Self-Publishing: The Pros, the Cons, and Legitimate Companies You Can Use

A balanced guide to the pros and cons of self-publishing, plus legitimate platforms writers can trust and vanity presses to avoid.

Self-publishing has transformed the publishing world. Writers no longer need to secure a traditional publishing deal to see their work in print or available online. 

Today, authors can publish ebooks, paperbacks, and even audiobooks themselves, often with global reach.

However, self-publishing is not automatically the right choice for everyone. It comes with clear advantages, genuine drawbacks, and a landscape that includes both reputable platforms and firms best avoided.

This guide looks at the pros and cons of self-publishing and highlights legitimate companies writers can use with confidence.

The Pros of Self-Publishing

1. Creative Control

Self-publishing allows you to retain full control over:

Content and tone

Cover design

Pricing

Release dates

Updates and revisions

There is no editorial board to persuade and no requirement to reshape your work to fit a market trend.

For many writers, this freedom is invaluable.

2. Faster Time to Publication

Traditional publishing can take literally years from submission to publication.

Self-publishing can take:

Weeks

Or even days

This is particularly beneficial for:

Timely non-fiction

Serial fiction

Bloggers and content creators

Writers responding to current events or trends

3. Higher Royalty Rates

Self-published authors typically earn a much higher percentage per sale than traditionally published authors.

While exact rates vary, self-publishing platforms often offer:

Significantly higher ebook royalties

Transparent payment systems

Regular reporting

You may sell fewer copies, but earn more per copy.

4. Ownership of Rights

When you self-publish, you generally retain:

Copyright

Distribution rights

Translation and adaptation rights

This gives you flexibility for future opportunities, including audiobooks, foreign editions, or licensing.

The Cons of Self-Publishing

1. Upfront Costs

Self-publishing is not free if done properly.

Potential costs include:

Professional editing

Cover design

Formatting

ISBNs (depending on platform and country

Cutting corners here can harm credibility and sales.

2. No Built-In Marketing

Unlike traditional publishing, self-publishing rarely includes:

Marketing campaigns

Media outreach

Bookshop placement

You are responsible for:

Promotion

Audience building

Visibility

Many books fail not due to quality, but because nobody knows they exist.

3. Discoverability Is Challenging

Online marketplaces are crowded.

Standing out requires:

Strong metadata and keywords

Good cover design

Consistent promotion

Patience

Success is often gradual rather than immediate.

4. Quality Control Is Your Responsibility

There is no external gatekeeper.

That means:

Mistakes can slip through

Poor presentation can damage reputation

Reviews may be unforgiving

Professional standards still matter — even when self-publishing.

Legitimate Self-Publishing Platforms You Can Use

The following platforms are widely regarded as reputable, transparent, and non-exploitative.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Best for:

Ebooks and print-on-demand paperbacks

Global reach

Pros:

Easy to use

Huge marketplace

No upfront publishing fees

Considerations:

Competitive environment

Exclusivity if you enrol in certain programmes

IngramSpark

Best for:

Print distribution to bookshops and libraries

Pros:

Professional-grade printing

Wide distribution channels

Suitable for authors targeting bookshops

Considerations:

Setup fees

More complex interface

Draft2Digital

Best for:

Wide ebook distribution beyond Amazon

Pros:

Distributes to multiple retailers

Simple dashboard

No upfront fees

Considerations:

Slightly lower royalties due to aggregator model

Kobo Writing Life

Best for:

International and UK-friendly ebook distribution

Pros:

Strong presence outside the US

Transparent reporting

No publishing fees

Considerations:

Smaller market share than Amazon

Apple Books for Authors

Best for:

Direct access to Apple’s ecosystem

Pros:

High-quality storefront

Good international reach

Considerations:

Requires Apple-compatible setup

A Word of Caution: Vanity Presses

Be wary of companies that:

Charge large upfront fees

Promise guaranteed sales or bestseller status

Market themselves as “hybrid publishers” without transparency

Lock you into restrictive contracts

A legitimate self-publishing platform:

Does not require thousands of pounds upfront

Allows you to leave

Does not claim to market your book magically

If a company makes publishing sound effortless and expensive, proceed carefully.

