For many professions, where you went to school doesn’t matter as much as the fact that you earned a degree. Similarly, when it comes to writing a book, most people don’t care who published it—they care that you wrote it. Whether it’s published by a major publishing house or self-published on Amazon, what truly matters is the value your book provides and how you leverage it for future opportunities.

If your primary goal is to use the book as a springboard for other projects, self-publishing can be a perfectly valid—and often smarter—choice. Here’s why.

Why People Care More About the Book Than the Publisher

  1. Credibility Comes from the Content, Not the Publisher:
    Readers are generally not concerned about whether your book was published by a big-name publisher or self-published. They care about the insights, expertise, or entertainment your book offers. A well-written, thoughtful book establishes you as an expert, regardless of how it was published.
  2. Self-Publishing Is Becoming the Norm:
    With platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), self-publishing is more common than ever. Many successful authors have started this way, and self-publishing no longer carries the stigma it once did.
  3. The Focus Is on You as the Author:
    For most people, the fact that you wrote a book is impressive in itself. Whether your goal is to attract clients, land speaking gigs, or start new ventures, the existence of the book—and what it says about your expertise—matters more than who printed it.

Self-Publishing as a Strategic Move

If you’re not aiming to make a fortune from book sales but instead want to use your book to build your personal brand and create new opportunities, self-publishing has several advantages:

  1. Speed to Market:
    Traditional publishing can take years, from pitching agents to final production. Self-publishing allows you to get your book into the world quickly, so you can start leveraging it sooner.
  2. Creative Control:
    With self-publishing, you retain full control over the book’s content, design, and marketing. This ensures the book aligns perfectly with your goals and brand.
  3. Higher Royalties:
    Traditional publishers often take a significant percentage of sales, while self-publishing platforms like Amazon allow you to keep a larger share of the profits. Even if book sales aren’t your primary goal, this can help offset production costs.
  4. Low Barrier to Entry:
    Self-publishing platforms make it easy and affordable to publish your book. You don’t need a big budget or a publishing contract to get started.
  5. Leveraging the Book for Other Opportunities:
    A self-published book can serve as a:

    • Calling card to establish your expertise.
    • Marketing tool to attract clients or collaborators.
    • Foundation for creating courses, workshops, or speaking opportunities.

When Does the Publisher Matter?

There are a few cases where the publisher might carry more weight:

  1. Academic or Technical Fields:
    In certain niches, such as academia or highly technical professions, a publisher’s reputation may add credibility.
  2. Mass-Market Goals:
    If your primary goal is to become a bestselling author in the mainstream market, a traditional publisher might provide wider distribution and marketing power.
  3. Prestige Projects:
    For authors seeking recognition, such as literary awards or a significant media presence, a traditional publisher’s endorsement may be helpful.

However, even in these cases, the content and impact of the book often outweigh the publisher’s name.

Is Self-Publishing Enough?

Yes, if your goal is to use the book as a launchpad for other opportunities, self-publishing is more than enough. The key is to ensure your book is:

  • Professional: Invest in good editing, design, and formatting to make your book polished and credible.
  • Valuable: Focus on delivering content that resonates with your target audience and aligns with your expertise.
  • Marketed Well: Promote your book through your website, social media, email list, and other channels to maximize its impact.

Remember, the book itself is just the beginning. Its value lies in how you leverage it to build your brand, connect with your audience, and create new opportunities.

Conclusion: The Power of a Self-Published Book

Self-publishing is not only acceptable but can be a highly effective strategy for building your personal brand and launching new ventures. While traditional publishing may still hold some allure, it’s no longer a prerequisite for success. A self-published book can establish you as an expert, open doors to speaking engagements and collaborations, and serve as a foundation for ongoing projects like blogs, courses, or consulting.

At the end of the day, it’s not about who published your book—it’s about the impact your book has on your readers and the opportunities it creates for you. If you’re willing to put in the effort to produce high-quality content and actively promote it, self-publishing can be the perfect launchpad for your goals.