When Authors Fly Solo: Why Self-Publishing Is the Ultimate Compliment

Crystal Leonardi
Feb 5
2 min read

Author JB Thomas at his book launch for 'Heart Full of Storm'

Last week, I attended the launch of Heart Full of Storm, a new MM Paranormal Romance by JB Thomas. It should have felt like just another book launch—but for me, it was something much more personal.

JB has published four novels with me: Rose Red, Tarot Moon, 1999, and The Longest Night. So when he told me his next book would be self-published, I’ll be honest—I felt it.

My first reaction was pure emotion. A little shock. A little sadness. A very definite mother bear moment. When you’ve worked closely with an author, supported them through edits, doubts, rewrites, and wins, it’s natural to feel protective of that relationship.

But growth has a way of shifting perspective.

Standing at JB’s launch, watching him speak confidently about his work, his process, and his journey, I realised something important: this wasn’t a departure—it was a milestone.

As an independent publisher, I love publishing authors. I love building books, shaping stories, and helping them reach readers. But publishing has never been the only part of what I do - I mentor.

Jeremy & I celebrating the launch of '1999' in 2024.

Many of the authors I work with start out shy, introverted, and unsure of their own voice. They second-guess themselves. They struggle to take up space. Over time, something remarkable happens. Their writing sharpens. Their confidence grows. They begin to trust their instincts and understand their worth as creators.

When an author reaches the point where they can confidently engage their own editor, hire a graphic designer, and take control of their publishing path—that isn’t a rejection of what we built together. It’s proof that the work mattered.

Self-publishing requires courage.

It requires belief—not just in a book, but in oneself. Watching an author step into that space tells me they no longer feel they need permission to be a writer. That’s powerful.

JB Thomas is a wonderful example of this transformation. His growth as a writer and as a professional has been a joy to witness, and Heart Full of Storm stands as a testament to the skills, confidence, and independence he’s earned.

So yes, while I will always love publishing authors, I take just as much pride—if not more—in seeing them outgrow the need for me.

Because when an author spreads their wings and flies solo, it doesn’t mean I’ve lost something.

It means I’ve done my job.

And that, to me, is the greatest success of all.