In our digital world, many a writer refuses to fret about winning a publishing contract which pays an advance and brings their work to market. The writer might keep trying, but meanwhile they hone the skills required to self publish to a good, or even professional standard – in print and /or online. Some build their author profile enough to cover some of their costs through sales, or even attract a commercial outfit or a niche publisher who sees the writer already has a readership. And some writers take full control. They manage production, promotion and distribution, hiring expert help only where necessary. A few create their own publication imprint.Their work has been noticed and they want to earn more per sale, thanks very much, more than they would if traditionally published. New Writers Group asked a few Western Sydney writers about their experiences with self-publishing …. Note all these publishers have been traditionally published in anthologies, magazines, print and online, on radio or stage.They thave won awards and collaborated with many other creatives. What they will principally talk about is publishing sole author books, anthologies …
Self publishers who have shared their experience …
Anisaoara Laura Mustetiu
When I began self-publishing, I wasn’t stepping into the unknown unprepared. My university studies in communication—spanning short stories, poetry, documentaries, news writing, and publishing—gave me a solid foundation. Previous studies in German literature and journalism also shaped my understanding of narrative depth and cultural nuance. Before publishing my first book, my poetry and short stories had already been featured in newspapers and journals across Romania, Austria, Germany, Canada, and the United States. This exposure affirmed my belief that my work has a certain quality.
The works I’ve published —including The Price of Honour (novel), Between Kiss and Pain (novel), Fragments of a Woman’s Life (short stories), Travel in Time (poetry), and Yarran, Stories from Australia (for children)—are deeply inspired by my lived experiences. The books were originally written in Romanian and later translated into English and German. One of my poetry books, Emotions and Light, was published through a traditional publisher (Bifrost, Bucharest).
They are pieces of my emotional and cultural identity, and I felt it was essential to retain creative control over them. Independent publishing offered me the flexibility to decide everything from pricing to presentation, distribution, and future adaptations. In many ways, it allowed me to steward the destiny of my books with intention.
This journey has not been solitary. My collaborators in Romania—professors of literature—have provided invaluable editorial insight. The English translations have been carefully edited by a dedicated English teacher here in Australia, ensuring that the heart of my stories remains intact as they cross linguistic thresholds.
It’s also important to acknowledge the long years of effort that extend far beyond writing. Promotion is a demanding terrain that requires persistence and creativity. The reality is, for those entering self-publishing with financial gain as their primary goal, disappointment may be inevitable. Printing alone absorbs over 30% of a book’s price, and distribution through bookstores typically claims another 40%. What remains is a fraction—an echo of the labor invested.
Yet for me, the reward lies not in profit margins but in the chance to share a vision that might otherwise remain unpublished. I write and publish because the stories matter to me—and because they deserve a voice, no matter the obstacles. This path calls for resilience, faith, and a deep love for the craft—not just the outcome.
To other writers considering this path: know that it requires hard work, yes—but also conviction, trust in your voice, and the courage to shape your own road forward.