Is Self-Publishing Right for You?

Self-publishing suits writers who:

Value independence

Are willing to learn

Accept responsibility for quality and promotion

Prefer long-term growth over instant validation

It may not suit writers who:

Want full marketing support

Dislike technical processes

Prefer traditional gatekeeping

Neither route is “better” — they are simply different.

Final Thoughts: An Empowering Option, Not a Shortcut

Self-publishing is not a shortcut to success, but it is a legitimate, empowering route for writers who want control, flexibility, and ownership.

Done well, it can be deeply rewarding.

Done carelessly, it can be frustrating.

The key is informed choice, realistic expectations, and professional standards.

How to Create an Online Writer’s Group That Actually Works

Learn how to create an online writer’s group that offers support, accountability, and feedback without burnout or unrealistic expectations.

Writing is often a solitary pursuit, but very few writers truly thrive in isolation. 

An online writer’s group can provide motivation, accountability, feedback, and a sense of belonging, if it is set up thoughtfully.

Many online writing groups fail not because the writers lack talent, but because expectations are unclear, structures are too rigid, or participation becomes overwhelming. 

Creating a successful online writer’s group is less about scale and more about clarity, kindness, and consistency.

This guide walks you through how to create an online writer’s group that supports writers rather than exhausting them.

1. Be Clear About the Purpose of the Group

Before inviting anyone, decide what your group is for.

Ask yourself:

Is this a support and accountability group?

A critique and feedback circle?

A co-working or “write-along” space?

A networking and publishing-focused group?

Trying to do everything at once often leads to frustration. A clear purpose helps attract the right members and prevents mismatched expectations.

You can always evolve later.

2. Decide Who the Group Is For (and Who It Isn’t)

Successful writer’s groups have boundaries.

Consider:

Genre focus (or multi-genre)

Experience level (beginners, intermediate, mixed)

Commitment expectations

Whether neurodivergent-friendly practices are explicitly supported

Being inclusive does not mean being vague. Clear criteria help members feel safe and understood.

3. Choose the Right Platform

The best platform is the one your members will actually use.

Common options include:

Private Facebook groups

Discord or Slack servers

WhatsApp or Telegram groups (best for small numbers)

Dedicated community platforms

Video platforms for live sessions, including Zoom

Avoid overcomplicating things at the start. One main space is usually enough.

4. Set Simple, Written Ground Rules

Clear guidelines prevent most problems before they arise.

Helpful rules might include:

Respectful, constructive feedback only

No unsolicited critique

Confidentiality within the group

No spam or aggressive self-promotion

Clear boundaries around time and availability

These do not need to be long or legalistic — just visible and fair.

5. Keep the Structure Light and Flexible

Rigid schedules can exclude people with caring responsibilities, health conditions, or irregular work patterns.

Instead, consider:

Optional weekly or fortnightly check-ins

Monthly writing prompts

Asynchronous feedback threads

Occasional live sessions that are recorded or optional

Flexibility encourages longevity.

6. Encourage Participation Without Pressure

Many writers struggle with confidence, time, or energy.

Make it clear that:

Lurking is allowed

Sharing is optional

Taking breaks is normal

Progress looks different for everyone

A healthy group values presence, not performance.

7. Handle Feedback Thoughtfully

Feedback can be one of the most valuable, and most sensitive, parts of a writer’s group.

Good practices include:

Asking writers what kind of feedback they want

Encouraging “what works” comments alongside suggestions

Limiting the number of people giving critique at once

Allowing writers to decline feedback entirely

Kindness and consent matter more than blunt honesty.

8. Appoint a Moderator (Even if It’s You)

Every group benefits from gentle stewardship.

A moderator helps:

Keep discussions on track

Reinforce group values

Address issues early and calmly

Protect vulnerable members

Moderation is not control — it is care.

