publishing

There are many paths to becoming a published author today. Self-publishing has created space for countless voices to be heard, and there’s no shortage of inspiring stories about authors who took matters into their own hands and found massive success. In fact, I believe Mel Robbins originally self-published before her work became a global phenomenon. So why did I choose to pursue traditional publishing instead?

The short answer? Time, support, and strategy.

I’m a mom. A wife. A full-time corporate leader. And I’m halfway through my master’s degree program. Time is not something I have in excess right now, and everything I’ve learned about self-publishing tells me that it requires a lot of time and energy—not just to write the book, but to market it, design it, distribute it, and manage every detail. That’s not something I can take lightly.

I’m also a researcher at heart. When I decide to pursue something, I go all in. So I’ve listened to every podcast, watched hours of YouTube videos, and dug into article after article comparing self-publishing to traditional publishing. I’ve learned from people who have done both. I’ve heard success stories and horror stories from each side.

In the end, I chose traditional publishing because I want the guidance and the backing of a team that knows the industry inside and out. I want to learn from professionals who have walked this road before and who believe in my work enough to help bring it to life. I want the marketing support, the editorial expertise, and the momentum that comes from being part of something bigger.

That’s also why I hired a coach. I want to take this seriously. I want to be taken seriously. And I believe that investing in the right help now will pay off in the long run. I’m currently working with my coach to finalize my very first story and prepare to query literary agents. It’s a process, but it’s one I’m committed to.

Traditional publishing may take longer, but for me, it feels aligned with my long-term vision. I don’t want to rush it. I want to do it right. I want to build something meaningful and lasting…

And I’m so excited to take you with me on this journey.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here.

Follow my Instagram for more @MonsterHillBooks.

You might be wondering why I started an Instagram page for Monster Hill Books considering I don’t have a single book available for purchase… It’s a fair question, and the answer is simple: I didn’t want to quit.

I’ve written six children’s stories that I’m incredibly proud of. They live on my laptop, but they’re also alive in my heart. And I knew that if I kept them hidden, safely tucked away, they would stay there forever.

Starting an Instagram page was my way of saying, “I’m doing this, I’m going for it.” It was my way of creating accountability, momentum, and overcoming fear. When you publicly declare a dream—even in its earliest stage—it’s a powerful motivator to keep going.

That’s also why I hired an author coach. I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know how to become a professional author. I don’t know how to navigate the publishing world. But I do know how to take a dream seriously. And for me, that meant investing in someone who could guide me through this process and keep me on track. Having the accountability of a coach has made all the difference.

Right now, I’m working with my coach to finalize the first story I ever wrote. It’s the story that started it all, and it’s the one I hope will be the first to get traditionally published. While it’s still unpublished, it’s very much in progress—and sharing that journey on Instagram helps me stay connected, inspired, and encouraged. And hopefully, I can motivate a few others to go after their dream as well.

So no, I don’t have a book to sell (yet). But I have a vision. I have stories. I have purpose. And I believe that showing up, even before the dream is fully realized, is part of what makes it real.

Know this: you don’t have to have it all figured out before you begin. Sometimes, the act of starting is what keeps the dream alive.

Follow me on Instagram @MonsterHillBooks.

Welcome to Monster Hill

Why I Chose Traditional Publishing Over Self-Publishing

Why Did I Start an Instagram Page Before Publishing a Single Book?