I tell all authors the same thing - own your work.

If you believe in what you're doing - own your work.

A lot of people go after publishing deals because they need the advice in order to pay their bills while they finish a book.

And they also go after those deals to satisfy their ego.

The math working with a traditional publisher is horrendous.

So I like self-publishing, or hybrid publishing (like what the company Amplify does - where you pay them to help you get this published but you own everything).

I'm also a control freak when it comes to look, feel, and editing, so the process of doing it was really satisfying, and nothing feels better than placing a bet on yourself.

And don't underestimate the power of audio.

I am one of the most successful self published authors in the world, because of the success of my self published audiobook The 5 Second Rule.

In 2017, it was the #1 listened to audiobook of the entire year.

And it continues to be the most successful self published audiobook.

So as we move into the future - consider that you don't even need to print a book to be an author :)