9. Let the Group Grow Slowly (or Not at All)

Bigger is not always better.

Many successful writer’s groups remain:

Small

Invitation-only

Purposefully quiet

Depth of connection matters far more than numbers.

10. Remember Why You Started

An online writer’s group should make writing feel less lonely, not more stressful.

If the group:

Supports creativity

Encourages consistency

Builds confidence

Respects boundaries

Then it is doing its job.

Final Thoughts: Community Is a Creative Tool

Writing may be solitary, but writers do not have to be alone.

A well-run online writer’s group can be a place where ideas grow, confidence strengthens, and creativity feels shared rather than strained.

Start small. Stay kind. Keep it human.

How Neurodivergent Writers Can Succeed (Without Trying to Write Like Everyone Else)

For generations, the writing world quietly rewarded one narrow way of thinking: linear, deadline-driven, highly structured, and relentlessly consistent. 

Yet many of the most original, insightful, and influential writers think very differently.

Neurodivergent writers, including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, OCD, and other neurological differences, often bring extraordinary strengths to the page. 

Pattern recognition, intense focus, creativity, empathy, lateral thinking, and original voice can all be powerful assets in writing.

Success, however, rarely comes from forcing yourself to work like a neurotypical writer. It comes from understanding how your brain works and building a writing life around that reality.

1. Stop Trying to “Fix” Your Brain

One of the biggest barriers neurodivergent writers face is internalised pressure to work “properly”.

You may have been told you are:

Too slow

Too scattered

Too obsessive

Too inconsistent

Too sensitive

In reality, your brain is not broken — it's just differently wired.

Many successful neurodivergent writers thrive precisely because they:

Hyperfocus deeply on subjects others skim

Notice details others miss

Make unexpected connections

Write with emotional honesty and intensity

The goal is not to erase your traits, but to use them intentionally.

2. Build Systems That Support Your Brain (Not Fight It)

Traditional writing advice often fails neurodivergent people because it assumes consistent energy, attention, and motivation.

Instead, try:

Flexible routines rather than rigid schedules

Task batching (research days, writing days, editing days)

Visual planning tools like mind maps, colour-coded notes, or kanban boards

Voice notes or dictation if typing blocks your flow

If you work best in short bursts, write in short bursts. If you hyperfocus for hours, plan recovery time afterwards.

Productivity is personal — not moral.

3. Play to Your Strengths

Neurodivergence often brings specific writing advantages:

ADHD writers may excel at idea generation, fast drafting, humour, and conversational tone

Autistic writers often shine in research-heavy work, world-building, consistency, and technical clarity

Dyslexic writers frequently produce strong storytelling, emotional resonance, and big-picture thinking

Identify what comes naturally and lean into it.

You can always outsource, automate, or delay the parts you find hardest — editing tools, grammar software, proof-readers, and AI assistants can be genuine accessibility aids rather than “cheats”.

4. Redefine What “Consistency” Looks Like

Many neurodivergent writers struggle with the idea that success requires writing every day.

It doesn’t.

Consistency can mean:

Publishing weekly, fortnightly, or seasonally

Writing intensively, then resting

Producing work in themed series rather than scattered posts

What matters is sustainability, not daily output.

Burnout does not make you a better writer.

5. Create Boundaries Around Energy, Not Just Time

Neurodivergent burnout is real and often arrives quietly.

Protect your writing life by:

Saying no to projects that drain you disproportionately

Allowing recovery days after heavy cognitive work

Limiting sensory overload (noise, notifications, multitasking)

Writing success is a marathon, not a sprint — and pacing yourself is a professional skill.

6. Find Community (or Create Your Own)

Writing can be isolating, and neurodivergent writers often feel they don’t quite fit in traditional spaces.

Look for:

Neurodivergent-friendly writing groups

Online communities that value openness and flexibility

Collaborators who respect different working styles

You are not alone, and you are certainly not the only one writing this way.

7. Own Your Voice

Perhaps the most important truth of all:

The world needs voices that do not sound the same.

