Self-Publishing: A Lucrative Side Gig to Consider
In the era of BookTok driving substantial book sales and readers embracing a wide range of genres, more budding writers are opting for self-publishing over traditional avenues. While social media showcases tales of “six-figure authors,” the truth often involves balancing printing costs, editing, marketing, and platform fees, with success typically evolving gradually.
To gain insights into the reality of self-publishing, I connected with debut novelist Alexis Rose. In January 2026, Alexis took the leap to independently publish her first fantasy novel after extensive preparation. Within just four months, she has started generating revenue from her books and cultivating a growing fan base.
Acknowledging the challenges, Alexis confessed, “It’s been a tough journey, but with dedication, it’s achievable.”
Alexis strategically penned one-and-a-half books in 2025 to facilitate a close release timeline. Her novels, “The Wellbegood Witches Part One” and “Part Two,” comprise a dark cozy fantasy duology intertwined with a paranormal mystery, contrasting the prolonged gaps between books typical of traditional publishing.
Contrary to the lengthy waits in traditional publishing, self-published authors often adopt “rapid release” strategies to sustain reader engagement. Alexis emphasized the importance of maintaining quality amid speed, highlighting the significance of honing one’s writing skills to captivate audiences effectively.
Choosing urban fantasy due to her genuine passion for the genre and its dedicated readership, Alexis emphasized the significance of aligning with a genre that resonates with both the author and the target audience.
While trends in publishing fluctuate, Alexis pointed out the enduring popularity of genres like romance, emphasizing the importance of authenticity over trend-chasing for sustained success.
Regarding the pivotal decision of standalone vs. series novels, Alexis endorsed series for enhanced long-term earning potential, citing the immediate reader demand for the next installment, particularly beneficial for platforms like Kindle Unlimited.
Alexis shared her diversified revenue streams, including Kindle Unlimited enrollments and upcoming ventures into audiobooks and physical retail. She highlighted the importance of reinvesting profits into marketing to bolster visibility.
Self-publishing, Alexis likened, mirrors running a small business, requiring consistent effort and a business-minded approach rather than seeking instant gratification. She urged aspiring writers to prioritize quality over speed and view self-publishing as a long-term venture.
Lastly, Alexis advised new authors to invest in professional editing, cautioning against hasty decisions that could incur additional costs. With plans for numerous future releases and expansions into different formats under a pen name, Alexis exemplifies the rewarding journey of a self-published author.