So I published my first paperback back in 2024, even though the book itself was first published in 2022. A whole book. With pages you can flip and a spine you can crack (gently, please, she’s sensitive). It’s called Miniature Novels I: the Inevitable Death of the Heart, and it exists in a real, touchable, beautifully-bound form.
And let me tell you something: it almost broke me. But it also made me.
Here’s what I learned — the hard way, the fun way, and the slightly unhinged way.
Self-publishing is sexy… and terrifying
There’s nothing hotter than creative control… until you realize you’re the writer, editor, formatter, typesetter, proofreader, marketing team, emotional support intern, CFO of vibes, graphic design team, and so on.
I knew what I wanted my book to look like, but getting it there? That required research, trial and error, and whispering “please work” to myself at 3 AM.
Lesson: Be stubborn and resourceful. You will figure it out. And if you’re waiting for it to feel easy, you’ll never hit ‘publish.’
Your brain will gaslight you
“Is this too graphic?”
“Will anyone read this?”
“Should I just give up and become a barista somewhere chic?”
That voice is normal. It’s also a liar. Self-publishing will test your confidence at every step — from uploading your manuscript to deciding on matte vs. glossy finish.
Lesson: You don’t need to feel worthy. You need to be done. Perfection is a trap. Publish it anyway.
Money talks and prints
I had to learn about printing costs, trim sizes, page counts, and how each decision affects pricing. A longer book costs more. A hardcover even more. Suddenly, I was negotiating with myself like a business owner, not just an artist.
Lesson: Know your margins. Know your audience. And don’t be afraid to price with confidence. Art deserved to be paid for.
Design matters (and so does good font)
I’m not saying I cried over a font choice for two hours, but I’m also not no saying that.
Typography, layout, spacing, back cover blurb… it all matters. And people will judge your book by its cover, spine, margins, and paper texture.
Lesson: Aesthetics aren’t vanity; they’re storytelling. Make it beautiful. You’re allowed to care.
You have to talk about it, even if it feels cringe
If you don’t promote it, who will?
Yes, I too cringed (and continue to) at the idea of posting a “Look what I made!” TikTok. But here’s the thing: people want to celebrate with you. They want to read your work. But to do that, they have to know it exists. And you’ll find your community, trust.
Lesson: Be proud. Be loud. Be annoying if you must. People can’t connect with your book if you keep it a secret.
With this, I conclude that publishing my first paperback taught me how resilient I am. How obsessed I am with stories. How willing I am to do everything (formatting, learning, crying over it, just to hold something real in my hands).
I didn’t wait for permission. I didn’t wait for a publisher to tell me if I was good enough. I just did it
And so can you.
— Montse
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