Neurodivergent writers often bring honesty, depth, originality, and insight that cannot be replicated by formulaic writing.

Your difference is not a disadvantage.

It is your competitive edge.

Success does not come from becoming someone else, it comes from writing as yourself, unapologetically, and building a writing life that works with your brain, not against it.

I have worked as a journalist and writer with dyslexia, dyspraxia and OCD for over 30 years, so I have decided to share these ideas with fellow writers. After all, that's why I started Be That Writer to help people be the writer that they want to be.

Why So Many Authors Love Writing in Their Favourite Wetherspoon Pub

For countless writers across the UK, inspiration often strikes far from the desk. Some prefer a cosy armchair at home, others thrive in bustling coffee shops, but there’s a growing number who swear by an unlikely creative haven: their local Wetherspoon pub.

It might seem an unusual choice at first glance, yet once you look a little closer, it makes perfect sense. Wetherspoon pubs offer the kind of atmosphere, affordability and reliable routine that many authors crave when settling down to write.

Here’s why the nation’s wordsmiths are increasingly turning to ’Spoons as their unofficial office.

A Comfortable Buzz That Sparks Creativity

Writing in complete silence doesn’t work for everyone. Many authors prefer a gentle background hum, enough activity to feel part of the world, but not so much that it breaks concentration. Wetherspoon pubs are perfect for this.

The low chatter, clinking glasses and steady flow of customers create a pleasant ambience that feels alive without being chaotic. It’s a kind of white noise that can actually help writers settle into the rhythm of their work.

Spacious Tables and Reliable Layouts

Practicality matters when you’re setting up for a writing session. Wetherspoon locations typically offer:

wide tables with room for laptops, notebooks and drinks

comfortable booths for longer writing stints

predictable layouts, making it easy to find a favourite corner

Authors quickly adopt “their spot” in their local pub, a corner table by a plug socket or a booth with a perfect view—which becomes a little creative sanctuary.

Affordable Fuel: Coffee, Breakfasts and Refills

Let’s be honest: writing can be a long (and caffeine-heavy) process.

Wetherspoon’s budget-friendly menu is a big attraction for writers:

endless free refill coffees or teas, ideal for long writing sessions

affordable breakfasts to start the day right

reliable and free Wi-Fi for research and uploads

low-cost snacks and meals that don’t break the bank (And you can keep the receipts for claiming against tax, if appropriate.)

In cities where cafés can be pricey, ’Spoons offers an accessible alternative for writers on a budget—particularly freelancers and students.

A Sense of Belonging and Routine

Writing can be a solitary endeavour, and many authors find comfort in familiar surroundings. Wetherspoon pubs often become a kind of community hub where regulars recognise each other and enjoy nodding acquaintance.

A daily or weekly writing session in the same pub gives:

structure

a sense of purpose

a reason to leave the house

a break from loneliness

Some authors even treat their favourite pub like a workplace with set “office hours”.

People-Watching Heaven

Characters, dialogue, interactions, overheard conversations, pubs are treasure troves for writers.

Wetherspoon pubs, with their wide range of patrons, offer endless inspiration:

locals chatting at the bar

students debating life

families sharing meals

older regulars offering pearls of wisdom

commuters unwinding after work

Many authors admit their best fictional characters begin with a detail seen at a table across the room.

Historic Buildings and Inspiring Surroundings

One of the most charming quirks of the Wetherspoon chain is its choice of buildings. Former cinemas, theatres, churches, banks and libraries all feature among their premises.

This gives writers something unique:

a creative environment steeped in character and history.

Writing in a converted theatre or old courthouse is far more evocative than a plain coffee shop table, and many authors say the architecture itself sparks ideas.

Freedom to Stay for Hours

Unlike smaller cafés that may need table turnover, Wetherspoon pubs are spacious enough that nobody rushes you out. Writers can settle in, spread out their notes, and stay until the chapter is done.

A single coffee and a quiet corner can easily turn into:

three pages of a novel

a polished article

a finished poem

a well-planned outline

The lack of pressure helps the creativity flow.

