What Most Writers Don’t Know About Self-Publishing

You’ve probably read a ghostwritten book without realizing it—and there’s a good chance it was self-published as well. The two go hand-in-hand. When I started Live Write Publish, the “publish” was because I wanted to help writers understand how to get their work in print. I’ve been ghostwriting books for the last few years (for myself and clients), and I consult on self-published projects. This post is a little different, but I’m in the middle of an indie publishing project, and a lot of writers struggle with the logistics of publishing. That’s where this post comes in.

People seem to think if they throw a book on Amazon, then the money will roll in! That’s self-publishing myth number one. Are you going to get rich quick with a print on demand book? No. But self-publishing a valuable tool in your writing arsenal. Here’s why.

Ghostwriting + Self-Publishing Sitting in a Tree…

We tend to picture ghostwriting as something that happens behind closed doors in New York publishing houses for celebrity tell-alls. But the reality is that ghostwriting and self-publishing have quietly merged into one of the most sustainable—and surprisingly lucrative—corners of the writing world. If you’re a freelance writer or author trying to build a career, it’s worth understanding how self-publishing works. And how it connects with its natural partner, ghostwriting.

I’ve spent decades writing for clients, from media outlets and nonprofits to founders and retired executives. At one point in my career I was helping C-level execs create self-published books to broaden their reach and drive revenue to their companies. From corporate real estate guides to vegan fitness tomes, a surprising number of professionals need ghostwriting and self-publishing help.

Self-Publishing Isn’t ‘Second Best’—It’s a Strategy

Another persistent myth new writers carry is that traditional publishing is the only “real” path. The truth? Self-publishing has become the go-to model for everyone from entrepreneurs to experts to everyday people with powerful life stories. Why? Because it’s fast, flexible, and financially transparent. You’re in control—from the message to the marketing.

Years ago, I went the MFA route with my writing. Agents were interested in my book ideas. But ultimately, the math worked in my favor to go my own route. (I’m self-publishing a memoir, Displaced, this August.)

All the way back in 2010, when I was deep in the literary world, I went to a lecture about the future of publishing. It was given in the heart of the publishing world. Yet even then, we all knew traditional advances were dwindling, publishing margins were paper thin (pun intended), and book sales were dismal at best.

Out in the real world, business owners were willing to pay for ghostwriting and self-publishing consultations. Many writers don’t realize that self-publishing isn’t just for your own work. Self-published books can drive startup growth, boost political careers, anchor nonprofit fundraisers, and more.

It’s an entire business model, operating behind the scenes of countless businesses. Ghostwritten books drive brand authority, secure speaking gigs, land media features, and open doors for founders, executives, public speakers, and busy professionals.

Memoir Is Always Having a Moment—And It Pays

Of course, there’s also the memoir and autobiography field. One of the most fulfilling projects I ever worked on was ghostwriting an autobiography for a retired gentleman with an incredible life story. It was a project he was leaving for his children, and we spent weeks together—every Friday—crafting his life story.

It was emotional, beautiful, and something I felt honored to draft.

If you’ve spent any time on BookTok, you already know memoirs are always in the spotlight. They’re not all heartbreaking literary tomes. These days, memoir is a shape-shifter—it can be personal, professional, or both. I once helped a woman shape her lyrical memoir in the style of a Greek epic poem! Anything goes in this genre.

Some of the clients you could work with as a consultant or ghostwriter:

• Individuals preserving family stories for future generations
• Professionals using their life story to strengthen their brand
• Nonprofits using a book to launch a fundraiser or public campaign

What do they all have in common? They have a story. They just need a writer. And in most cases, they’re also going to need help navigating self-publishing.

If you can help them with both writing and self-publishing, you’re a golden resource.

Next Steps for Writers

Here’s a final myth busted: Self-publishing doesn’t have to be about vanity. It can be a creative partnership. Yes, you can always publish your own books. But this site is about leveraging your skills to make a living writing.

The powerful combo of ghostwriting and publishing consultation puts you at the center of a collaborative process. You can help people who have something to say—but not the time or skill to say it well.

With self-publishing, their story gets told on their terms. Without gatekeepers, multi-year delays, or watered-down edits.

For writers, that means opportunity. Ghostwriting and indie publishing aren’t just creative outlets—they’re professional services. And if you know how self-publishing works, clients are willing to invest.

If you’ve ever wondered what to charge, how the process works, or how to find ghostwriting work—we’ll be covering that in other posts.

Your Own Book, Or Someone Else’s—There’s Space for Both

Writing my memoir, Displaced, taught me a lot about the process of telling your own story. And it also reminded me why I love helping others shape their books.

Whether you’re:

• Sitting on your own manuscript and wondering if it’s time to publish…
• Looking for new income streams as a freelance writer…
• Curious about what it really means to be a ghostwriter…

…you’re not alone. These are topics I discuss with writers at all stages of the journey.

Everyone has a story worthy of being told—but not everyone knows how to tell it. That’s where writers like us come in. If you’re a LWP Substack member, I’ve included five ways to get started in this week’s newsletter. Check it out and join us!

If you’re a freelance writer trying to make a living, don’t overlook the power of memoir, ghostwriting, and the indie publishing space. This is where personal meets professional. Where storytelling becomes a service. And where writing books can become part of your business model—not just your someday dream.

Want to learn more about publishing and ghostwriting? Let me know, and I’ll cover it more often.