folder contains outlines and research for twenty-five wannabe books. If the average book takes two—or perhaps three—years from contract to market in traditional publishing, I’ll be wearing a halo before some of them are released.

My reasons to pursue traditional publishing contracts are myriad. I have an outstanding agent, a debut novel in print, and proposals currently sitting on editors’ desks. The prestige, the cachet! But if success is defined by readership, those reasons pale.

Self-publishing is certainly more work, and accomplishing the task with excellence is time-consuming and more expensive. I’d never do it without hiring a professional editor, and I’ll contract pros to help with the launch and marketing.

Besides the up-front costs, my decision not to use a so-called hybrid publisher is based upon the dearth of trustworthy companies. Some are reputable and produce a high-quality book, but others prey upon unsuspecting, starry-eyed writers like vultures on carrion.

I’m able to typeset my book professionally and design my own cover. I can produce book trailers and memes, so self-publishing doesn’t seem as daunting to me. Even so, there is much to learn, including the mechanics of uploading and selling a book on Amazon and IngramSpark.

After a few sleepless nights and an up-close examination of my gray hair and wrinkles, I decided to forge ahead. My agent will still represent me in future negotiations with traditional publishers on some projects. She worked diligently for five years seeking publication of my first completed manuscript, but it never garnered a contract despite her belief it deserved one.

So I’ve enlisted in the self-publishing army, and I hope you will join me. The drumbeat thrums in my head as I work toward liberating my manuscript and presenting that book to the world. Maybe yours will be next.

Before I hear “Taps,” I hope to have won a book battle or two. Or twenty-five.

Thanks, Chris.
_________________________

Rhonda Dragomir is a multimedia creative who treasures her fairy tale life in Central Kentucky, insisting her home is her castle even if her prince refuses to dig a moat. Rhonda is an award-winning writer, with published works in anthologies by Chicken Soup, Revell, and Guideposts. The Kindle version of her new novel, The Heir’s Beloved, is available for preorder now on Amazon, where you can also find her previous novel, When the Flames Ravaged. Connect with Rhonda on her website.