Beyond the Shelf: What I Learned as a First-Time Self-Published Author

By Sanman Thapa

When I first set out to write A Fight for a Cup of Chai, I thought the hardest part would be telling the story—reliving the pain, shaping the truth, and honoring the lives that crossed mine in the factories of Kathmandu. And while writing was certainly emotional, it turned out to be the most grounded part of the journey. Everything that came after—the publishing, the promoting, the endless pitching and explaining—was something I never fully expected.

As a self-published author, I wear every hat: writer, editor, publisher, marketer, event planner, and sometimes, amateur tech support. I learned how to format a book, track ISBNs, build a website, design bookmarks, pitch to bookstores, and follow up without sounding desperate. I learned to deal with silence, rejection, unexpected costs, and the ever-lingering question: Am I doing enough?

But one thing I wasn’t prepared for? The flood of solicitations. Almost the moment my book was listed online, my inbox was overwhelmed with messages promising the world—“We’ll get your book on best-seller lists!” “Guaranteed five-star reviews!” “Promote your story to thousands!” Some sounded polished, others suspiciously generic. All of them required money—and almost none of them felt authentic.

It’s hard to know who to trust when you’re doing this alone. I’ve been approached by so many companies offering marketing, promotion, and “author support” services, often with vague results and inflated promises. When you’re already exhausted from doing it all yourself, it’s easy to feel tempted. But I’ve learned to slow down, read the fine print, and ask questions. The hard truth is: many services are selling hope, not results.

Recently, I received an email from a local bookstore letting me know that my time in their local author program was ending. They had taken six copies of my book—and not one had sold. I was invited to pick them up. I responded with gratitude, but privately, I felt the sting. I had hoped for more—more traction, more curiosity, more conversations sparked by a story that matters to me. But this is part of the reality, too.

And yet—A Fight for a Cup of Chai has found readers. Maybe not always in the ways I imagined, but in powerful, personal ways. In classrooms. In libraries. In one-on-one conversations. In moments when a stranger says, “Thank you for writing this.”

Epilogue: 5 Lessons I Wish I Knew Before Self-Publishing

1. Writing the book is only half the journey. Once the manuscript is done, the real marathon begins—editing, formatting, distribution, pitching, and promoting. Be prepared to become a team of one, wearing many hats. Pace yourself.
2. Not every opportunity leads to sales—and that’s okay. Having my book on a local bookstore’s shelf felt like a win. But when none of the six copies sold, it humbled me. Still, visibility has value. It’s a step, not a setback.
3. Beware of promises wrapped in pretty emails. The moment your book is live, the floodgates open. Dozens of services will claim they can make you a star—for a fee. Most are selling dreams, not guarantees. Trust your gut, ask for proof, and don't be afraid to say no.
4. Celebrate small wins—they’re not small. A student who connects with your story. A teacher who reaches out. A heartfelt review. These moments may not show up on bestseller lists, but they’re where your book lives and breathes.
5. You are not alone. It may feel isolating at times, but there are others walking this path. Connect with fellow authors, share your journey, and lean on your community. Even quiet encouragement goes a long way.

Self-publishing isn’t easy—but it’s worth it. If you're on this path or thinking about it, know that your voice matters. The journey may be long and unpredictable, but it’s also full of meaning. Every story deserves a space in the world—including yours.

If this reflection resonated with you, feel free to share it—or reach out. I’d love to hear from fellow writers navigating this journey.

Additional Resource

If you're new to self-publishing or unsure about which services to trust, the Authors Guild maintains a helpful and regularly updated page on publishing scams and misleading solicitations:

 https://authorsguild.org/resource/publishing-scam-alerts/

https://writerbeware.blog/scam-archive/