I only self published my work because during the formative time in writing my first volume, I was advised by more than enough people on the internet to do so. I always had positive encouragement, but both those that liked and disliked my literary writing concept said it was too avant garde and anti commercial for a literary agent to take a chance on me.
Almost one year later after I self published the financial rewards is pretty much non existent. With that said, I was drawn to the notion that I could actually write the fiction/fantasy book that I never read or heard about. I like doing it MY WAY and not have some commercial savvy editor butcher my manuscript and maybe change the names of my characters or omit adult/controversial content GGGRRRR!!
Still I regret not at least trying to seriously query out my work in the beginning.

Regardless, even as an amateur self published author I have already obtained decently positive reviews and an encouraging editorial critique in this year's Writers Digest Writing Contest. I did not intend to write for commercial gain anyway, so I think my on record writing achievements is pretty good for just being in the game less than a year. Yet I would be happy if it is only a matter of time before my writing will be recognized to warrant maybe a little financial gain.
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