Well, it happened. I received another polite, considerate, and well-thought-out rejection from a literary agent. This time, it was from Emily Forney at BookEnds Literary, who gave my manuscript thoughtful consideration and ultimately let me down with kindness. Now, I’m not knocking her response at all; I appreciate the honesty, and I understand the whole "right fit" thing better than ever. But this was the moment that got me really thinking: maybe it’s time I embrace a different path.

In the world of querying, there’s a certain reverence for that moment when an agent “gets it”—when they believe in your story just as much as you do and are ready to fight for it in the marketplace. The reality? It’s rare, like a perfectly ripe avocado or an outfit that looks as good in real life as it did online. After pouring my heart into Marked by Fate, the countless hours of drafting, revising, and dreaming, I feel like I owe it to myself to get my story out there sooner rather than later. And so, here I am, standing at the crossroads, looking down the road of self-publishing, ready to take a leap of faith.

The Querying Grind vs. the Self-Publishing Freedom

When I first set out to query agents, I was filled with a mix of excitement and terror. The querying process is like sending little pieces of yourself out into the void, waiting for someone to notice the sparkle. For a while, I kept at it, because I believed this was the “right” path to becoming an author. But after receiving some kind rejections, and a few not-so-kind ones, I’m realizing that I want something different. I want control, speed, and the chance to connect with readers right now, without waiting for the perfect timing, the perfect pitch, or the perfect list match.

Every time an agent told me my story wasn’t quite what they needed or not quite the right fit, it was a little reminder of how subjective this industry is. I know Marked by Fate is worth sharing, and I know there are readers out there who will connect with Christopher and Noa just as much as I do. So why keep waiting?

The Beauty of Self-Publishing: No Middleman, Just Me and the Story

Choosing to self-publish feels like choosing myself, my story, and my readers. It’s a way for me to bring Marked by Fate into the world exactly as I envisioned it, without having to compromise on any part of it. The creative freedom that comes with self-publishing is incredibly appealing—I get to choose the cover, the layout, the release date, the marketing plan (hello, book playlist!), and the entire journey from manuscript to published book. And let’s be honest, it sounds like a lot of fun to play both author and “publisher,” even if it means wearing multiple hats and learning along the way.

I also love the idea of connecting with readers directly. With self-publishing, there’s no middleman between my book and those who might love it. I get to engage with the people who are actually reading Marked by Fate, who feel the story, who are on the journey with Christopher and Noa, and who are invested in the Countdown Control Agency and all its secrets. This direct connection is something I’m truly excited about, and I can’t wait to experience it.

Embracing the Unknown

I won’t pretend that self-publishing is a walk in the park. It comes with its own set of challenges—editing, marketing, distribution, and everything in between. But you know what? I’m ready for it. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves, dive into the research, and put in the work to make Marked by Fate the best book it can be. After all, I’ve already poured so much into this story; what’s a little more time and effort to get it into the hands of readers?

There’s also something incredibly exciting about forging my own path. Traditional publishing has its perks, but there’s a certain satisfaction that comes with doing things your own way, on your own terms. Plus, the publishing landscape has changed so much, and self-publishing isn’t the “last resort” it used to be considered. It’s a legitimate, thriving route for authors, and I’m embracing it wholeheartedly.

What’s Next?

So here we are. I’m officially declaring my commitment to the self-publishing journey for Marked by Fate. It’s both thrilling and a little terrifying, but I know it’s the right choice for me and for this story. I want to see Christopher and Noa’s journey reach readers without any more waiting. I’m ready to jump in, to learn all there is about self-publishing, and to make this book everything it deserves to be.

If you’ve been following this journey with me, thank you. And stay tuned, because things are about to get real. I’ll be sharing updates, previews, and sneak peeks as I work my way through this process. I’m looking forward to sharing every step of the journey with you, and I hope you’ll come along for the ride. Self-publishing may not have been my original plan, but now? I wouldn’t have it any other way.