It’s a Place That Feels Like Home

When all is said and done, many writers choose their local Wetherspoon because it simply feels right. Familiarity, comfort, affordability and a steady stream of human activity create a unique blend that countless authors find energising.

It’s not just a pub—it’s a creative cocoon.

Final Writing Thoughts

Whether you’re working on a novel, a blogpost, a screenplay or a memoir, writing in a Wetherspoon pub offers a refreshing change of pace. It combines atmosphere, practicality and affordability in a way few other places do.

So next time you're looking for inspiration, grab your notebook or laptop, head to your nearest ’Spoons, and see if the words start flowing. You might just find your new favourite writing spot.

And, of course, I wrote this blogpost at my local 'Spoons, over two pints of Mad Squirrel IPA, although other writers might prefer tea or coffee!

How to Launch Your Own Online or Print Writing Magazine

Do you dream of creating a magazine dedicated to showcasing new writing? 

Whether it’s poetry, short stories, essays, or experimental forms, launching your own publication can be both exciting and daunting. 

With careful planning, creativity, and persistence, you can turn your idea into a platform that nurtures and shares fresh literary voices. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started—along with tips on where to seek funding.

1. Define Your Vision and Niche

Every great magazine begins with a clear purpose. Ask yourself:

What kind of writing do you want to publish—poetry, fiction, essays, or a mix?

Who is your target audience?

How will your magazine stand out from the many literary publications already out there?

Your niche might be experimental poetry, emerging regional voices, themed issues, or work by underrepresented writers. Having a strong identity will help you attract readers, contributors, and funders.

2. Choose Your Format: Online or Print?

Online magazines are easier and cheaper to set up, with lower distribution costs and global reach.

Print magazines offer a tangible, collectible product and often feel prestigious—but they require higher investment and logistics for printing and mailing.

Some editors start digital-only and introduce a print-on-demand option later. Hybrid models are also popular, offering both web-based and physical editions.

3. Build Your Team

Even small magazines benefit from collaboration. Consider recruiting:

Editors (fiction, poetry, features, etc.)

Designers (for layout and covers)

Social media managers (to promote content)

Proofreaders

If you’re starting out solo, keep things simple, but plan to grow your team as the magazine develops.

4. Set Up Your Infrastructure

For an online magazine, you’ll need:

A website (WordPress, Squarespace, or platforms like Substack or Medium).

A submission system (Submittable is popular, but Google Forms or email can work initially).

Social media channels to connect with your audience.

For print magazines:

Secure a printer (local printers, or online services like Mixam in the UK).

Decide on distribution (direct sales, indie bookshops, events, or subscription-based).

5. Plan Your First Issue

Decide on a theme or open submissions.

Set clear submission guidelines and deadlines.

Reach out to writers—through social media, writing groups, or universities.

Curate carefully: the first issue sets the tone for your magazine’s identity.

6. Consider Your Budget

Running a magazine involves costs: website hosting, domain names, design software, printing, postage, and possibly submission fees. A detailed budget will help you know what funding you’ll need to seek.

7. Finding Sources of Funding

Funding is often the trickiest part of launching a writing magazine. Options include:

Grants and Arts Funding

Arts Council England and equivalents in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland offer grants for literary projects.

Local councils sometimes provide small cultural grants.

Charities or foundations that support literacy and the arts may be open to funding applications.

Crowdfunding

Platforms like Kickstarter or Patreon can help you build a community of supporters willing to fund your project in exchange for perks (e.g. copies of the magazine, name credits, or exclusive content).

Sponsorship and Partnerships

Approach local businesses, bookshops, or universities to sponsor an issue or advertise in your magazine.

Partner with writing groups, festivals, or cultural organisations who may contribute financially or promote your work.

Subscription Models

Offer a subscription service where readers pay a fee (monthly, quarterly, or annually) to access exclusive content or guaranteed copies.

Advertising

Though small literary magazines often avoid heavy advertising, selective ads from publishers, writing courses, or independent bookshops can generate modest income.

