My Self-Publishing Success Story of Books, Business & Bank Deposits

Photo by @TarynElliott

The garage smelled of warm oil and polished chrome, a sanctuary where time slowed and wisdom was poured like honey. My father, a man whose hands were always marked with the stories of machines, stood over his latest restoration—a sleek black beauty that shimmered like onyx under the midday sun. I was just a tiny thing then, my curious hands trailing over the cool metal, marveling at how something so solid could gleam like jewelry.

"Ooo, pretty, Baba," I whispered, my voice full of wonder.

He chuckled, his deep, knowing laugh filling the space. "Come, Adebola," he said, scooping me up with ease. "You say this one is beautiful, but beauty alone is not enough. You cannot know if this one is ‘quality’ until you see what is inside."

With that, he lifted the hood, revealing the heart of the machine. He pointed at each part, his words slow and deliberate, explaining how every piece worked together to create something strong, something lasting. "The best of a thing," he told me, "is usually hidden inside."

That lesson followed me through life, shaping the way I saw the world—not just its surface, but its substance. It made me quietly curious, humbly observant, always seeking the deeper truth in everything I encountered. And it was this same curiosity that led me to writing, to sharing knowledge that others might find valuable.

One day, it occurred to me that I had gathered enough wisdom to offer something meaningful to the world. So, I published a book on the simplest topic: The Seven Principles of Nguzo Saba, teaching readers how these values can serve as daily goals for living a purposeful life. Today, that book has already earned me nearly $1,000.

@naijabaeade - Photo of actual royalty check | Buy The Book

The beauty of self-publishing is that it allows anyone to take their knowledge, stories, or expertise and turn it into a stream of income. Unlike traditional publishing, where you must wait for approval and navigate a lengthy process, self-publishing puts the power directly in your hands. You write, you publish, and you earn. And in today’s digital world, where platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, Lulu books and Draft2Digital exist, there has never been a better time to get started.

How to Begin Your Self-Publishing Journey:

1. Choose a Topic You Love & Know Well: If you’re passionate about something, chances are others are, too. Whether it’s personal development, business strategies, cooking, history, or even storytelling, your knowledge has value.

   
   

2. Write with Intention: Your book doesn’t have to be long—it just needs to be meaningful. Focus on delivering valuable insights that readers can take action on. Outline your ideas before writing, and keep your language engaging and clear.

   
   

3. Edit & Format Professionally: First impressions matter. A well-edited book with a clean layout ensures that readers take you seriously. Consider hiring a professional editor or using editing tools like Grammarly to polish your work.

   
   

4. Create a Compelling Cover: People do judge books by their covers. Invest in a professional cover design that speaks to your audience. You can hire designers on Fiverr, Upwork, or use tools like Canva.

   
   

5. Publish & Market Your Book: Once your book is ready, upload it to a self-publishing platform. But publishing isn’t the final step—marketing is key. Leverage social media, email lists, and word-of-mouth to spread the word. Offer promotions, giveaways, and even speak about your book on podcasts or blogs.

   
   

6. Keep Writing & Expanding: One book is great, but multiple books create a lasting income. Many self-published authors see success by continuing to publish and grow their catalog.

   
   

The journey of self-publishing is much like my father’s lesson—what matters most is not just the outer appearance but the engine, the core of what you create. Your knowledge, your voice, and your wisdom have immense value. All you need to do is open the hood, get to work, and let the world see the power inside you.

If you’ve ever dreamed of earning money through writing, start today. The best time to begin was yesterday—the next best time is right now.

Your book could be the next one that changes lives, including your own. Happy writing!

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