8. Marketing and Building a Community

Use social media to share calls for submissions, teasers, and writer spotlights.

Engage with writing communities on platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, and Facebook.

Attend (or host) literary events, open mics, and festivals to raise your profile.

A loyal community of readers and writers will be your magazine’s strongest asset.

9. Keep Growing

Once your first issue is live, reflect on what worked well and where you can improve. Stay consistent with your publishing schedule, seek feedback from contributors and readers, and adapt as you go. Over time, your magazine can grow into a recognised and respected literary platform.

Final Writing Thoughts

Launching a new writing magazine is no small feat, but with vision, determination, and the right support, it’s entirely possible. Start small, focus on quality over quantity, and don’t be afraid to ask for help—from collaborators, funders, or your community of writers and readers.

Your magazine could be the launchpad for the next great literary voice—why not make that journey happen today?

How to Perfectly Craft the Characters in Your Fictional Writing

Creating a compelling plot is important. Of course it is! But it’s your characters who truly bring your story to life. 

They’re the ones your readers laugh with, cry over, root for (or love to hate). 

Whether you’re writing a sweeping fantasy, a gritty crime thriller, or a quiet contemporary drama, believable characters are what make your world feel real.

Here’s how to craft characters that feel like living, breathing people—flawed, fascinating, and unforgettable.

Start With the Core: Who Are They?

Before you get into hair colour and wardrobe choices, ask yourself:

What drives this character? What do they want—and why can’t they have it?

Motivation and conflict are the heartbeat of any character. Try building a simple profile:

Goal: What are they actively trying to achieve?

Fear: What are they afraid of losing?

Flaw: What gets in their way (internally or externally)?

Backstory: What past experience shaped them into who they are today?

A character who wants something but struggles to get it is instantly more compelling.

Show, Don’t Tell

Instead of saying “Maria was bossy,” show Maria taking charge in a meeting, steamrolling everyone’s ideas, then wondering why people are avoiding her. Actions, dialogue, and choices are where personality lives.

Let readers discover your characters the way we do in real life—through what they do, not just what they say about themselves.

Let Them Talk Like Real People

Dialogue is one of the best tools for showing character. Ask yourself:

Do they speak formally or casually?

Do they ramble or get straight to the point?

Do they use humour, sarcasm, swearing, filler words?

Each character should have a distinct voice. If you stripped away all the tags, could readers tell who was speaking?

Give Them Internal Worlds

What are they thinking that they’d never say aloud? What do they believe about themselves or the world? Even the most action-driven characters benefit from internal conflict, doubts, and contradictions.

A stoic detective might secretly believe they’re a failure. A social butterfly might fear abandonment. These layers add richness and resonance.

Make Relationships Matter

Characters don’t exist in a vacuum. They bounce off each other, challenge each other, change because of each other. Use relationships to reveal aspects of your characters that wouldn’t otherwise come out.

How do they behave with:

A sibling who still sees them as a teenager?

A new friend who questions their old beliefs?

A romantic partner they’re afraid to open up to?

The way they relate to others adds emotional depth.

Let Them Grow

A great character arc shows a change—subtle or dramatic—that feels earned. It doesn’t always mean they get what they want. But they should come out the other side altered.

Ask yourself:

By the end of the story, what have they learned (or failed to learn)?

This evolution is what transforms your character from a sketch into a story.

Bonus Tip: Use Character Sheets (But Don’t Get Lost in Them)

Character sheets can be helpful, but don’t let them distract you from the emotional heart of your characters. Knowing their favourite song is nice—but knowing why they lie when they’re scared is better.

Focus on what fuels their decisions, not just the surface-level trivia.

Final Thoughts

Crafting memorable characters isn’t about making them perfect—it’s about making them true. Let them be messy, contradictory, surprising, and deeply human. When your characters feel real to you, they’ll come alive for your readers too.

So take the time to get to know them. Sit with them. Let them surprise you.

That’s when the real magic happens.

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